New Cousin Dixie! (6-29-23 to 7-2-23)

6-29-23, 3:00 PM – Lupe’s fabulous 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico had ended only yesterday.  So many chores to catch up on!  SPHP was still mowing the back yard when Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea arrived.

Of course, Hotel Lupe’s long standing policy is that humans stay free as long as they are accompanied by a responsible canine.  Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea came fully prepared.  For the first time ever, they’d brought new Cousin Dixie with them!  An AKC registered Australian Shepherd, Dixie was only a little over 2 months old.

New Cousin Dixie at home in Arvada, Colorado.

Lupe was barking with joy at Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea’s arrival, which initially scared Dixie a little.  That didn’t last!  Soon Dixie was trying to herd her big cousin and wanting to play.  Lupe didn’t quite know what to make of this new pipsqueak interloper, sometimes growling a warning, or even snapping at Dixie.

This is my new cousin, SPHP?  She’s cute enough, but so small, and rather … what shall I say? … annoying!

Dixie’s just a puppy, Loopster.

I’m a puppy, too, SPHP, but I’m not so… so… hyper!

Well, of course, you’re my Sweet Puppy, Loop, but Dixie is very young.  The whole world is brand new to her.  She’s full of energy and excited to learn all about everything, including you!  So be nice to Dixie.  She’ll grow up fast, and we’ll have lots of fun with her.

Do you think Dixie will want to go on any Black Hills, SD expeditions, SPHP?

Oh, I’m sure of it!  No doubt Uncle Joe will want to take Dixie up into the hills with us while they’re here for the next few days.  Dixie’s too little to go very far yet, but we’ll have a good time.

6-30-23 – SPHP was right.  New Cousin Dixie very much wanted to be an explorer, too!  After the whole gang enjoyed an early morning stroll through the park on the Geyser Loop, Aunt Andrea had eventually gone to spend the day with Grandma.  Uncle Joe and Dixie were free to head up into the hills, which was exactly what they wanted to do.

Where to, though?  Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition should be something quite easy.  SPHP suggested Centennial Trail No. 89.  The Deer Creek trailhead would be a good place to start.

At the Deer Creek trailhead with new Cousin Dixie.

6-30-23, 11:01 AM, Centennial Trail No. 89, Deer Creek trailhead – Upon arrival, Dixie was happy and enthusiastic, but at the same time seemed to realize she was about to embark on some serious business.

Mentor and mentee, about to set out on the first of many adventures together.

The plan was simple.  Everyone followed the spur trail leading from the Deer Creek trailhead up to the main Centennial Trail No. 89 route.  Once there, Dixie could explore S or N.

Dixie doing great, but soon began devoting most of her abundant energy toward herding Lupe.  The American Dingo did her best to ignore the pesky Aussie, often growling a warning.

Upon reaching the main trail, Dixie wound up going S.  Centennial Trail No. 89 soon crossed the road to Silver City, then proceeded gradually up the side of a forested valley to the junction with Deerfield Trail No. 40.  An unlikely new feature was here.  A silver disco ball was hanging over the junction.  Lupe and SPHP had never seen it before.

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89, Dixie continued S.  The trail went down into Smoker Gulch.  1.2 miles from the trailhead, Uncle Joe decided this was far enough for Dixie’s first Black Hills adventure.

Dixie on Centennial Trail No. 89.
Taking a break with Cousin Dixie.

The day was warm, the sky blue with puffy white clouds, and the grass, green and lush.  During a short rest break, Dixie became interested in digging, while Lupe ventured out into the tall grass.

Amid the tall grass in Smoker Gulch.

And that was it for Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition.  On the way back to the Deer Creek trailhead, Uncle Joe showed off his funky disco dancing form at the intersection with Deerfield Trail No. 40.

Heading back on Centennial Trail No. 89.
Dancing fool Uncle Joe beneath the disco ball.

7-1-23, 10:24 AM – This morning’s activities were similar to yesterday’s.  After an early morning group romp through the park, this time on the Downstream Loop, Aunt Andrea once again went to spend the day with Grandma.  Dixie, Uncle Joe, Lupe, and SPHP were now at Centennial Trail No. 89’s Rapid Creek trailhead below the Pactola Reservoir dam.

About to set out on Centennial Trail No. 89 from the Rapid Creek trailhead.

Heading SE toward the Tamarack trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 was flat as a pancake and on the verge of being overgrown.  Dixie displayed great courage crossing 2 bridges over Rapid Creek.  The big stream was running high, and Joe was quite impressed by what a great trout stream Rapid Creek appeared to be.

Joe and Dixie already over the first bridge.
Rapid Creek was running high, full bank to bank.

Dixie made it past the Tamarack trailhead all the way to USFS Road No. 165.1D in Tamarack Gulch before reaching a spot near an ancient cabin.  At this point, Uncle Joe said she’d gone far enough for a 2 month old puppy.  After a short rest break, it was time to head back to the Rapid Creek trailhead, once again about 1.2 miles away.

Dixie crossing the Rapid Creek bridge near the Tamarack trailhead during the return.

Another beautiful day, but Uncle Joe may have been right.  Constantly trying to herd your big Carolina Dog cousin is a lot of work.  Near the end, Cousin Dixie was starting to get tired.

Wildflowers along the way.
Dixie starting to feel weary.

Not to worry, though.  Uncle Joe to the rescue!

Dixie returning in style.

7-2-23 – The next day was nearly the same routine.  An early morning Geyser Loop stroll through the park, followed by another Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition, this time from the end of Horse Creek Road to USFS Road No. 249.  Incredibly, SPHP somehow forgot to bring the camera.  Oops!  Nevertheless, everyone had a great time.

7-3-23, 6:55 AM – Hard to believe, but it was already time for Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe to head back home to Arvada, Colorado.  While Uncle Joe was packing their car, Lupe and Dixie roamed the back yard, enjoying the soft green grass together.

Dixie and Lupe in the back yard.

7-3-23, 7:07 AMWell, they’re off, Loopster, on the way back to Colorado!  Thank you for not getting too snarly with Dixie.  I know your patience was being sorely tested at times.  So, what do you think of your new cousin?  Isn’t she darling?

No doubt Dixie means well, but she’s a herding fanatic, SPHP!  Do you have any idea how trying puppies can be?

Oh, really?  Tell me about it, Sweet Puppy!

New Cousin Dixie at 5 weeks old

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition              Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map

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!

Long Trek Mountain, San Juan Mountains, Colorado (6-17-23)

Days 10 & 11 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico!

6-16-23, 3:50 PM, USFS Road No. 380 a mile NW of Lake De Nolda – Dang!  Almost to where this steep mountainside road was going to top out, big snowbanks started appearing on it.  Fortunately they only covered half of the road, so the RAV4 could squeak past them.  Only one more to go, when suddenly a green ATV appeared coming the opposite direction.

SPHP pulled the RAV4 over to hug the mountain so the ATV could get by.  Instead, the driver stopped.

From South Dakota, huh?  Where are you and your dog going, anyway?

Crater Lake trailhead.  Believe it’s only another mile or two.

You’ll never get there!  Road’s completely blocked by a huge snowbank 0.25 mile ahead.  There’s a decent place to turn around, though.

Thanks for the beta, sir!  Appreciate it.

The turnaround point turned out to be an abandoned side road on the L, fortunately situated just before the massive, road-blocking snowbank.  Instead of turning around, SPHP merely pulled in and parked.

Lupe leapt out as soon as SPHP opened the door.  Looking WSW along the side road, 3 snowy peaks were in sight only 2 or 3 miles away.

Wow, really gorgeous!  Which one is Summit Peak (13,300 ft.), SPHP?

Not entirely certain, Loopster.  Probably the middle one.  It’s the highest.  Let me check the map, just to be sure.

The longer SPHP compared the map against the view, the less it seemed possible that middle peak could actually be Summit Peak.

Huh!  I was wrong, Loop.  Got it now.  Long Trek Mountain (12,866 ft.) is on the R, the middle peak is actually Montezuma Peak (13,150 ft.), and that big ridge on the L is HP12312 way out along Long Trek’s SE ridge.

Sweet!  And so whatever happened to Summit Peak, SPHP?  You know, our next main objective?

Either we can’t see it from here, Loop, or it’s that mountain poking up over beyond the end of HP12312.  That would be about the right spot for it.

HP12312 (L), Montezuma Peak (Center), Long Trek Mountain (R). Summit Peak (far L) in the distance. Photo looks WSW.

Really?  Way over there, SPHP?  But look at all the snow!

Yeah, I know, Looper.  We may not get there without doing some winter camping, and I’m not up for that.

So what are we going to do, SPHP?

We can call it and leave now, Loopster, or stick around and do what we can.  Who knows?  Maybe it’s possible as a day hike.  Thought it would be, but that was before I realized how much snow is still in the San Juans.

I like it here, SPHP.  Let’s stay!

Me, too, Loop.  But I’m going to think about it.  No sense in biting off more than we can chew.

SPHP pondered the maps.  Really no need to go all the way to the Crater Lake trailhead.  This spot appeared to provide decent access to the same region.  Hate to leave without getting anything at all accomplished, and although Summit Peak was a long snowy march away, Montezuma Peak and Long Trek Mountain weren’t all that far.

Half an hour after deciding to stay in order to let the American Dingo have a go at it tomorrow, dark clouds came sailing in from out of the SW.  Snowed impressively for the next half hour.  Just a squall.  Blue sky reappeared.

