Black Hills – Page 10 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 298 – Peak 5212 & Peak 5213 (3-15-21)

9:05 AM, 47ºF, Custer State Park, Center Lake –

Center Lake is still frozen, SPHP!

Yeah, but don’t trust it, Loop. We’re going around the lake, not over it.

A path went S from the beach along the W shore. Easy as pie at first, but soon the shoreline started getting sort of steep and rocky. The Carolina Dog got by an initial tight spot, but more obstacles quickly decided SPHP that she’d be better off climbing W a bit. The maneuver worked, but the 40 feet of elevation gained all had to be lost again by the time Lupe made it around to the S end of the lake.

On the beach at **Center Lake**. The dam (L) is at the far end. Photo looks SSE.

Heading S along the W shore. Photo looks S.

Going past the first pinch point. Photo looks SSE.

**Center Lake** from the SW end. Photo looks NNE.

Center Lake is created by a dam over Coolidge Creek. Loop was going to have to cross the spillway. Not a big deal. Coolidge Creek is a relatively small stream. Spread out over the spillway, it was only inches deep.

Wading across the spillway. Photo looks N.

After crossing the spillway, a trail was visible in a field below the dam. Descending to the trail, the American Dingo was soon climbing at a good clip as she followed it ENE. After gaining 100 feet of elevation, the trail began to level out, briefly turning SE.

Following the trail after picking it up below the dam. Photo looks ENE.

We’ll need to climb this slope on the R, Loop.

Leave the trail, SPHP?

Yup. It’s just going to go back N along the E side of the lake.

About to leave the trail to climb the slope on the R. Photo looks SE.

And where are we going, SPHP?

HP5005 initially, Loop. Hoping we’ll see our real objective from there.

Continuing SE after leaving the trail, Looper gained another 100 feet of elevation. This got her to a flat spot next to a small rock formation. There was a bit of a view from here.

At the initial viewpoint. Photo looks SW.

This wasn’t HP5005 quite yet, which was only a little farther E. After a short break, Lupe headed up there. A big hill was in sight 0.6 mile ESE.

That’s where we’re going, Loop! Peak 5212.

Arriving at **HP5005**. Photo looks ENE.

**Peak 5212** (R of Center) from **HP5005**. Photo looks ESE.

SW portions of the South Fork of Bear Gulch were between HP5005 and Peak 5212. Rather than cross this fairly deep valley, Lupe could avoid at least some of the elevation loss she would otherwise incur by following a connecting ridge around the upper end of the gulch.

Starting down HP5005‘s S slope, Lupe quickly came to a clearing where Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) and Peak 5440 were in sight.

**Peak 5440** (L) and **Mount Coolidge** (R) from **HP5005‘s S slope**. Photo looks SW.

Same view with help from the telephoto lens. **Peak 5440** (L) and **Mount Coolidge** (R).

The ridge route was nice and wide without obstacles other than quite a bit of slash on the ground, but wasn’t without some elevation loss itself. The biggest drop of roughly 140 feet came early on S of HP5005. Most of this loss had to be regained almost immediately. Upon reaching HP4960, a flat-topped hill, Loop crossed it.

Beyond HP4960, the ridge went E. Not as much up and down now, but the ridge was narrower and presented more obstacles. A minor high point was capped with good-sized rock formations. Once around it, Lupe came to an area with a fair amount of deadfall.

Approaching a rocky high point. Photo looks ESE.

None of these obstacles presented any real difficulties, they just slowed things down a bit. Lupe was soon on her way up Peak 5212’s SW ridge.

Past most of the obstacles. **Peak 5440** (far L), **Mount Coolidge** (L). Photo looks WSW.

**HP5160** (R), **Peak 5212’s SE subpeak**. Photo looks ESE.

The **SW ridge**, not far from the summit. Photo looks NE.

11:12 AM, 53ºF – Peak 5212‘s summit region was large and much more open than expected. The true summit was easily identified, a boulder along the S edge with a great view of Peak 5440 and Mount Coolidge off to the SW, with more distant Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) visible between them.

**Peak 5212**. **True summit** (L). Photo looks NW.

On **Peak 5212’s true summit**. **Peak 5440** (L), **Mount Coolidge** (Center) with **Northeast Cicero Peak** between them. Photo looks SW.

Congratulations, Loopster! You’ve just bagged another Lists of John peak. Only one left in Custer State Park that you haven’t been to yet.

Really? Can we see it from here, SPHP?

Nope, but you’ll be seeing it later on today. We’ll drive closer to it once we’re done here.

This calls for a chocolate coconut bar, SPHP!

Indeed it did! SPHP split one with Loop, then sat munching an apple. Lovely day! Always nice when the American Dingo arrived on a new peak that actually had some views like this, instead of being buried in trees. Nearly half an hour shot by before anyone stirred.

About time we had a look around, Loop. Let’s check out what else we can see from up here.

Hoping to catch a good view of HP5160, SPHP led Lupe partway down the SE ridge, but quickly gave up on that idea to avoid undue elevation loss. Heading NW back past the true summit was more successful. A line of hills featuring massive rock formations was visible off to the NE. Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) and the Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.) were in sight beyond Peak 5688 to the NW.

**SE end of the summit region**. Photo looks SE.

**Peak 5688** (Center) in the foreground. **Cathedral Spires** (R of Center) and **Black Elk Peak** (R) beyond. Photo looks NW.

Circling back to the true summit along Peak 5212’s upper S slope, Lupe finally did get a great view of HP5160.

Final moments on **Peak 5212’s true summit**. Photo looks NE.