6-17-23, 8:18 AM, 43ºF – Four days before the summer solstice, and last night had been the coldest one yet on this Dingo Vacation.  Got down to what, the upper 20’s ºF?  Maybe.  Even though the sun had already been rapidly warming things up for a while, there was still frost on the RAV4.  Of course, this side road off USFS Road No. 380 was at 11,450 feet.

SPHP had slept poorly, not only due to the cold, but also because some rodent had spent the wee hours scurrying and gnawing away wherever it pleased in the RAV4’s undercarriage.  Didn’t quit until SPHP finally opened and repeatedly slammed one of the doors.

Meanwhile, a certain Carolina Dog had slept like a baby.  Should  have brought a Carolina Cat!  This morning, Lupe spotted the likely gnawing culprit, a mouse in the bushes 15 feet from the RAV4.  After she dashed in and out half a dozen times trying to catch it, SPHP saw the mouse take refuge beneath the RAV4 again.

Simply marvelous!  Thanks so much, Loop!

You’re certainly welcome!  For what, SPHP?

The mouse just went back under the RAV4.  I saw it.

Oops!  Sorry, SPHP!

Never mind.  Not important.  I’m just grumpy.  Pack’s ready.  If we’re to have any shot at all at Summit Peak, we’d better get going, Looper.

What are the magic words, SPHP?

Oh, of course.  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

The sky was clear as a bell as Lupe set out heading W along the side road straight into a chilly 15 mph wind.  Nevertheless, the blue sky, crisp air, and dazzling snow white mountains soon had spirits soaring.  After all, the snowfields Lupe encountered at Conejos Peak (13,172 ft.) recently hadn’t been much of a problem.  Maybe the Carolina Dog really would get to Summit Peak today?

About to head out. HP12312 (R of Center), Montezuma Peak (R), Long Trek Mountain (R edge). Photo looks SW.

The road took Lupe on a gradual descent into the Prospect Creek valley.  Bordered by forest, the scenic valley was a mix of meadow, snowbanks, and scattered bushes.  Entire hillsides were covered with plants sporting huge, bright green leaves.  As evidenced by last year’s crop laying among them, these robust plants would eventually grow stalks several feet tall.

Merely a little over 2 miles away as the crow flies, Lone Trek Mountain was the American Dingo’s minimum objective of the day.  Making great progress going downhill on the road, it hardly seemed possible that Lupe wouldn’t get at least that far with ease.

Hopes rose rapidly for both Montezuma Peak and Summit Peak, too.  Yeah, baby, Lupe going to get there!

Prospect Creek valley. Montezuma Peak (L), Long Trek Mountain (L of Center). Photo looks W.
Prospect Creek. Photo looks S.
Among the extraordinarily healthy-looking big green plants. Photo looks E.

After 0.67 mile, Lupe reached Prospect Creek.  Now washed out, the road clearly used to cross it.

Long Trek Mountain (Center) from Prospect Creek. Photo looks W.

The territory farther W along the N side of the creek looked like lovely, easy ground, but was sopping wet.  Backtracking higher to drier terrain, Lupe abandoned the road.  Continuing W, even up here she ran into plenty of soggy spots.

Despite wet paws, progress remained excellent.  Lupe quickly reached a fork in the valley where a major tributary of Prospect Creek came down from the NW.  A large snowbank provided a convenient bridge over this stream.

Continuing up the Prospect Creek valley. Photo looks W.
By the snow bridge over the NW fork of Prospect Creek. Photo looks NW.

A line of trees stood up on the opposite bank.  After crossing the bridge and getting past these trees, a flat clearing was ahead.  Hardly any snow here, but beyond a stand of half dead forest at the far end, a slope with a significant amount of snow on it was visible through the trees.

Traveling W across the clearing, a mountain was in view off to the NW.

In the clearing beyond the stream. Photo looks WNW.
Peak 12550 (Center). Photo looks NW.

That’s a fine looking mountain, SPHP!  Not much snow on it, either.  We ought to be able to climb that one with ease.

Unfortunately, if we want to maintain any possibility of getting to Summit Peak, that’s the wrong way, Loopster.  Have to agree with you, though.  Does look eminently climbable.  Must be Peak 12550 according to the map.

After passing through the half dead forest, the first snow climb began.  Steepish, but not that bad.  Even SPHP was able to march right on up.  Above the snow, the terrain leveled out again.  Continuing WNW, Lupe came to a series of broad, flat benches separated by steeper snow climbs.

6-17-23, 9:24 AM – The American Dingo had now reached the toe of a vast, more gently sloping region rising toward Long Trek Mountain.  Looking ESE back down the Prospect Creek valley, Lookout Mountain (12,448 ft.), Sheepshead (12,240 ft.), and Prospect Mountain (12,245 ft.) were in sight.

Lookout Mountain (L), Sheepshead (L of Center), Prospect Mountain (Center) beyond the Prospect Creek valley. Photo looks ESE.

Ahead to the W, long lines of evergreens separated a patchwork of large meadows, substantial portions of which were buried under snowfields.  Clad in snow, Long Trek Mountain was now only 1.25 miles WSW.

As Lupe pushed on, roaming the grasslands when possible, and crossing snowfields when necessary, the sky gave increasing cause for alarm.

Montezuma Peak (L), Long Trek Mountain (R of Center). Photo looks WSW.

Not a cloud in the sky when we set out, SPHP.  Now, not a sky in the cloud!

Unconventionally put, Sweet Puppy, but I get your drift.  Not getting any warmer, either.  Feels like it could snow!

Avoiding a wide, shallow valley to the S, Lupe stayed on higher ground, still wandering W or WNW.  As she continued gaining elevation, SPHP kept an eye on the weather.  Meanwhile, the Carolina Dog was entering a world of snow.  Fewer, shorter trees, less and less snow-free ground.

Long Trek Mountain (Center). Photo looks WSW.
Entering the world of snow. Photo looks W.

This is awesome, SPHP!  Makes one feel like a real explorer, doesn’t it?

For sure!  Please keep a nose out for the Continental Divide Trail.  I may not see it amid all this snow.  It’s somewhere between us and that highest ridge to the W.

Bare ground grew scarce.  The trek became a long, gentle snow trudge higher.  Driven by the wind, intermittent waves of snow granules began pelting the Carolina Dog.  A small dry spot next to an old, 4 foot high stunted tree provided a semi-sheltered spot to take a short break.

No sign of the CDT yet, SPHP.

I know.  Can’t be much farther W, but I doubt we’ll see it.  Might not do us any good, anyway, with all this snow, even if we do.  Maybe we should just head SW more directly toward Long Trek Mountain?

The wind, which had died down to a considerable degree earlier, was now picking up again.  A steadier, general snowfall began.  SPHP shared some eagerly accepted beef jerky with Lupe, then, during a lull in the storm, the trek continued, now heading SW.

Started snowing again.  Fog swept in, obliterating Long Trek Mountain.  Lupe went on, still occasionally coming to stretches of bare ground.  The terrain was easy, sloping only gradually up to the W.

Long Trek Mountain disappears. Photo looks SW.

After crossing a long stretch of snow, another short break was taken next to another lone, stunted tree.  Visibility was down to 150 feet.

I dare say our chances of getting to Summit Peak (13,300 ft.) suddenly aren’t looking all that good, SPHP.

Nope.  I’ve pretty much given up on it, Looper.  We’ll be lucky to get to Long Trek Mountain the way things are going.

Do you think we’ve crossed the CDT yet, SPHP?

No.  We’ve been paralleling it.

In snow and wind, Lupe pressed on through the storm, now heading NW to avoid losing elevation.  Before long – Lo and behold!  A cairn marking the course of the CDT appeared in the gloom at the edge of a snow-free region only a short distance ahead.

By the cairn (R of Center) marking the Continental Divide Trail. Photo looks SW.

Huh!  Well, how about that, Loopster?  Guess we can follow the CDT at least a little way, after all.

However, turning SW again, Lupe got only a few hundred feet along the CDT before worsening conditions forced SPHP to call a halt.  Shelter was taken by another gnarled tree the size of a bush.

6-17-23, 10:45 AM, Continental Divide Trail – The W wind blew 30 mph, and it was snowing hard as Lupe sought refuge.  Must be getting close to freezing, because the snow was starting to stick.

Holy, moly, Looper!  Get on my lap, so we can keep each other warm.  We’ll wait it out right here.

SPHP wrapped an old red sweater around Lupe, tying the arms beneath her neck.  Before curling up on SPHP’s lap, she looked like Super Dingo, her red cape flapping wildly in the gale.  SPHP was wearing every other layer available – gloves, jackets, stocking cap, hood.  Huddled together by the protective bush, the situation seemed incredible.

Super Dingo questions the wisdom of this whole project during a lull in the storm.

Calmly, Lupe watched in amazement as the ground turned white.  Snow and fog swept by, driven by the wind.  It was an absolute blizzard!  At times visibility was practically zero, at other times, the fog opened up, and an Arctic vista would appear.  Snow was flying everywhere.  Views came and went, suddenly appearing then vanishing like ghosts.

Incredibly, little birds were flitting around out in the storm.  Generally unseen, except momentarily, their cries sounded like “It’s a snowstorm!  It’s a snowstorm!”  A more ominous sound came from the NW.

Thunder, SPHP!

Stay with me, Loop.  Don’t try to run away from it!  You’ll get lost!

Time passed.  The blizzard raged on.  Still on SPHP’s lap, Lupe enjoyed Taste of the Wild and plenty of beef jerky.  SPHP munched on trail mix.

So glad I brought all this sunscreen along, Loop.  Been a real lifesaver!

You’re a riot, SPHP!  How’s the beef jerky supply holding out?

Fine.  Want another piece, Loop?

I’m thinking of a number between 1 and 100, SPHP.

Ha!  Forget it.  I’ll give you one.  You’d make yourself sick, if I let you.

6-17-23, 11:55 AM, 31ºF, Continental Divide Trail – The whole world was white or gray.  Still foggy in some directions, Long Trek Mountain hadn’t reappeared, but the Carolina Dog could see a long way in others, and it had finally stopped snowing.  The sky kept brightening and darkening.  The wind now came only in great gusts with periods of calm between.

During a lull, Lupe got up and rolled in the new snow.

Really, Loop?  You’re that warm?  Here I thought I was keeping you from freezing to death.

Are we going to Lone Trek Mountain, or not, SPHP?

After the storm. HP12312 (L). Photo looks SE.

No.  What’s the point in it, Loop, while it’s still lost in the clouds?  Actually, I feel sleepy after eating all that trail mix.  May take a nap.  Depending on what happens, we might go on to Long Trek Mountain afterwards.

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!  SPHP laid down next to the tree bush.  Lupe decided she might as well snuggle up, too.  Huddled together in the occasional flurries, wind, and fog of the lingering storm, it was off to Dingo dreamland …

In the fog, a low, threatening growl.

What is it, Loop?  What’s out there?

Shhh!  Something’s coming, SPHP.  It’s almost here!

The American Dingo suddenly spang to her paws, barking furiously, as a figure appeared amid the gloom.

Poor Shannon, “Footsie” her CDT name, just about had a heart attack.

SPHP apologized.  Footsie bore no grudge.  In fact, she was more than willing to join the huddle by the tree.  She hadn’t seen anyone in more than 2 days before Lupe’s outrageously dramatic appearance, and felt like talking.  While Footsie sat there stroking Lupe and sharing in the beef jerky, SPHP encouraged her to share her story.

Footsie was from Michigan, and had become a fan of long trails after completing the Superior Trail along the N shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.  Last year she’d done the Pacific Crest Trail, where she’d met her current boyfriend.  He had to work until late July, but would be joining her on the CDT then, or they’d take on the Appalachian Trail, hiking S from the N end.

Footsie’s journey N on the the CDT from the Mexico border began back on April 25th.  Learning that Lupe had been to Mount Taylor along the CDT in northern New Mexico, Footsie was enthusiastic.  Mount Taylor was where the CDT really started getting good!

Footsie chatted about all kinds of trail-related stuff – how she kept in touch with her mother every evening (a Garmin unit), how she financed her activities (work), how she kept herself supplied (hitchhiking), places she’d been to, and other trails she wanted to do.

It was all very interesting.  Meanwhile, the weather was improving.  The wind kept blowing, but the fog was once again lifting in some directions, revealing big, ever-changing views.  Patches of blue sky appeared, and it warmed up a bit.  By the time Footsie ended her tale, all the new snow had melted.

Having done 7 miles earlier, Footsie hoped to go another 5 before calling it a day.  That would put her within a mere 15 miles of Wolf Creek Pass tomorrow, where she could hitch a ride into Pagosa Springs for supplies.  Before departing, Footsie was happy to pose with Lupe in front of Long Trek Mountain, which was back in view again.

With Footsie along the CDT near Long Trek Mountain. Photo looks SW.
Shannon “Footsie” and “Scary Dingo” Lupe.

6-17-23, 2:11 PM, Continental Divide Trail – Conditions were worsening again as Footsie departed, heading N along the CDT.  Another dark gray cloud was coming over Long Trek Mountain from out of the W, and the wind was picking up.  Yet, if Footsie could manage, Lupe could, too.  However, the American Dingo was headed in the opposite direction.

Didn’t take long to reach the end of the snow-free ground.  Long Trek Mountain’s summit was hidden in fog again, as Lupe began climbing SSW along a giant snowfield on the E flank of the mountain.  Another dark figure appeared up on Long Trek Mountain’s SE ridge.  Someone else was heading this way!

At the base of the snowfield. Conejos Peak (L) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.
Another CDT’er (R of Center) approaches! Photo looks S.

20 minutes after Footsie went on her way, Lupe met Svie, who knew her.  Convinced that Footsie was at least several days behind him by now, Svie was stunned to learn that she was actually ahead.  Svie chatted amiably with SPHP for 10 minutes.  He had done the Appalachian Trail, and was shocked by how much more challenging the CDT was.

Speaking of which, the weather was still deteriorating.  Another mini-blizzard struck as Svie continued N.  Heading SSE, Lupe aimed for Long Trek Mountain’s SE ridge, where Svie had just been.

Continental Divide Trail along Long Trek Mountain’s E slope. Photo looks NNW.
Heading for the SE ridge. Photo looks SSE.

The mini-blizzard was still raging when Lupe reached a cairn on bare ground on the SE ridge.  With no protection at all here, the Carolina Dog curled up on SPHP’s lap next to the trail.  Frequent loud thunder was coming from a short distance N, so SPHP didn’t dare let her climb the mountain.

Waiting for the thunder to end. Photo looks E.

Thunder began coming from the S, too, but after 20 minutes, it was all well to the E.  No longer snowing as hard, either.  With only 500 feet of elevation gain separating the CDT from the summit, Lupe started up.

Thunder gone, about to leave the CDT trail and head up. Photo looks NW.

Long Trek Mountain’s SE ridge was a rounded, moderately steep ramp.  Hardly any snow on it.  Halfway up, Lupe came to a number of big rock formations, but they were all easily avoided.

Climbing Long Trek Mountain’s SE ridge. Photo looks NW.
Approaching the first rock formation. Photo looks NW.
Easily by-passing more formations. Photo looks NW.

6-17-23, 3:21 PM, 34ºF, Long Trek Mountain (12,866 ft.) – Exposed to the full force of a 25 mph W wind, Lupe made it to the summit cairn.  Sadly, not a thing to see up here in the fog.

Made it! Long Trek Mountain summit. Photo looks NNE.

Get up on the cairn, Loop!  I’ll shake your paw while you’re standing on it.

The wind is cold, SPHP.

Yeah, I know.  Just get up there for a moment.  I want to congratulate you on climbing Long Trek Mountain on such a wild day, then we’ll retreat a bit to where the wind isn’t so bad.

Partway up the cairn. Photo looks W.
There we go! Success!

Retreating 25 feet back to the SE, more beef jerky was the Dingo-favored celebratory item of choice.

Well, too bad about Summit Peak, but at least we got to one mountain, Loopster.  Funny thing is, even though we’ve only gone 3.25 miles to get here, sure seems like Long Trek Mountain has lived up to its name.

We won’t be forgetting Long Trek Mountain anytime soon will we, SPHP?  Wish we could have hit Montezuma Peak and Summit Peak, too.  Maybe we can return some day?

Worth considering, Looper.  I’ll keep them on your list of possibilities.  Perhaps for later in the season, though.  Supposed to be summer, but it’s still winter up here!

Sitting there in the frigid fog and wind, it was tempting to simply call it good and head back.  After all, Lupe had made it to the summit.  No point in lingering under present circumstances, was there?  Yet neither human nor Dingo stirred.

Maybe it was just inertia?  Whatever the reason for staying, SPHP knew immediately it had been the right decision as soon as a small patch of blue sky appeared.  Took a while, but the clouds lifted, taking the fog with them.  Lupe could see!  The persistent W wind blew harder than ever as big clouds streamed by, but blue sky continued to fan out in all directions.

Montezuma Peak (13,150 ft.) and Summit Peak (13,300 ft.) appeared in all their fabulous snow-clad glory!  Gazing SE, there was a mountain SPHP had been hoping to see.

Loop!  There’s Conejos Peak (13,172 ft.), where we were 2 days ago!

HP12312 (L), Conejos Peak (Center) in the distance. Photo looks SE.
Summit Peak (L) in the clouds, Montezuma Peak (Center). Photo looks SSW.
Summit Peak (L), Montezuma Peak (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.

Clouds hid Crater Lake deep in a valley to the W, but looking NW, Lupe could see part of that same valley.

A glimpse of deep valleys below the clouds. Photo looks NNW.

Peak 12550 and Peak 12498 were in sight only 1.5 miles NNE.  Although Lupe had just come from the NE, the views in this direction were most surprising.  The terrain wasn’t nearly as snowy as it had seemed.  On the horizon, Bennett Peak (13,203 ft.) looked like merely a big hill.

Peak 12550 (L), Peak 12498 (R), both just beyond the snow. Photo looks NNE.
Bennett Peak (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks NE.

No doubt about it, though.  The view to the S was the most magnificent of all.  Montezuma Peak and Summit Peak kept drawing SPHP’s eye like a magnet.

Montezuma Peak isn’t that far, SPHP.  Want to go for it?  We could do it!

Summit Peak (L), Montezuma Peak (Center). Photo looks SSW.

Tempting!  Snowy, but the terrain leading to Montezuma Peak appeared to be otherwise obstacle free.  Hmm…  The snow hadn’t been difficult to deal with, it just made everything more awesome!

The terrain (Center) leading to Montezuma Peak (R edge). Summit Peak (R). Photo looks S.

I’d love to, Loopster, but it’s not a warm day, and it’s already getting late in the afternoon.  I know you could get there, but it would take me too long.  We wouldn’t get back until well after dark.

This is our chance!  We’re here now, SPHP!

Usually a great argument, Loop, but Summit Peak was our main objective, and we didn’t even get close.  So maybe we really will be back, and can climb both then.  Heck, maybe we could even bring your tiny house?