Having seen what there was to see, Looper headed back down the SW ridge. Retracing her entire ridge route, the Carolina Dog was soon back at HP5005.

Descending **Peak 5212’s SW ridge**. Photo looks SW.

**Peak 5212** as seen on the way back to **HP5005**. Photo looks E.

From HP5005, instead of continuing back the same way, Lupe explored farther NE along the ridge. She soon came to another high point where a flat, open area was strewn with rocks, tufts of tall grass, and scattered pines. SPHP was under the impression that this area might even be a bit higher than HP5005. In any case, it offered a final view of Peak 5212.

Entering the elevated region **NE of HP5005**. Photo looks NE.

On one of the highest rocks. Photo looks SW.

Farewell, **Peak 5212**! Photo looks ESE.

The ridge played out beyond this last high point. Descending a N slope, Looper kept exploring. Coming down a little E of, and below, a broad, flat region, she turned NW, going up and over it. This led to a descent into a forested valley, and eventually back to the same trail Lupe had first reached down by Center Lake’s dam.

Following the trail NW, it first went up to a bit of a high spot with a view of the spillway, before descending to a road that went past a picnic area on the NE side of Center Lake. The rest of the return was mostly just a road hike around the N end of the lake. (End 1:18 PM, 58ºF)

Back at **Center Lake** with a view of the dam and spillway (Center). Photo looks SW.

Reaching the road that goes past the picnic area. Photo looks NW.

1:49 PM, 58ºF, French Creek Horse Camp – SPHP parked the RAV4 over at the trailhead for Centennial Trail No. 89.

The French Creek Horse Camp! We were here not that long ago, SPHP!

That’s right, Loop! Explored Centennial Trail No. 89 from Badger Hole, and went on to Peak 5120 from here.

Ugh! Hope we’re not doing that again, SPHP! Remember all the deadfall on the way there? Ghastly!

Yes, but we survived. Anyway, we’re not going to Peak 5120 again. Going to visit that last Lists of John peak here in Custer State Park that you haven’t been to yet, Peak 5213!

Peak 5213, SPHP? A mere one foot higher than Peak 5212 where we just were? Hope they’re like twins! Peak 5212 wasn’t that hard, and had some nice views.

Before leaving the French Creek Horse Camp, Lupe ran down to French Creek and helped herself to a drink. Last time she’d been here, the creek had been frozen over, but ice remained only along the banks now.

The route to Peak 5213 started out the same way as going to Peak 5120 had. After crossing a bridge over French Creek, Loop followed CSP Road No. 4 nearly 0.5 mile SE up to Pass 4780. A couple of bighorn sheep the American Dingo saw disappearing over the ridge to the W created some excitement along the way.

CSP Road No. 4 on the way to up **Pass 4780**. Photo looks SSE.

This time, instead of heading NE from Pass 4780 like she’d done on the way to Peak 5120, Lupe turned W on a dirt side road. A short climb through the forest led to a flat, open region.

A line of hills was now in sight to the SW.

Oh, joy! We’re in for it again, aren’t we Loop?

Most of the hills had burned. Going to be deadfall city, just like Peak 5120 had been! Maybe not, though, if this road went the right way.

*Let’s hope this road goes clear to the top!* Photo looks SW.

Yeah, good luck with that! Instead of continuing SW toward Peak 5213, after going over a little rise, the road dipped, then curved NW, vanishing down a valley. No choice. Abandoning the road, Lupe started climbing the deadfall infested ridge leading to the highest hill in sight.

Slow going, but the Carolina Dog remained cheerful.

*Don’t worry, we’ll get there!* Photo looks SW.

What a mess! Loopster leapt over, or snuck under, countless dead trees. Fortunately, most were relatively small diameter. Bit by bit, Lupe was closing in on her objective.

*Not too much farther now!* Photo looks SW.

It wasn’t until the Carolina Dog got to a rocky, deadfall-choked top that SPHP realized where she was.

Congratulations, Loop! Kind of an ordeal, wasn’t it?

Here we are, though, SPHP. We made it!

Umm, yeah, about that. There’s good news and bad news, Looper. Which do you want first?

I’ll take the good news, SPHP.

The good news is that we made it this far.

This far? What do you mean by that, SPHP? Isn’t this Peak 5213?

Uh, yes and no. Mostly no. That’s the bad news. Peak 5213 is sort of a big ridge with 3 high points all nearly the same elevation strung out N/S along it. We’re at the N summit now. See those two flat-topped hills to the S? Those are the other summits. The topo map only shows only one specific elevation other than contours – 5,213 feet way over at the S summit. Lists of John just calls this mountain Peak 5220 based on contour levels and shows the central high point as the presumed true summit.

So, what you’re telling me, SPHP, is that we still have to go to both of those other hills?

I knew you’d be thrilled, Looper!

On the **N summit**. **Center one** (Center) and **S one** (R). Photo looks S.

A somewhat clearer view. **Peak 5213 center summit** (L), **S summit** (Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

Well, with 3 high points to visit, Lupe clearly wasn’t going to have time for any traditional summit hour up on each one. In fact, there was no sense in dilly-dallying. Loop was going to be spending plenty of time slogging through the deadfall, and would not feel at all cheated out of a genuine Peak 5213 experience.

Loop did stay on the N summit long enough to check out a nice view to the NW, where Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.), Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) and Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) were all in sight.

**Daisy Peak** (far L), **Custer Mountain** (L), **Mount Coolidge** (R). Photo looks NW.

Not bad, but … Onward! Puppy, ho!