Oh, that would be super!  Promise, SPHP?

The future is always uncertain, Looper, but I promise to keep these peaks on your list of possibilities.  We’ve returned to climb many others after having seen them on earlier Dingo Vacations before.

Whether this truly satisfied the Carolina Dog is debatable.  Long Trek Mountain had turned out to be a big success, and a very memorable day, yet Lupe still gazed somewhat wistfully at Montezuma Peak.

She wasn’t alone.

Summit Peak (far L), Montezuma Peak (L). Photo looks SW.

6-17-23, 4:25 PM, Long Trek Mountain (12,866 ft.) – For the last time, the Carolina Dog stood atop the summit cairn, blue sky now beyond.  Montezuma wasn’t going to happen, at least, not today.  Lupe’s summit hour was over, and who knew if she would ever really be back?  Instead of leaving right away, SPHP let her linger, experiencing all the glory of Long Trek Mountain a while longer.

Atop Long Trek Mountain’s summit cairn for the final time. Photo looks NW.
Surrounded by magnificence! Photo looks SW.

Somewhere miles away, Footsie and Svie were heading N, continuing their separate epic journeys along the Continental Divide Trail.  They would never be back, but it had been fun meeting them, sharing a small part of a crazy early summer day.

Someday we’ll be over on Summit Peak looking back this way, won’t we, SPHP?  And we can remember being here, and Footsie and Svie, too.

Hope so, Loop, but relish the moment.  All we ever have is today.

I always do, SPHP.  Carolina Dogs are good at that.

I know.  Love you, Loopster.  You’re the best!  But just like Footsie and Svie, it’s time for our own epic journey to continue as well.

I know what you’re saying, SPHP.

Yup.  Together always!  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Bathed in sunshine, Lupe left Long Trek Mountain, heading back down the SE ridge, HP12312 at the far end, and new friend Conejos Peak from only 2 days ago in the distance.

Starting down. HP12312 (L), Conejos Peak (R of Center). Photo looks SE.

Once back to the Continental Divide Trail, Lupe turned N.  For a little while now, she would get to follow Footsie and Svie’s footsteps where they’d hiked this very day, not so long ago, in snow and wind along the beautiful E flank of Long Trek Mountain.  (End 6:16 PM, 46ºF)

Back at the Continental Divide Trail. Peak 12550 (R). Photo looks N.
On the E slopes of Long Trek Mountain. Photo looks NNW.
With “Footsie” near Long Trek Mountain. San Juan Mountains, Colorado 6-17-23
Lupe’s GPS Track (Ascent)

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Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track (Ascent)

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Conejos Peak, San Juan Mountains, Colorado (6-15-23)

Days 8 & 9 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico!

6-14-23, 2:02 PM, Conejos River valley – Two signs.  One said Conejos Lake Fork Ranch, the other was the one SPHP had been looking for.

Here we go, Loopster!  USFS Road No. 105.  Want out for a quick sniff?

Of course, she did.  Leaping out of the RAV4, Lupe was excited.  Beneath a deep blue sky, countless bright yellow dandelions flourished along the shoulders of No. 105.  The mountain air was pleasantly warm, the valley green and alive in mid-June.  Looking SW from the junction, a very high snow-capped ridge was in sight.

At the start of USFS Road No. 105 off Country Road No. 250. Photo looks NW.
Peak 12555 (Center). Photo looks SW.

Love it already, SPHP!  This is Dingo territory, pure and simple.

Terrific!  Figured it would be, Loop.  Ready to keep going?

During the drive up the Conejos River valley along County Road No. 250, the river had been full bank to bank.  In fact, there’d been warning signs about flooding way back at Antonito.  Fortunately, the USFS Road No. 105 bridge over the river was intact.  After crossing it, a 5.5 mile drive up to the Rincon trailhead commenced.

Lupe’s buddy, Dennis Stewart, had once written a trip report saying that USFS Road No. 105 was a bad road.  Driving a Ford Focus, he’d actually thought it prudent to park 0.5 mile before getting to the trailhead.

Dennis was right!  Nothing had changed since he’d been here.  No. 105 started out as a narrow, but fine road.  However, as it wound higher way up on the steep-sided Saddle Creek valley, the road rapidly deteriorated.  By the time a junction with USFS Road No. 100 appeared 3 miles in, SPHP had the RAV4 barely crawling along.

6-14-23, 2:51 PM, Rincon trailhead – Whew!  Near a hairpin turn along No. 105, the RAV4 sat alone, gleaming in the sun at a roomy, flat parking area that in a pinch might accommodate a dozen vehicles.

Rincon trailhead at a hairpin turn along USFS Road No. 105. Photo looks WSW.

Nicely done, SPHP!  Took a while to get here, but at least you didn’t tear out the bottom of the RAV4, or send us careening over any precipices.

Thank heavens we didn’t meet any oncoming traffic, Loop!  Bad enough as it was.  There’s actually a trailhead for Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 another mile farther somewhere off along spur No. 105.3A, but this is as far as I’m driving on these roads.

In the evening, Lupe made an exploratory trek up to the Tobacco Lake trailhead, finding only an empty metal box atop a metal pole there, and on the way to it, a view of enormous, mostly snowy, rounded hills.

On USFS Road No. 105.3A during an exploratory jaunt to the Tobacco Lake trailhead. Photo looks SW.

Are any of those mountains Conejos Peak (13,172 ft.), SPHP?

I don’t know, Loop.  The highest one would be it, if any of them are.

This reconnaisance did yield some useful information.  First, this was not rugged territory.  Second, even so, getting to Conejos Peak might be harder than anticipated.  Long stretches of USFS Road No. 105.3A were soft and mucky, or even under water, and so were the open fields along it.  Furthermore, the forest was full of snow drifts 3 or 4 feet deep.

Colorado reportedly had a snowpack 70% above normal last winter.  Maybe Lupe had arrived too early in the season?

6-15-23, 7:57 AM, Rincon trailhead – Directly across USFS Road No. 105, Lupe stood waiting next to an old wooden post protruding from a cairn.  Beyond the Carolina Dog, a trail covered with deadfall even right at the start disappeared into the forest.  720, the number for the Roaring Gulch Trail, was carved into the top of the post, despite SPHP’s maps showing this as Rincon Trail No. 722.

At the start of Rincon Trail No. 722, despite the post’s 720. Photo looks W.

Conejos Peak, or bust!  Let’s hit it, Loopster.  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Immediately beyond the initial deadfall, a couple of small snowbanks were on the trail.  Easily passed, the trail was dry for a little way after that, except for numerous small streams, several of which had old wooden bridges over them.

A bit of snow near the start. Photo looks W.
A convenient, but scarcely needed bridge over a tiny stream.

Situated on the N side of the Saddle Creek valley, Rincon Trail No. 722 headed WSW.  As Lupe gained elevation, she soon started coming to more and bigger snowbanks across the trail, and larger deadfall, too.  Before long, progress slowed greatly.  The American Dingo was spending just as much time wandering through the forest searching for the trail amid all the snow, deadfall, and mushy, wet ground in between, as on it.

Fortunately, the snow generally held even SPHP’s weight.  Lupe had no problem trotting right along the top of snow ridges.  Meanwhile, Saddle Creek could be heard roaring somewhere down in the forest off to the L, and the trail eventually came to it.

Another stream, more snow and deadfall. Photo looks WSW.
On the snow-covered trail, trying not to lose it. Photo looks WSW.
First view of Saddle Creek.
A closer look.
There’s a trail here somewhere! Traversing mounds of snow. Photo looks SW.

Even after reaching Saddle Creek, the trail seldom remained within sight of it.  0.5 mile from the trailhead, Lupe reached a spot SPHP wanted to check out, the place where Rincon Trail No. 722 crossed Saddle Creek.

The stream had great flow at this point, but was spread out enough so it was only a foot or two deep.  On the opposite bank, snow blanketed the forest floor.

At the Rincon Trail No. 722 ford of Saddle Creek. Photo looks S.

Well, this is good news, Looper, just not quite as good as I’d hoped.

What’s good news, SPHP?

Saddle Creek is shallow enough so we can easily ford it.  I’d been hoping for a bridge, but this will do.

We’re fording the creek here, SPHP?

Yup, but not yet, Loopster.  The plan is to explore our way NW from here up to Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719, visit Conejos Peak, and Peak 12555, if we’ve got enough time and energy, then complete a loop back down to this point.  Didn’t want to do all that only to find out that we couldn’t get back across Saddle Creek, so we had to follow the trail at least this far before striking out for the Tobacco Lake Trail.

I suppose that makes sense.  Our bushwhack begins now then, SPHP?

Correctamundo, Sweet Puppy!

Abandoning Rincon Trail No. 722 at the ford without crossing Saddle Creek, Lupe headed NW.  Gaining elevation only gradually at first, she explored a forest where the entire mountainside seemed to be seeping water.  The American Dingo dodged trees, deadfall, pussy willows and other bushes, marshy regions, and many small streams in this area.

Reaching steeper terrain, the ground was drier and nearly snow-free.  Partway up the slope, a sunny clearing provided a good spot to take a short rest break near a small stream.

A beautiful plant common in this forest. A young thistle?
By the rest break stream. Photo looks NW.

After sharing a bit of beef jerky, the march higher continued.  The forest thinned, then ended, as Lupe reached much flatter terrain.  A gigantic snowfield was now ahead.  Huge ridges leading to Conejos Peak, which was now visible off to the W, were full of snow, too, along with much of the upper Saddle Creek valley.  Only areas with significant S exposure, like the big hill beyond the snowfield, were mostly snow-free.

Keep heading NW, Loopster.  That big hill must be HP12429.  Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 is somewhere between us and it.

Approaching HP12429 (R). Photo looks NW.
Conejos Peak (L) and HP13044 (R) beyond the upper Saddle Creek valley (Center). Photo looks W.

After crossing this first snowfield, the terrain steepened again.  Climbing through a zone of scattered trees, the American Dingo discovered a path just above it at the base of a rock slide.

Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719, I presume, SPHP?

None other, Looper.  Good job!

Lupe had reached the Tobacco Lake trail at a big cairn near a flat, grassy area.  SPHP was ready for another break, and this seemed like a suitable spot.  Overhead, earlier clear skies were now clouding over, putting a bit of a chill in the air.

Next to the cairn (R) where Lupe reached Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719. Conejos Peak (L of Center), HP13044 (R). Photo looks WSW.

SPHP’s oxygen deficiency temporarily rectified, Lupe pressed on, now following Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 NW.  The scenery was spectacular, and the trail soon vanished beneath all the incredible snow.  Climbing steadily at a generally gradual pace, Lupe crossed one snowfield after another separated only by short stretches of grass and tundra.  Exactly where the trail was became harder and harder to determine.

Didn’t really matter, since the direction she needed to go was clear.

On a snow-free stretch of Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719. Photo looks WNW.
Pressing on, trail or no trail. HP13044 (L), HP12904 (R). Photo looks WNW.

Happily, the snowfields didn’t have much slope to them, and SPHP rarely post-holed.  The Carolina Dog trotted on, enthusiastic about the entire endeavor, especially after spotting a couple of giant deers way up on the ridge W of HP12429.  Even though the giant deers were much higher and far away, seeing them was a thrill.

After making good progress and reaching another snow-free area, a steeper snowfield was ahead.  Even so, it wasn’t steep enough to cause any difficulties.  Angling W, Lupe went right on up, SPHP huffing and puffing along behind.  The American Dingo was getting well up in the world, but still wasn’t as high as Peak 12555, now in sight 2.5 miles SE.

The first relatively steep snowfield. Conejos Peak (L), HP13044 (R). Photo looks SW.
Peak 12555 (Center). Photo looks SE.

Above this first steepish snowfield, Lupe came to a large, flat snow-free region.  Dotted with clumps of low brown bushes, most of this area was covered with thick grass.  A frozen lake soon appeared ahead.

Approaching the frozen lake. Photo looks SW.

6-15-23, 11:00 AM – Tobacco Lake wasn’t completely frozen over.  A fair amount of open water was over toward the SE end.  From the NE shore where Lupe reached the lake, she had a grand view of Conejos Peak and the big snowy ridges leading to it beyond the opposite shore.

Need another rest break, SPHP?  We can hang out by the lake, if you like.

Sounds like a plan, Loop.

The conniving Dingo was only after more beef jerky, but that was OK.  By now, SPHP was confident Lupe was going to get to Conejos Peak despite all the snow.  A 10 mph W wind seemed the only reason for concern.

Relaxing at Tobacco Lake. Peak 12555 (L), Conejos Peak’s E ridge (R). Photo looks SSE.

We’re doing great!  Only 900 feet of elevation gain left, Loopster.  Wonder how windy it’s going to be up on that ridge S of HP13044, though?  We’re pretty sheltered down here.

Hope it isn’t too bad, SPHP.   We Carolina Dogs don’t like wind much.

Probably going to have to deal with some today, Looper, like it or not.

The beef jerky SPHP was willing to part with here having been inhaled almost instantly, it was soon time to bid Tobacco Lake farewell.  After circling around the N shore, Lupe turned SW starting up another steep snowfield.  Before long, a lovely Dingo’s eye view of Tobacco Lake was behind her.

N end of Tobacco Lake. Conejos Peak (L), HP13044 (R of Center). Photo looks SW.
Tobacco Lake. Photo looks S.
Leaving lovely Tobacco Lake behind. HP12429 (Center). Photo looks E.

Above this second steepish snowfield, Lupe once again came to a broad, snow-free, relatively flat region.  Quite boggy, this area was full of the same type of low brown bushes that had been down by Tobacco Lake.  HP13044 was now just ahead, with a partly snow-free slope leading to it.

In no rush to reach the ridge between HP13044 and Conejos Peak, Lupe turned S.  Following lanes between the bushes, she made it to a grassy region where Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 reappeared.  A series of cairns marked the faint path’s course.

On the wide, bushy bench above Tobacco Lake. HP13044 (R). Photo looks SW.
Following the cairns. Conejos Peak (Center). Photo looks SSW.

Once the Tobacco Lake trail vanished beneath the snow again, it was time to face the last 300 foot high snowfield leading to the upper ridge.  Turning W, Lupe began her ascent.

Heading up. Conejos Peak (R). Photo looks S.

Cake!  No problems at all.  Gaining the broad, rounded ridge connecting HP13044 and Conejos Peak, the terrain flattened as the snowfield came to an end.  When Lupe got high enough to see the territory beyond the wind-swept, snow-free crest, SPHP was shocked.  Maybe 10 miles NW, a line of more rugged peaks stood blanketed in snow beneath a dark gray sky, the most distant summits obscured by a gathering gloom.

On the ridge between HP13044 (R) and Conejos Peak. Photo looks NW.

My gosh, Loopster!  Looks like a storm is coming!

As if this wind isn’t bad enough!  We better get there, SPHP!

Turning S, the American Dingo headed for Conejos Peak (13,172 ft.).

Staying toward the E, a bit below the ridge crest, helped a little, but the W wind was still 20-25 mph up here.  The ridge had a barren look to it, covered mainly with small scree, but there was actually great beauty, too.  Clumps of tiny wildflowers clung tenaciously to what soil there was.

Skirting the upper E side of a low hill along the ridge, the terrain beyond it flattened out completely.  Lupe now felt the full force of a 30 mph gale, but she was almost there!  Less than 200 feet higher, Conejos Peak was directly ahead.

In the wind, heading for Conejos Peak (Center). Photo looks S.
Tiny wildflowers.
A delicate, yet tenacious beauty.
Nearly there! Conejos Peak (Center). Photo looks S.

Off to the NW, more wild mountains were seen beneath a threatening sky, as Lupe headed up a steep NE slope in the cold wind.  Once above the steep part, a cairn was visible 250 feet farther W, only 30 feet higher.  This final stroll into the teeth of the wind across a carpet of scree and tundra was full of joy.

Success! Conejos Peak summit dead ahead! Photo looks W.

6-15-23, 12:52 PM, 42ºF, Conejos Peak (13,172 ft.) – The wind was only 15 mph out of the W when the American Dingo arrived at the summit cairn.  A stunning panorama greeted her.  Strung out from the S all the way around to the W and NW, many high peaks were in sight looking all the more spectacular blanketed beneath an incredible amount of snow.

For a few moments, Lupe was in sunshine.  Virtually everywhere else the sky was overcast, any small patches of blue rapidly retreating SE.  To the W and NW, the mountains looked fearsome beneath a dramatic sky.

Peak 12505 (foreground), Peak 12727 (far L), Snow Benchmark (12,815 ft.) (L), Peak 12887 (Center). Photo looks W.

Look, SPHP!  A blizzard is coming!

A blizzard?  Can’t be, Loopster.  For pity sake, it’s practically the longest day of the year!

Are you blind?  I’m telling you, it’s coming, SPHP!

One by one, the mountains were vanishing from view.

Just a squall, sweet puppy!   Or, at least, it better be.  Quick, get up on that cairn before we’re engulfed, too!

On the Conejos Peak summit cairn as the storm approaches. Photo looks W.

Nice, Loop!  Couple more shots before it’s too late, then we’ll take a break.

Gramps Peak (12,320 ft.) and Chalk Benchmark (12,031 ft.) stood out to the S beyond snow-covered highlands, pointy Fets Peak (12,127 ft.) between them.  Looking N, only Tobacco Lake and the territory recently traveled remained in sight.

Gramps Peak (L), Fets Peak (Center), Chalk Benchmark (R) in the distance. Photo looks SSW.
HP13044 (L), HP12904 (R of Center), Tobacco Lake (R). Photo looks N.

Grabbing a glass jar from the cairn, SPHP sat down facing Peak 12555, away from the wind.  As snow granules began pelting Conejos Peak, the Carolina Dog curled up on SPHP’s lap.  SPHP threw a jacket over her.

Relaxing on Conejos Peak. Peak 12555 (Center). Photo looks ESE.

Guess we just wait it out now, Looper.  By the way, congratulations on your magnificent ascent of Conejos Peak!

Thank you, SPHP!  Any beef jerky left to celebrate with?

Yes!  Water and Taste of the Wild, too.

Lupe chowed down as snow granules came thick and fast.  It was hard to believe that a blizzard could really becoming in mid-June, but conditions continued to deteriorate.  However, the snow granules weren’t sticking.  They all melted as soon as they hit the ground.

Opening the glass jar, a fairly new registry was inside.  Consisting of long, narrow sheets of paper stapled together, the first few pages were full.  After reading a number of entries, SPHP added Lupe’s name to the list, then returned the registry to the jar.

The wind blew, snow granules flew, views vanished.  Comfy and warm, Lupe stayed on SPHP’s lap.  And that was about it.  The Carolina Dog’s traditional summit hour was nearly over by the time the squall passed.  The weather cleared, but only partially.  Another squall was coming out of the WNW.

Picture time, Loopster!  Here’s our chance.