The American Dingo started down the N high point’s SW slope destined for the ridge connecting all 3 high points. Once there, Lupe turned S. Fighting deadfall all the way, she made it to the middle high point’s NW slope. Less deadfall here meant the required 100 feet of elevation gain didn’t take her long.

Starting down the **N summit’s SW slope**. Photo looks SW.

Approaching the **middle high point’s NW slope**. Photo looks SE.

The central high point’s summit encompassed a much larger region than the N summit, which had been small and cramped. Loopster reached a plateau of rocks, wisps of tall yellow grass, and tree trunks. A couple of rocks along the NE edge appeared to be the absolute high point.

**Summit plateau** of **Peak 5213’s central high point**. Photo looks ESE.

**True summit** of the **middle high point**. This is where Lists of John shows the summit. Photo looks NE.

From the N summit, the other two high points appeared to be roughly the same elevation, but the perspective from the middle summit gave quite a different impression. The N summit looked definitely lower. Even the S summit looked a bit lower, but not convincingly enough to make a trip over there unnecessary.

**Peak 5213’s N summit** (Center) from the **middle summit**. Photo looks N.

**S summit** (L of Center) from the **middle high point**. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe continued on. The saddle leading to the S summit was broad and relatively deadfall free. Felt good to be able to move freely again! Loop was approaching the saddle’s low point, when she suddenly stopped and started whining, staring all the while toward the S high point’s E slope.

Giant deers, SPHP! A whole herd of them going up onto the S summit! Hurry up, I want to see them!

Approaching the **S summit**. Photo looks S.

Giant deers along the ridgeline. Photo looks S.

Must have been 20 giant deer, or more, but Lupe was whining so loudly that they could hear her and quickly vanished from view. They’d still been going up, though, as if they still intended to finish their climb of Peak 5213’s S summit.

SPHP tried, but although the saddle was relatively deadfall free, the S summit’s N slope was full of deadfall. Branches snapped and cracked as SPHP trudged higher. Noisy and slow! Not a good combination.

4:07 PM, 54ºF, Peak 5213 S summit – Unsurprisingly, too late! By the time SPHP reached the top, there was no sign of the giant deers. Loop was disappointed. Ahead stretched the largest summit plateau of all. It was another scene of desolation, but not quite as rocky as either of the other two summits. The marginally highest rocks were toward the SW, gripped in the clutches of the roots of a fallen tree.

Highest rocks of the **S summit**, where the map shows 5,213 feet of elevation. Photo looks NNE.

Views all around from here. Perhaps the best one was off to the WNW where Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.), Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.) and Custer Mountain (6,096 feet.) were on display about 5 miles away.

**Northeast Cicero Peak** (L), **Daisy Peak** (R of Center), **Custer Mountain** (far R). Photo looks WNW.

Well, that’s a wrap, Loop! Think it’s safe to say that you’ve been to the top of Peak 5213 now, no matter which high point is actually the true summit.

Any opinion on which one is really the true summit, SPHP?

Hard to say. Not the N high point, but either here or the middle high point might be it. And how about an opinion from you, Loop? Which mountain did you enjoy more, Peak 5212 or Peak 5213?

Peak 5212 was easier, prettier, and had some nice views, SPHP, but with big horn sheep and giant deers, Peak 5213 is my favorite!

Really? Despite all the wretched deadfall, and 3 summits to visit, Loop?

Yes! It was worth it to see the bighorns and giant deers.

Well, good! Glad the deadfall didn’t bother you that much, cause you’ll be seeing a lot more of it on the way back.

And she did! Heading N down off Peak 5213’s S summit, Lupe went past both the middle and N summits again, but didn’t climb them a second time. Instead, she continued N, then NW, along the ridge before finally descending into a valley to the W. The Carolina Dog didn’t fully escape the deadfall until she reached Centennial Trail No. 89 down in the valley.

This stretch of the trail was actually a road. A road that was still soft and mucky due to snow melt. Avoiding the mud, Lupe spent more time off road than on it, but the situation improved by the time she reached CSP Road No. 4 again SW of the French Creek Horse Camp.

**Centennial Trail No. 89**, which was actually a road here, on the way back to CSP Road No. 4 and the French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks N.

The rest was super easy. CSP Road No. 4 was flat and firm. A beautiful evening stroll ended back at the French Creek Horse Camp with Lupe enjoying another cold, clear drink from French Creek before leaping back into the RAV4. Expedition over, time to go home! (5:41 PM, 55ºF)

**Peak 5212**, Black Hills of South Dakota 3-15-22

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 297 – Peak 4741 (3-2-22)

8:59 AM, 45ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89 – Already warm out, but the trailhead was still icy when Lupe leapt out of the RAV4.

The Elk Creek trailhead! We were here last fall with Uncle Joe, Dusty, and new Cousin Laddie when we took them to Peak 5261. Remember, SPHP?

Of course! Peak 5261 isn’t in the works this time, though, Looper. Going to pick off a Lists of John peak we’ve never been to before, Peak 4741!

We’ve been in this area several times in the past year or two, SPHP. Why didn’t we visit Peak 4741 then?

Oh, because we were doing things close to Centennial Trail No. 89, Loop. Peak 4741 is way off the beaten path. Kind of remote. Probably a better way to get to it, but I’m pretty sure we can get there from here.

The first part of the route to Peak 4741 was familiar territory. Lupe left the Elk Creek trailhead following Centennial Trail No. 89 NNE up a little valley. After 0.125 mile, the trail climbed out of the valley on a jaunt NW through a flat area. As the trail started climbing again, No. 89 curved back to the SE, going partway up a hillside before turning NE.