By the “Conejos” survey benchmark. HP13044 (L). Photo looks N.
“Conejos” survey benchmark.
Gramps Peak (R of Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.
Chalk Benchmark (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.
Peak 12727 (L), Snow Benchmark (Center). Photo looks WSW.
Peak 12555 (L) from next to the survey benchmark. Photo looks ESE.

6-15-23, 2:09 PM – How swiftly times flies!  The registry jar was back in its proper place.  For the last time, Lupe stood perched atop the summit cairn.  By now, it had become clear that the second squall was destined to completely miss Conejos Peak to the N.  No sign of a third one.

Final moments on Conejos Peak. Photo looks W.

Weather is getting better, SPHP!  Still time enough to visit Peak 12555?

Yeah, lucky for us, they sure don’t make blizzards like they used to, do they, Looper?  We’ve got to head in that direction anyway, if you’re going to do your big loop.  Provided we’ve still got the energy once we get closer, we’ll hit Peak 12555, too.  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Leaping off the cairn, Lupe headed ESE down Conejos Peak’s enormous E ridge.  Another cairn was only a couple of minutes away, marking the route back to Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719.

Starting down Conejos Peak’s E ridge. Peak 12555 (R of Center). Photo looks E.

The 1.5 mile long trek down the gentle tundra slopes of the E ridge was fun, fast, and easy.  Staying toward the N, Lupe enjoyed a tremendous view of Tobacco Lake and the upper Saddle Creek valley.  Before long, a rockier region appeared ahead.  No matter.  Slowed SPHP’s progress only a little, and Lupe reached tundra again after passing the rocky spots.

Somewhere along the way, Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 turned SW and disappeared, but that didn’t matter on this glorious open terrain, either.  However, when a line of small cliffs started developing toward the S, SPHP began to wonder if Lupe was going to cliff out at some point, and have to backtrack a bit?

By a Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 cairn. Peak 12555 (Center). Photo looks ESE.
On the rocks. Conejos Peak (R). Photo looks W.
Back to the tundra, still on faint Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719. Peak 12555 (Center). Photo looks ESE.
HP13044 (L) and HP12904 (R) from along the N rim. Photo looks NW.

Didn’t happen.  Happily, no backtracking required.  Lupe came to a very short little scrambly part, but it was easily dealt with.  Clear sailing the rest of the way down to Rincon Trail No. 722, the only caveat being that huge portions of the gently sloping grasslands below the scramble were hidden beneath a vast field of foot deep slushy snow.

Just below the little scrambly part (L). Photo looks WNW.

Missing the trail, the Carolina Dog headed NE down to a marshy region.  No snow here, but plenty of shallow standing water.  Sloshing through it amid more of the low brown bushes of the type first encountered at Tobacco Lake, it was decision time.

Peak 12555 was now a good mile SE.  The terrain leading to it all looked perfectly easy, but the summit was another 500+ feet higher.  On the other paw, Rincon Trail No. 722 leading back to Saddle Creek wasn’t any more than 0.2 mile NW, and a mere 50 feet higher.  All downhill from there, too!

So, how are you feeling, SPHP?  We’re as close to Peak 12555 right now as we’re ever going to be.  Still want to do it?

Guess the elevation’s getting to me, Loop.  Any uphill at all feels like more of a trudge than I’m really looking forward to at this point.

Aww, come on!  It’s just a big hill!  You can stop for breathers as often as you like, SPHP.

Yeah, “big” and “hill” are the only parts I have any objection to, but you’re right, Loopster.  We’re here.  Let’s do it.  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Peak 12555 (R) from the edge of the marsh. Photo looks SE.

6-15-23, 4:38 PM, 48ºF, Peak 12555 – The highest points of a nearly level plain of grass were along the precipitous E edge of a vast summit region.  Lupe arrived in a chilly 20 mph W wind, discovering 2 cairns perched along this edge, and a long, thin snowbank clinging a few feet below the rim.  A big crack snaking lengthwise down the middle of this snowbank showed that half of it would soon be doomed to plunge into the abyss.

Sensing something out on this enormous plain, Lupe dashed off to do some furious digging.  Meanwhile, SPHP was surprised to see a glass jar at the base of the S cairn.

By the S cairn on Peak 12555’s summit. Photo looks SSE.
Digging for something. Gramps Peak (L) on the horizon. Photo looks SW.

Although unproductive, evidently the digging was very satisfying.  The American Dingo soon returned with a big smile.

Back at the S cairn. Photo looks NNE.

Anything left to eat, SPHP?

Taste of the Wild is it, Loopster.  And water, if you need it.

Some of both, please!

After eating only part of her Taste of the Wild, Lupe laid down next to the cairn.

Found another registry here, SPHP?

Yes, seems a rather unlikely spot for one, but I’m adding your name, Loop.  Oddly, whoever started this registry last October didn’t even add their own name.  The only entry before yours was made only 5 days ago on 6-10-23.

As the excitement of the digging wore off, the effects of a long day in the mountains soon had Lupe nodding off.  SPHP let her doze.

Nodding off by the cairn.

Although they weren’t up to Conejos Peak standards, the views were all beautiful.  To the E, a long section of the Conejos River valley was in sight.  Gramps Peak, Fets Peak, and Chalk Benchmark were all off to the SW.  A distant glimpse of Peak 12727 and Snow Benchmark was due W.  The best view of all, though, was looking WNW back at Conejos Peak and the long E ridge Lupe had come down.

Peak 12727 (R of Center), Snow Benchmark (R beyond the ridge). Photo looks W.
Conejos Peak (Center), HP13044 (R of Center), HP12904 (R). Photo looks WNW.

With miles to go along a partially unexplored route, Lupe couldn’t stay long.  Her nap had done her some good, though, and the rest break had helped SPHP, too.  Less than half an hour after arriving, Lupe left the cairns along the E edge of Peak 12555 heading NW.

During her descent, Lupe went over both HP12221 and HP12160.  Finding another cairn atop the latter, she paused for a final look at Conejos Peak from this last high point.

Conejos Peak (L), HP13044 (R) from the cairn on HP12160. Photo looks WNW.

Heading down HP12160‘s SW slope, Lupe found Rincon Trail No. 722.  After curving NE, the trail made one big switchback back to the W on HP12160‘s N slope, before veering NE again.

Back on Rincon Trail No. 722. Photo looks NE.

But the Carolina Dog didn’t go NE.  Entering the forest, the trail vanished beneath feet of snow.  Turning NW, Lupe once again abandoned the trail, starting a steep descent on a mostly forested slope.  Deadfall to contend with, but this slope was snow-free.

It was a long way down to an amazing hidden valley S of where Rincon Trail No. 722 crosses Saddle Creek.  After crossing a tributary, Lupe still wound up traveling N on huge mounds of snow through deep woods.  However, she’d already lost most of the elevation she needed too, and before long came out right where she was supposed to at the Rincon Trail ford on Saddle Creek.

Back at Saddle Creek. Photo looks NW.

Boots and socks already soaking wet from all the snowfields, SPHP was first to wade right in.  Lupe soon followed.  The rest of the return along Rincon Trail No. 722 was uneventful.  Determining which way the trail went beneath all the mounds of snow seemed easier going downhill.

6-15-23, 7:22 PM, 50ºF, Rincon trailhead along USFS Road No. 105 – It was over.  Conejos Peak and Peak 12555 had been a long, but spectacular and successful day.  Both weary, Lupe was on her pink blanket in the RAV4, while SPHP heated up chicken and dumplings for dinner.

Conejos Peak was the first mountain the American Dingo ever climbed in the mighty San Juan Range, but wasn’t going to be the last.  In fact, Lupe might have seen her next objective while up on Conejos Peak.  It had been somewhere off to the NW, lost or unrecognized in the brewing snow granule mini-blizzard.

SPHP wondered what she would find there?

On Conejos Peak, San Juan Mountains, Colorado 6-15-23
Conejos Peak GPS track (ascent)
Conejos Peak to Peak 12555 GPS track

Links:

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Conejos Peak GPS Track (Scrollable Ascent)

Peak 12555 GPS Track (Scrollable Ascent)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 323 – Peak 6057: A Black Elk Wilderness Adventure (1-21-24)

11:21 AM, 46ºF, Horse Thief Lake – Cabin fever!  That was what had been ailing Lupe all through a 10 day long cold snap of absolutely frigid weather, even for January.  However, that was all history now.  Going to be a nice day today, and the American Dingo was in high spirits as she leapt out of the RAV4.  A Black Hills expedition is a always a sure-fire cure for cabin fever!

Sheesh!  Checked the snow depth maps before we left home, Loopster.  Only supposed to be 2″ of snow up here.  Actually more like 6″!

Oh, please!  We’re still going, aren’t we, SPHP?  It’s been so boring at home!

Yeah, don’t worry, Loop.  We’re still going.  All this snow isn’t going to make things any easier, but we’ll be OK.

A short trek from the parking lot got the Carolina Dog to the start of Horse Thief Lake Trail No. 14.  SPHP barely glanced at a posted map of the Black Elk Wilderness trail system.  Lupe had been here plenty of times before.

Start of Horse Thief Lake Trail No. 14. Photo looks SSW.
Black Elk Wilderness trail system.

Well, you ready, Looper?  Days are mighty short in January, and we’re off to a rather late start.  It’s Onward!  Puppy, ho! time.

SPHP didn’t have to say it twice.  The American Dingo set off heading S on Horse Thief Lake Trail No. 14.  The first part of the trail climbed a bit.  Didn’t amount to much except that in some places the small stream that ran along the trail had flown over it and frozen into a sheet of ice.  Lupe did fine, but the ice was so slick that SPHP had to exercise caution.