The last time Lupe was in this region with Uncle Joe and cousins Dusty and Laddie, a stone tunnel had been discovered E of the trail. A real oddity! The Carolina Dog ventured over for another look at it.

An icy stretch as Centennial Trail No. 89 heads up the little valley. Photo looks NNE.

Starting up the hillside after crossing the flat region. Photo looks E.

Checking out the mysterious stone tunnel again.

Returning to Centennial Trail No. 89, a moderately steep climb NE led to gentler terrain. 0.75 mile from the Elk Creek trailhead, Lupe left the trail continuing NE up an easy slope to a flat, open ridge. From here, Loop could see part of Forbes Gulch, a heavily forested drainage, and even caught a glimpse of the prairie beyond the Black Hills.

Heavily forested **Forbes Gulch** (Center). Photo looks NE.

Can’t see it yet, Loop, but Peak 4741 is out that way.

How far, SPHP?

From here? Less than 2.5 miles as the crow flies, but the roads we’ll be on wind around a lot more than that.

USFS Road No. 169 was just N of the rise Lupe was standing on. A fun romp down a snowy slope, and the Carolina Dog was there. Although dry where Loop first reached it, most of the road was snow-covered as she followed it along a hillside. The worst spots were soft and muddy.

No. 169 wound around, going first SE, then NE, before ultimately turning S. For 0.75 mile, Loopster trotted along both gradual uphill and downhill stretches. Net elevation change was minimal by the time she reached a saddle where the road divided.

The snowy N slope leading down to USFS Road No. 169. Photo looks N.

Curving SE again after going NE. Photo looks SE.

On a particularly snowy stretch. Photo looks SE.

Which way, SPHP?

Stay L, Loop. Take that upper road going around the hill.

**Pass 4900**, where USFS Road No. 169 divides. Lupe took No. 169.1B, the upper route seen here. Photo looks E.

USFS Road No. 169.1B wound up onto a ridge. Lupe got her first distant view of the day along this stretch. I-90 was in sight way down along the E edge of the Black Hills.

Heading up onto the ridge on USFS Road No. 169.1B. Photo looks NE.

I-90 (R) along the E edge of the Black Hills. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

Trending NE, No. 169.1B topped out 0.33 mile from Pass 4900. A minor high point was just N of the road.

Let’s go up there, Loop! It’s about as high as we’ll get today.

On **HP5044** (?) N of No. 169.1B. Photo looks E.

A small limestone outcropping was at the top, and not much else. Although a pleasant spot, too many trees were present to permit a clear view in any direction.

Supposed to be an even higher spot not too far off to the NW, Loop. HP5044, according to the map! Want to check it out?

Sure! How far away is it, SPHP?

Only 400 or 500 feet. Shouldn’t take long to get there.

Huh. Easier said than done. Venturing several hundred feet NNW into a dense forest, Loopster saw no sign of HP5044. In fact, the terrain had been gradually sloping down, a that trend appeared to be accelerating.

Searching for **HP5044**. Photo looks SSE.

Hmm. This doesn’t look right, Loop. Starting to think the map is wrong. Maybe you’ve already been to HP5044?

You mean that last little hill by the road, SPHP?

Yeah. Let’s call it, and go back. Doesn’t really matter, anyway. Even if there really is a HP5044 somewhere out here, which seems unlikely, not going to be able to see anything from it in this thick forest.

Returning to the hill by the road, a break was taken before continuing on. No. 169.1B turned SE, going downhill before leveling out at a big clearing where there was an intersection with USFS Road No. 169.1I.

At the junction with USFS Road No. 169.1I. Photo looks SE.

No. 169.1I was less developed, literally the road less taken.

Can we go this way, SPHP? Looks more interesting!

Go for it, Looper! Actually a shortcut compared to No. 169.1B.

No. 169.1I was destined to play out in less than 0.5 mile, but that didn’t matter. Lupe followed it NNE all the way to the end.

Exploring USFS Road No. 169.1I. Photo looks NE.

At the end of No. 169.1I, a short climb N through open forest got Lupe to the top of a ridge. HP4827, the next hill N, and the next objective, was less than 0.25 mile away. However, the slope going down to the saddle that led to HP4827 was densely forested and choked with deadfall.

Heading up to the ridge N of where No. 169.1I ended. Photo looks NNE.

N of the ridge, on the way down to the saddle leading to **HP4827**. Photo looks E.

Conditions seemed slightly better toward the E, allowing Lupe to work her way down to the saddle, where she came to a small clearing. The S slope of HP4827 was more open, so it didn’t take long to get up to a big boulder along the HP4827 ridge.

In the small clearing at the **saddle S of HP4827**. Photo looks WNW.

On the first big rock reached along the **HP4827 summit ridge**. Photo looks NW.

HP4827‘s forested summit ridge was hundreds of feet long. Whether this first big rock was the true summit wasn’t clear. A boulder off to the WNW that was barely visible through the trees appeared to be about the same elevation. Loopster went over to check it out. Hard to tell if it was really any higher, but this was definitely the last high point to the W.

On the boulder at the **W end of the HP4827 ridge**. Photo looks WNW.

Exploring the summit ridge E, Lupe came to a double rock formation that seemed definitely higher than either of the first two boulders she’d visited. Too many trees to see much, but this was apparently the true summit of the entire ridge.

**True summit of HP4827**. Photo looks NNE.

Continuing E, Lupe came to a clearing at the E end of the ridge. Looked like a good spot to take another short break.

**E end of the HP4827 ridge**. Photo looks NE.

HP4827‘s N slope proved fairly steep when Lupe started down. Progress was slow. Patches of snow made the going slick, as SPHP picked a way through copious deadfall laying perpendicular to the descent. On the bright side, so many trees were down that Lupe enjoyed a good view of Peak 4760. Looking small from here, Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) was even in sight way out on the plains.

**Peak 4760** (L), **Bear Butte** (Center) and **Peak 4642** (R). Photo looks NNE.

**Bear Butte**. Photo looks NNE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

The rate of descent slowly diminished. After losing 400 feet of elevation, Lupe turned E toward a broad, flat saddle with considerable open space. After crossing a field, and passing through another stretch of forest, an unimpressive hill was ahead.

Approaching the saddle region after descending from **HP4827**. Photo looks E.

A pile of logs left over from a logging operation. Photo looks ESE.

Passing through another stretch of open forest. Photo looks E.

The unimpressive hill ahead. Photo looks E.

Hey, we’re getting there, Looper! That must be USFS Road No. 169.1D, with Peak 4741 beyond it!

That’s Peak 4741, SPHP? Are you sure? Doesn’t look like much! What’s so special about it?

According to Lists of John, 351 feet of prominence. Ranked 160th out of only 278 peaks in South Dakota with at least 300. Don’t think we’re seeing the actual summit yet. Taller than it appears from here.

Well, we’ll see. Looks like a snap to me, SPHP!

The American Dingo headed down to USFS Road No. 169.1D, intent upon following it at least a short distance toward Peak 4741. However, the day had warmed up quite a bit. Melting snow and ice made the road a soft, mucky mess. Better just tromping through the fields beside it.

Muddy USFS Road No. 169.1D. Photo looks NE.

Shortly after the road curved SE, Lupe left it to head E up a grassy slope dotted with young pines. The slope soon led to denser forest. At 4,600 feet, she passed a vertical rock formation prior to reaching a flat region.

Starting up **Peak 4741’s W slope**. Photo looks E.

As exciting as it got at 4,600 feet. Photo looks W.

The flat region led to another easy climb. Exploring E after the terrain leveled out again revealed a modestly elevated ridge. A stump next to the first limestone outcropping Lupe came to was the true summit.

**True summit of Peak 4741**. Photo looks SE.

1:05 PM, 57ºF, Peak 4741 – The true summit was located at the NW end of a 150 foot long ridge that was only slightly lower toward the SE. The only view was of a long ridge to the S. Still, it was something. Another small rock outcropping 20 or 30 feet farther SE that was at essentially the same elevation as the true summit was a better spot to see it, and was where Lupe and SPHP took a break.

At the rest break outcropping. Note the small cairn (L) on a stump. Photo looks SE.

View of the long ridge (R) to the S. Photo looks S.

So this is it, SPHP? Peak 4741?

Afraid so, Loopster. Pleasant enough, but admittedly not too dramatic.

Mellow indeed, but it’s still a Lists of John peak, right?

Absolutely! You’ve chalked up another one, Loop!

And we went over both HP5044 and HP4827, too, right, SPHP?

Yes, although a tiny bit of doubt remains about HP5044 since we didn’t go quite all the way to where it should have been.

That’s because you concluded that the map was nuts, SPHP.

True enough, Loop. So, what are you driving at?

Blimey! You’re a little slow on the draw, SPHP. After coming all this way over hill and dale, isn’t it about time for a chocolate coconut bar?

Oh, of course! I’ve got some Taste of the Wild for you, too!

Traffic noise from I-90 was easily heard over the crunching and munching of Taste of the Wild after the chocolate coconut bar vanished. There actually was more to see along Peak 4741’s summit ridge once Lupe was finished. Only slightly lower, the limestone formations along the SE end of the ridge were larger and more interesting than the true summit had been. Worth a look!

**SE end of the summit ridge**. Photo looks SE.

Looking back the other way. Photo looks NNW.

Inspection of the SE limestone formations complete, Lupe returned to the break spot to relax a little longer before visiting the cairn nearby.

*Standing by a cairn helps make any ascent more official, you know!*

Half an hour after arriving, the American Dingo was once again back at the true summit, departure imminent.

Back at **Peak 4749’s true summit**. Photo looks NE.

The forest N of the true summit wasn’t much lower, and looked dark and mysterious. Before leaving Peak 4741 for good, Lupe explored it as far N as it remained flat, but finding nothing worth noting, finally headed back down the mountain to USFS Road No. 169.1D.

Final moments on **Peak 4741** with the dark forest to be explored next in the background. Photo looks N.

Upon reaching the road, Lupe varied her return route, following 169.1D SE for more than a mile before leaving it to venture up the steep upper W end of Breakneck Gulch. This shortcut brought her straight back to the intersection of USFS Roads No. 169.1I and No. 169.1B again.

3:11 PM – Taking No. 169.1B NW to where it topped out, Lupe revisited HP5044, or perhaps its imposter, N of the road. Still a couple of pleasant miles to go retracing her morning route, but Loop and SPHP took a few minutes to relax here and reflect on the day.

Peak 4741 wasn’t all that scintillating, Loop, but we had fun didn’t we?

Of course! Always fun to explore new territory, SPHP, and we’d never been through this area before.

I’ll kind of miss doing these Lists of John peaks when we run out of them. Never know what to expect.

What? Are we really going to run out of them, SPHP?