By an ice-coved section of the trail. Photo looks SSE.

After passing a frozen waterfall on the L, the trail leveled out and wasn’t so icy.  Even SPHP was making great time.  Soon Lupe was approaching some of the towering granite formations common throughout the Black Elk Wilderness.

Granite formations along the way. Photo looks S.
Near some of the vertical granite. Photo looks SSE.

After 0.7 mile, Lupe reached the first trail junction.  To the L, Centennial Trail No. 89 headed S.  To the R was a section of trail comprising part of both the Horse Thief Lake and Centennial trails.

At the junction with Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks S.
Intersection signage.
Sunlit spires near the Horse Thief Lake/Centennial trails junction. Photo looks E.

Go R here, Loopster.  We need to head W.

Fine, SPHP, but what’s our destination, anyway?  You haven’t said.

Setting off on the section of trail that’s part of both Horsethief Lake Trail No. 14 and Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SW.

Heh, not likely to reach our destination, Loop.  More than likely we’re on a wild goose chase.  Intend to solve a Black Elk Wilderness mystery today.

Intriguing.  Sort of.  Care to quit beating around the bush and clue me in on what you’re thinking, SPHP?

I thought you were a mind reader, Loopster.

Sometimes I am, SPHP.  You’re being mighty cryptic, though.

Only 5 minutes on the shared section of trail, and Lupe made it to the point where Horsethief Lake Trail No. 14 and Centennial Trail No. 89 parted ways again.  No signage here.

Go R again, Looper.  We’re taking Centennial Trail No. 89 from here.

Only a few tracks in the snow went that way, none of them recent, as the Centennial trail immediately climbed toward a big boulder.

On Centennial Trail No. 89, the path less taken. Photo looks NW.

Once past the boulder, Centennial Trail No. 89 wove its way W, climbing along the S side of a fairly shallow valley.  As Lupe got higher, granite spires she’d passed on Horse Thief Lake Trail No. 14 were visible back to the E.  However, since she was now going the opposite direction, for the most part, the Carolina Dog saw only trees.

Gradually climbing through the forest. Photo looks W.
On a beautiful filtered sunlight stretch. Photo looks W.

After roughly 0.33 mile, Lupe reached Pass 5380.  Nothing to be seen here except snow and forest.  Continuing W over the pass, glimpses of a high hill capped by a massive granite formation soon appeared ahead.

Deep in the forest at Pass 5380. Photo looks NW.
The soaring granite-capped hill (Center). Photo looks W.

Awesome, but I hope that’s not where we’re going, SPHP!  We’d never make it to the top.  That’s genuine rock climber territory to be sure, at least from this side.

No, we’re not going there, Loop, but that’s sort of what I expect Peak 6057 will be like from the looks of the topo map.

Really?  Peak 6057 is a fail already then, SPHP.  Why even bother?

Because it was already in the Peakbagger.com database when we started your account in May, 2014, and we’ve never checked it out.  In fact, no one else on Peakbagger has ever reported an ascent of Peak 6057, either.  Zero ascents, zero attempts.

OK!  And what does that tell you, SPHP?  Everyone takes one glance at the topo map, and very sensibly says it ain’t happening!

Yes, and no doubt they’re most likely right, but that’s not 100% certain.  Besides, Peak 6057 has been on your list of places to go, bugging me for nearly 10 years now.  About time we solved the mystery of whether or not we can climb it, Loopster.  Even if its not possible, we’ll still enjoy a great off-trail Black Elk Wilderness adventure!

Doesn’t sound as mysterious as you’re letting on, SPHP.

Be that as it may –  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Continuing W, Centennial Trail No. 89 descended into a valley.  As soon as Lupe crossed the drainage at the valley floor, SPHP called a halt.

OK, this is it.  We leave the trail here, Loop.

Simply fabulous!  In addition to being doomed to failure, we’re in for one heck of a bushwhack, aren’t we, SPHP?

It’s the Black Elk Wilderness, Looper.  Expect no less.

About to leave Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SE.

Abandoning the trail, SPHP led Lupe SSE through a thicket of tall, thin bushes.  Pushing through them was an annoyingly slow process, even on this level terrain.  Once through the worst of the initial tangle, Lupe took the lead.

Leading the way. Photo looks SSE.

Ah-ha!  Not so bad now, is it, Loopster?  Just keep going up this valley.  Plan is to follow it all the way to its upper S end, turn W climbing up and out, then swing around to the N to approach Peak 6057 from the S.

It was a terrific plan, extremely well thought out as readily confirmed by the topo map, except for one thing.  At the first bend, the valley ahead was choked with deadfall and endless thickets of the tall, thin trees or bushes.  Furthermore, the valley floor was no longer flat.

Hemmed in by a near vertical granite wall on the R, and a steep, forested slope on the L, Lupe was forced to keep leaping over one obstacle after another amid belly deep snow and rough terrain, occasionally crossing a tiny tributary of Pine Creek.

One obstacle after another ahead. Photo looks SSW.

Even though Lupe never complained, it wasn’t long before SPHP devised a new most excellent plan.

Dingo feathers!  Enough of this, Loopster!  Peak 6057 isn’t that far, but it’s going to take us forever and a day to get there this way.  Let’s get up out of these dang bushes down by the stream, then I’ll check the map to see what our options are.

Continuing only far enough to get to where some room opened up below the rock wall on the R, Lupe climbed just high enough into the forest to get above the jungle down by the stream.

How’s this, SPHP?  You can check your map here.

Perfect, Loop.  Give me just a moment.

Waiting for SPHP to check the map. Photo looks NW.

Hmm.  Well, looks like we ought to be able to head W from here, Looper.  Actually a shortcut, if it works.  On the other paw, if the terrain gets too steep, we might still be able to head S paralleling the valley floor, thereby sticking more or less to the original plan.

The American Dingo’s ascent of Peak 6057 began in earnest as Lupe headed W, now climbing steadily.  Early on, she passed a region of big boulders.  A long stretch of uniformly steep open forest came next.  Quite a bit of deadfall strewn about here, but it wasn’t too bad.

After gaining 160 feet of elevation, a huge granite hill hundreds of feet higher appeared ahead.  Approaching a much lower ledge that looked like it might provide initial views, the snow deepened.  Bedrock under the snow was very slippery, but by staying toward the R, Lupe found an easy way up onto this first ledge.

Approaching the ledge. Photo looks WSW.

The sky was clouding up, a bit of a chill in the air, as Lupe reached the top of the ledge.  She could see a long way E, but the most striking view was of several enormous granite formations 0.5 mile SSE.

Up on the ledge. Photo looks SSE.

Wow!  Gorgeous up here, SPHP, but if any of those rugged formations is Peak 6057, your mystery is solved.  It’s a no go.

Splendid, aren’t they, Loop?  Typical Black Elk Wilderness.  And no, none of them are Peak 6057.  They’re all off in the wrong direction.

Can we take a break here, SPHP?  I’m getting hungry.

Kind of snowy.  Let’s get a little higher, Looper.  Maybe we can find a dry spot that isn’t solid rock?

Leaving the ledge, a deep valley to the S forced the Carolina Dog to angle WNW in order to keep climbing.  Lupe sometimes had views of the much higher massive granite formation across the valley, but it wasn’t Peak 6057, either.  SPHP was becoming concerned over whether or not Lupe was going to be able to get across the valley, because she was eventually going to need to, when a snow-free dry spot appeared by a big pillar.

This looks good, Loopster.  Let’s take a break here.

Continuing on in search of Peak 6057 and a place to take a break. Photo looks NNW.
The massive granite summit across the valley. Photo looks SSW.
Loopster by the rest break pillar. Photo looks ENE.

1:58 PM, at the rest break pillar 1/6 mile ENE of Peak 6057

Chocolate coconut bar, Loopster?

Don’t mind if I do, SPHP, but why so generous?  We haven’t even made our attempt on Peak 6057 yet.

Yeah, well, I’ve already been catching glimpses of Peak 6057.  What I’ve seen of the E side looks utterly impossible.

Oh, sorry to hear that, SPHP.  Disappointing, but even you were expecting it to be that way.

That’s the way the Black Elk Wilderness mystery crumbles, Loop.  Haven’t completely given up hope yet.  The highest ground I’m confident we can get to is over on the SW side of Peak 6057.  Distance-wise, we’ll actually be close to the summit.  Elevation-wise, not so much, unless the situation looks a lot different over there.

The chocolate coconut bar had vanished in a flash.  Lupe had a silver bowl full of Taste of the Wild.  SPHP munched the usual apple.  Apple consumed, it was time.

Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Still climbing, although not as steeply as before, Lupe steadily closed in on Peak 6057.  None of the what could be seen of the E face looked the least bit encouraging – nothing but towering vertical walls.  The Carolina Dog hadn’t reached them yet, when an opening appeared to the WSW.

Think we’re past that valley to the S now!  The terrain doesn’t look bad at all.  Quite a bit of deadfall, but we’ll get through it.  Head that way, Loop.  We can start circling around to the SW side of Peak 6057 from here.

Start of the deadfall-strewn passage around the S side of Peak 6057. Photo looks SW.

The snow was belly deep on Lupe, the deadfall ghastly.  SPHP’s progress was dreadfully slow, but Lupe didn’t complain.  SPHP soon concluded that the fastest way around the S side of Peak 6057 would be to go right up next to its soaring granite walls.

Heading for Peak 6057 (Center). Photo looks WNW.

As expected, the territory next to the granite walls proved to be a maze of deadfall and boulders, but this was the shortest route, likely no worse than circling more widely through the almost equally challenging region farther from the peak.