Yup. Not yet, but pretty soon. At least the ones with public access here in the Black Hills National forest.

What are we going to do then, SPHP?

Oh, don’t worry about that, Loop. We can revisit some of our favorite named peaks, explore more trails, or even go back to following streams and valleys like we used to do way back when we first started your Black Hills expeditions. Plus there are countless hills and ridges we’ve never been to that aren’t on any lists that might still be worth seeing.

As long as there’s always another adventure waiting in the wings, I’ll be happy, SPHP, no matter where we go!

Me too, Loop! Me, too.

**HP5044** on the way back from **Peak 4741**, Black Hills of South Dakota 3-2-22

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 296 – Peak 5440, Peak 5360 & Big Rock (2-19-22)

9:22 AM, 37ºF, Custer State Park Road No. 8 –

Badger Hole again, SPHP? Hey, wait! You missed the turn!

SPHP drove only another 0.1 mile before turning R off CSP Road No. 8 at a big lot where a few small mounds of snow-covered gravel were stored. A bit nippy in the breeze, yet a lovely morning for mid-February. The sunny, clear blue sky held out hope for additional warmth soon enough.

No, we’re not returning to Centennial Trail No. 89 today, Loop, but do you remember that cool peak we saw from Pass 5180 last time out?

Yes, of course! Looked like fun! Are we climbing it today, SPHP?

Yup! I looked it up. It’s Peak 5440, another Lists of John peak with 400 feet of prominence. We’ll climb it today along with Peak 5360, which is only another mile or so NNW.

Loopster was fine with that. The American Dingo trotted over to CSP Road No. 8, and turned SE. After a few hundred feet, the road curved S. Abandoning it, Lupe headed straight into the forest. From the top of a small rise, part of Peak 5440’s long SW ridge was already in sight.

**Peak 5440’s SW ridge** (Center) from the first rise. Photo looks ENE.

Might as well have stuck with the road a bit farther! A shallow valley was directly ahead. Angling E, Lupe passed S of a metal building, then followed the road that went to it S almost to the very end of Peak 5440’s SW ridge. A short climb got her up to the ridgeline.

The ridge was mostly forested, plenty wide, and only moderately steep.

Descending into the shallow valley. Photo looks ENE.

In the valley. **Start of Peak 5440’s SW ridge** (Center & L). Photo looks SSE.

**Start of Peak 5440’s SW ridge**. Photo looks NE.

Going to be a snap, Looper! Just follow this ridge NE. 0.5 mile and 500 feet of elevation gain ought to about do it!

Lupe started climbing. The ridge she was on melded into another ridge farther E. As the American Dingo gained elevation, she paused now and then, allowing SPHP to gasp for air while she admired the views that were already beginning to appear. Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was in sight a couple of miles back to the SW.

At a sunny spot while approaching the **next ridge E** (R). Photo looks NE.

**Mount Coolidge** (L of Center). Photo looks SW.

Snowy hills bordering the **Galena Creek valley**. Photo looks SE.

**Mount Coolidge** (Center) again from a little higher up. Photo looks SW.

Soon HP5200 was visible out along Peak 5440’s SE ridge. Looked like a nice, mostly open, vantage point, but Lupe didn’t go over there. Instead, she continued climbing along the SW ridge, which was getting rockier and starting to narrow down.

Continuing up the **SW ridge**. Photo looks NE.

The ridge narrowed a great deal, developing a rocky spine. From an open spot, a high point appeared ahead. Perhaps the summit?

Approaching a high point (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Up here, the wind was gusting a brisk 20 mph out of the NW. Loop didn’t much care for that! Nevertheless, the Carolina Dog pressed on. She was now high enough to catch a glimpse of Little Devils Tower (6,960 ft.), the Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.), and Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.).

Bracing against the wind. Photo looks NE.

Looking back along the ridge. Photo looks SSW.

**Little Devils Tower** (L), **Cathedral Spires** (L of Center) and **Black Elk Peak** (far R). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

The spine of rock extended all the way up to the high point Looper had seen. She arrived at a snowy, scenic spot, nicely sheltered by the forest from the NW wind.

Following the rocky spine higher. Photo looks SSW.

*What a beautiful spot!* Photo looks SSW.

Turned out, Lupe still hadn’t reached Peak 5440’s true summit. Leaving the snowy high point, the ridge widened as Loop continued NE down to a saddle leading to the final ascent.

Leaving the snowy high point. Photo looks SW.

On the way down to the saddle that leads to the summit. Photo looks NE.

10:43 AM, 42ºF, Peak 5440 – A broad, thinly-forested ramp made for an easy romp up to a surprisingly large summit region. The true summit proved to be a steeply tilted rock on a small rise along the SE edge. The big, unobstructed view was of snowy hills off to the SE. They were all lower than Peak 5440.

Almost there! Heading up the broad ramp. Photo looks NE.

Entering the **summit region**. Photo looks NE.

At **Peak 5440’s true summit**. Photo looks SSW.

Pines along the NW edge only partially blocked the wind. Actually felt like winter at the true summit! Retreating down the SE slope to escape the breeze helped a great deal. Springtime here!

On the more hospitable **SE slope**. Photo looks WSW.

Springtime, and time for a chocolate coconut bar, too, SPHP!

Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap, eagerly accepting her share of the much anticipated chocolate coconut bar. Really quite comfortable out of the wind. Snow on the lower hills to the SE contrasted pleasingly with the dark Ponderosa pines.

Off to the SSE was a view of some barren hills that SPHP suspected might include Peak 5120, which Lupe had been to less than 2 weeks ago during Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 295. Couldn’t positively identify it, though.

Relaxing on **Peak 5440**. Photo looks SE.

Same view with help from the telephoto lens.

Inertia set in. The day finally seemed to be warming up. Cozy here, and the view was excellent. 45 minutes drifted by before Loopster decided she’d had enough. Returning briefly to Peak 5440’s true summit, she then continued NE, starting for the next saddle leading to Peak 5438.

Along the way, she once again caught sight of Little Devils Tower, the Cathedral Spires, and Black Elk Peak.

Back on **Peak 5440’s true summit**. Photo looks S.

**Little Devils Tower** (far L), **Cathedral Spires** (L), and **Black Elk Peak** (far R). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

**Peak 5438** (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

Almost as soon as Lupe left Peak 5440, the ridge going to the saddle over to Peak 5438 became rocky and narrow. Kind of rough ground! Before Loop even got close to the saddle, SPHP was ready to ditch this route.

Heading down the rocky ridge. Photo looks NNE.

Hey, Loop! We’re on our way to Peak 5360 now, so forget Peak 5438. Let’s get off this goofy ridge.

The American Dingo began angling NNW. At first, the fairly steep slope she was descending was rocky, too. Looper lost quite a bit of elevation before getting below the rocks, but even that didn’t really help much. The forest had recently been thinned down here, and a lot of still green slash was on the ground.

Starting down off the ridge. Photo looks S.

The rate of descent gradually diminished, but progress remained slow as SPHP kept maneuvering to avoid as much slash as possible. After losing 300 feet of elevation, the situation changed with the discovery of a road.

The snowy road was level and ran NE at first, but soon started to curve NW and lose elevation. Lupe eventually made it down to a sunny field, where a different road ran N/S in the valley N of Peak 5440.

On the helpful snowy road. Photo looks NE.

In the **valley N of Peak 5440**. Photo looks NNE.

Following this road N to the trees, it then began to climb and angle off to the NE.

Hmm. SPHP checked the topo map. Didn’t show any of these roads, but Lupe clearly didn’t need to go NE. Abandoning the road, Lupe continued N, deeper into the forest.

Should be a relatively short drainage going NW somewhere along in here, Loop. We can follow it down to Hwy 16A.

Sure enough, the Carolina Dog soon came to a ravine. A little rougher, and more V-shaped than SPHP expected, but it all went well. Before long, Lupe was crossing Hwy 16A.

About to enter the ravine. Photo looks NNW.

A moderately steep slope N of Hwy 16A presented no real obstacles, making it a relatively easy climb. Quickly gaining 200 feet of elevation, Lupe reached a minor saddle along a flat ridge that extended E. From here, she had quite a nice view of Peak 5440, where she’d just been.

Climbing toward the saddle (Center). Photo looks NNW.

**Peak 5438** (far L) and **Peak 5440** (R). Photo looks SSE.

The view to the NW wasn’t nearly as pleasing. Loopster was already partway up Peak 5360’s SE slope. However, the forest had also been thinned here, although not as recently as over by Peak 5440. Brown slash littered the entire slope. Yuck!

**Peak 5360’s SE slope**. Photo looks NW.

Consisting almost entirely of small diameter stuff, the slash wasn’t all that terrible, but it wasn’t much fun, either. Lupe patiently picked her way through it, as SPHP trudged along behind. Slash, slash, and more slash! Loop never got above it. The slash extended almost 400 feet higher, all the way to the top of the mountain.

Amid the slash, getting close to the top. Photo looks NW.

1:16 PM, 44ºF, Peak 5360 – The wind was still out of the NW, but only at 15 mph now, as Lupe reached a flat, triangular summit region roughly 25 feet across. The true summit, only a foot or two higher, if that, was a rocky area toward the W partially covered with slash.

Despite the forest having been thinned, there were still way too many trees up here to have any real views. Glimpses of Peak 5733 to the W, and the very top of Black Elk Peak to the NW were about it.

**Peak 5733** (beyond Lupe). Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

Top of **Black Elk Peak** (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.

Lupe sat down in the snow next to a big tree.

This is it, SPHP? The top of Peak 5360?

Afraid so, Loopster.

Peak 5438 would have been better than this, and a lot easier to get to, too!

Yeah, but this is a Lists of John Peak with more prominence, Loop.

Your prominence is all fine and dandy, SPHP, but what good is it, if we can’t see anything? Especially, when the whole mountain is just a pile of slash! Kind of takes the fun out of getting here.

Most of it, maybe, but we can still enjoy the peace, solitude, and tranquility.

And maybe another chocolate coconut bar, SPHP?

Oh, sure! You can have some Taste of the Wild, too.

Thinking deep thoughts by the big tree. Photo looks E.

The chocolate coconut bar vanished in a flash. Loopster then crunched away at her Taste of the Wild. SPHP threw a sweater over her to protect against the wind.

Every mountain is unique – a unique place on the earth’s surface, and on any given day, a unique experience. Peak 5360 wasn’t the splendid sort of mountain the American Dingo was likely to return to someday, but it had taken a while to get here. Since Lupe wasn’t in any big rush, it seemed appropriate to linger for a while.

Slowly dying, the wind came in gusts. The camaraderie was great, even if the views weren’t. Nothing like being on another mountain with your best friend, ever! Half an hour of together aloneness ebbed away.

As Lupe stood on the true summit for the last time, for the first time, SPHP noticed another view due N.

Hey, how about that, Looper! George and Abe are here!

On **Peak 5360’s true summit**. Photo looks E.

**Mount Rushmore**. Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Leaving Peak 5360, Lupe headed SW. Definitely the way to go! Soon she was out of the slash. Gently sloping terrain, and reasonably open forest made for a pleasant, easy descent.

About to leave **Peak 5360’s true summit**. Photo looks SW.

Getting past most of the slash. Photo looks SW.

It wasn’t far to a power line that ran N/S. Going S, the terrain dropped steeply. Lupe followed the power line only a short way before veering off to the SW again, where she soon picked up a road that wound down to a saddle where the road divided. Still descending, Loopster took the branch going S. Eventually a field appeared off to the W that led to Hwy 87 near its junction with Hwy 16A.

On the road discovered shortly after abandoning the power line. Photo looks WNW.

Following the field to Hwy 87. Photo looks W.

The rest was easy. Lupe followed Hwy 16A to Legion Lake. Below the dam, a shortcut got her back to CSP Road No. 8 and the RAV4.

3:04 PM, 46ºF – Well, that was a nice day, SPHP! Glad we did this!

See! Peak 5360 wasn’t so bad!

No, it wasn’t, SPHP. The descent was lovely, and a chocolate coconut bar had been waiting at the top, so I’m happy. Peak 5440 was better, though, you have to admit that.

Yeah, Peak 5440 was fun, Looper! Not that hard, yet an interesting route, plus that grand view SE from the top. Doubt Big Rock will be any better.

Big rock? What big rock are you talking about, SPHP?

Oh, Big Rock is where we’re going next, Loop.

What! We aren’t done, SPHP? Is Big Rock another Lists of John peak you’ve dredged up?

No, not a Lists of John peak, Loop. Big Rock (5,655 ft.) is just a hill along the S edge of Custer that Arthur Caverly added to Peakbagger.com a few years ago. Don’t really know anything about it. Shouldn’t take us long to tag it, though.

3:21 PM, 46ºF, Custer Chamber of Commerce – SPHP parked the RAV4 at the Custer Visitor Center on Washington Street. Out front, a snazzily painted buffalo depicted General Custer firing a pistol while wearing a freshly punctured arrow shirt.

By the painted buffalo at the Custer Visitor Center.

Harbach Centennial Park and the Mickelson Trail were right across the street. Taking the Mickelson Trail E to South 8th Street, Lupe turned S, starting up a hill. South 8th Street ended at a turn E onto Canal Street.

At this turn, the Big Rock trail continued S up the hill. However, Lupe had to check out an amazing sight before taking the trail. A whole herd of painted buffalo was grazing in a nearby vacant lot!

Part of the painted buffalo herd at the S end of S 8th Street. Photo looks E.

The painted buffalo were awesome! Each bison bore a different colorful design. Lupe and SPHP both favored the one with mountain goats on it.

The Carolina Dog would have been even more impressed, if the painted buffalo herd had been a little more lively. Since she’d apparently come across the bison during a period of inactivity, Lupe started up the Big Rock trail.

The snowy trail climbed at an easy pace. Lupe passed several benches. Heading S at first, the trail eventually curved W. Getting rather late for a February afternoon! Low angle sunlight filtered through the trees.

On the way to Big Rock. Photo looks WSW.

The trail nearly flattened out as Lupe headed W. Other trails took off in various directions. After crossing a road, the Big Rock trail led to a long stairway.

Starting up the stairs. Photo looks WSW.

The long stairway led to the base of Big Rock’s massive summit block. Solid rock, of course! A second stairway went up to a viewing platform.

At the base of the summit block. Photo looks W.

3:57 PM, 45ºF, Big Rock (5,655 ft.) – Still windy! Looper stood blinking in bright sunshine. Big Rock’s true summit was tantalizingly close, right behind her. However, no access to it without leaving the platform for a dicey scramble.

Guess we won’t be getting up there! At least, I’m not. Be my guest, if you want to go for it, SPHP!

Think I’ll pass, Loop. Apparently, Big Rock is one of those “good enough for Dingo work” peaks where we fall a bit short of the true summit, yet still claim a successful ascent.

And a chocolate coconut bar, SPHP!

Nope! Not this time, overly-sweetened Dingo of mine! None left, and we don’t really deserve one in this case, anyway.

No chocolate coconut bar? That, and the chilly wind, dampened the mood, but the views were sweet! Buckhorn Mountain (6,330 ft.) was just N of Custer. Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.) and Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) were also in sight to the NNE, but much farther away.

Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) was the eye-catcher off to the SSE.

**Buckhorn Mountain** (L of Center) beyond Custer. **Sylvan Hill** (R). Photo looks N.

**Buckhorn Mountain** (L), **Sylvan Hill** (L of Center), and **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks NNE.

**Northeast Cicero Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSE.

The Big Rock viewing platform was small. Not much to do up here, other than the forbidden scramble. 5 or 10 minutes taking a good look around was sufficient.

On the way back, Lupe visited Sunrise Point, which offered a closer, but almost identical view of Custer. From here, she completed a loop via the Skywalk Trail back down to Harbach Centennial Park right across the street from the RAV4.

**Big Rock Park trail map** posted at the Skywalk trailhead.

4:24 PM, 45ºF, Custer Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center –

So are we done now, SPHP?

Yup. That’s it for Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 296, Loop! Any thoughts? What was your favorite part?

Well, Peak 5440 was the best mountain with that snowy high point, plus the great view to the SE, but you know what, SPHP? The mountain goat painted buffalo is hard to beat!

By the **mountain goat buffalo**, Custer, South Dakota 2-19-22

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!