Near Peak 6057’s granite walls. Photo looks WSW.
The mountain’s SE face. Photo looks NW.

Working along the S side of the mountain eventually revealed the high ground Lupe intended to explore SW of the summit.  Although difficult territory due to all the deadfall, it was actually very scenic, featuring several separate enormous spires.

First view of the SW spires (L & Center). Photo looks W.
Peak 6057’s S face. Photo looks NW.

Scrambling amid all the boulders and deadfall along the S side of the mountain, it had already become clear that Lupe wasn’t going to find any magic route to the top.  Already mentally prepared, it wasn’t such a terrible disappointment.  No regrets.  Seldom seen by Dingo or human, this Black Elk Wilderness scenery was fantastic!

S of Peak 6057. Photo looks W.
Looking ESE.
Close to the spires. Photo looks WNW.

Funny how nature can be such a mess, SPHP, and yet the overall effect is absolutely gorgeous!

True enough, Loopster.  Wish it worked that way at home.  Never does, though.  Quite the opposite!

As Lupe got around to the SW side of Peak 6057, the potential arose to explore a couple of narrow regions between the spires and the main mass of granite.

Next to a narrow opening. Photo looks N.

Want to explore one of these cracks, SPHP?  We’re here now!

Might as well see how high we can get, Loop!

A faint flicker of hope that maybe there really was a way to the top of Peak 6057 stirred as Lupe entered a narrow passage.  That would be so awesome!

A short climb, and Lupe reached a spot that was a dead end for her, but after giving the Carolina Dog a boost, SPHP scrambled up, too.

In the crack. Photo looks SSE.

This is so cool!  It keeps going, SPHP!

It does, but be careful, Loopster, and don’t get too far ahead.  Might easily come to a sheer drop in here.

At the upper end of the crack. Photo looks NW.

Lupe quickly reached the top of the crack.  No sheer drop.  No route to Peak 6057‘s summit, either.  Beyond its high point, the crack widened out, revealing a view of Elkhorn Mountain (6,440 ft.), another giant knob of granite.

Elkhorn Mountain (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.
Elkhorn Mountain (L). Its N shoulder (Center & R). Photo looks WNW.

And that was it.  Standing there at the upper end of the crack, Lupe was done.  The American Dingo couldn’t go any higher.

How far below the summit do you think we are, SPHP?

Hard to say, Loop.  Your GPS track claims we’re at 5,927 feet, which agrees pretty well with the topo map, but neither one’s completely accurate.

130 feet below Peak 6057’s summit then?  Well, we can still get there, SPHP.  All you have to do is rent us a helicopter!

Yeah, guess that should have been the plan all along.  Not happening today, no helicopter rentals around here.  Getting late, anyway.  We better find our way back to Centennial Trail No. 89, Loopster.  No sense in getting ourselves stranded way out here on a January night!

A short scramble down to the SW from the wide end of the crack was an incredible jumble of boulders and deadfall.

Starting the descent after going all the way through the crack. Photo looks S.

Couple more things before we go, Loopster.  Let’s head SW far enough to get a photo of Peak 6057 from that direction since this side was our best shot at finding a way to the top.  From the end of the crack, I also caught a glimpse of Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) way off to the SW.  Maybe we can find a spot with a clearer view of it, too?

Despite all the snow and deadfall, Lupe soon completed both missions.

Peak 6057’s SW face. Photo looks NE.
Another look for all you ambitious rock climbers out there! Photo looks NE.
Black Elk Peak (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

The Peak 6057 mystery had been solved as far as Lupe was concerned, but her Black Elk Wilderness adventure wasn’t over yet.  Exploring W, then N, through the snowy woods, the return to Centennial Trail No. 89 was a scenic and more challenging endeavor than expected.

Eventually heading NE down a long, surprisingly rugged valley, progress was awfully slow.

Still exploring during the return. Photo looks NW.
Descending into the valley NW of Peak 6057. Photo looks N.
Down in the valley, on the way back to Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks NNE.

Light was fading fast, when Lupe came to an unexpected ancient trail running through the forest.  This clearly wasn’t Centennial Trail No. 89, but greatly helped speed SPHP’s progress.

5:04 PM, dusk at Pine Creek – Suddenly, it was over.  Lupe was standing on Centennial Trail No. 89, a veritable super highway through the Black Elk Wilderness.

Back on Centennial Trail No. 89 in the Pine Creek valley. Photo looks NE.

Hah!  Great job!  We made it, Looper.

We always do, SPHP.

Yeah, in this business everyone bats 1,000, until one day you don’t.

The rest was easy.  Lupe followed Centennial Trail No. 89 back to where she’d left it, then retraced her earlier route back to Horse Thief Lake.

6:09 PM, 37ºF – Emerging at the Horse Thief Lake trailhead, crusty snow crunched beneath SPHP’s boots.  Moonlight streamed over the access road as Lupe trotted back to the RAV4 while the silent stars glittered overhead.  At long last, Peak 6057 was done.

S of Peak 6057, Black Elk Wilderness, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-21-24
Lupe’s GPS track.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                      Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe’s Scrollable Peak 6057 GPS Track

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West Spanish Peak, Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado (6-13-23)

Days 6 & 7 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico!

6-12-23, 8:53 AM, N Blue Lake off USFS Road No. 369 – Got cold last night!  Lupe woke early to ice on the RAV4.  After a 10 minute dawn patrol, the Carolina Dog had returned to her pink blanket.  SPHP worked on the trip journal while she snoozed.  Outside, thunder heralded the onset of rain and fog, followed shortly by hail and enough snow pellets to turn the ground white.

Sunny now, though.  The American Dingo had already enjoyed a short romp through the forest to an ancient corral at the end of USFS Road No. 369.1Q, and was now busy dividing her time between a chipmunk hiding underneath the RAV4 and sniffing around near scenic N Blue Lake.

Morning at North Blue Lake. Photo looks SE.
North Peak (R of Center) from N Blue Lake. Photo looks E.

I love it here, SPHP!  So beautiful, and so much fun!

Enjoy it while you can, Loopster.  Half an hour, and we’ll be on our way.

6-12-23, 1:06 PM, Hwy 12 NE of La Veta –

There they are, Loop.  Site of your next adventure – the Spanish Peaks!

Which one are we going to climb, SPHP?  Or will we be climbing both?

E Spanish Peak (L) and W Spanish Peak (R) from Hwy 12. Photo looks S.

Only the biggest one, Looper.  Third highest mountain you will have ever been on, if we make it.  West Spanish Peak is also the Las Animas county, Colorado high point, too.

Wow!  Looks pretty big, SPHP.

Yeah, I’ve read there’s a long steep talus climb that I’m kind of worried about.  We’ll just have to see how it goes.  Greenhorn Mountain was a gimme compared to West Spanish.

6-12-23, 4:27 PM, USFS Road No. 46, S of La Veta – Today was just a rest and positioning day.  After scouting out Cordova Pass, the trailhead for West Spanish Peak (13,626 ft.) located 6 miles from Cuchara Pass on USFS Road No. 46, SPHP drove clear back to the more sheltered John B. Farley Memorial Wildflower Overlook.

The terrain around the wildflower overlook was steep, but by exploring back up USFS Road No. 46 a little way, Lupe managed to find a beautiful level field of dandelions in which to enjoy a sunny late afternoon romp.  Evening, however, brought a cold, dense fog.

At the John B. Farley Memorial Wildflower Overlook. Photo looks WNW.
Enjoying an afternoon romp. Photo looks NE.

6-13-23, 6:42 AM, 40ºF, John Farley Memorial Wildflower Overlook –  Blue skies!  Last evening’s fog was but a memory.  SPHP fired up the RAV4.  20 minutes later, Lupe was at Cordova Pass.  West Spanish Peak was a go!

At Cordova Pass. Photo looks W.
Posted information at the trailhead.

6-13-23, 7:28 AM, 37ºF, Cordova Pass – The pack was ready.  Despite a certain degree of trepidation after seeing how steep West Spanish Peak was yesterday, it was now or never.

Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Certainly nothing to worry about at the start.  West Peak trail No. 1390 began flat as a pancake as Lupe left the trailhead trotting into a forest.  After a quick 0.25 mile, the Salazar trail branched off to the L.  Just past this fork, Lupe emerged from the forest, entering a huge meadow.  On the far side, a more extensive forest stretched all the way to the base of mighty West Spanish Peak (13,626 ft.).

Start of West Peak trail No. 1390 at Cordova Pass. Photo looks N.
Along the first stretch of forest. Photo looks NE.
Approaching the junction with the Salazar trail. Photo looks NE.
West Spanish Peak (R) from the meadow. Photo looks NE.

Hmm.  West Spanish Peak’s not looking any easier from here, Looper.

Won’t know what it’s really like until we get there, SPHP.

Lupe kept going, quickly crossing the meadow.  Shortly after entering the next forest, Levi Krier trail No. 1392 split off to the L.  West Peak trail No. 1390 now began a long, gradual descent.

At the junction with Levi Krier trail No. 1392 (L). West Peak trail No. 1390 (R). Photo looks NE.
Signage at the junction.

For a while, the American Dingo came to no more side trails, except an unmarked one that went 50 feet up onto a ridge to the L.  Sticking with what appeared to be the main West Peak trail, it continued slowly losing elevation before finally bottoming out.

6-13-23, 8:12 AM – Still in forest, Lupe reached a junction with Apishapa trail No. 1324.  By now, West Peak trail No. 1390 had turned SE for a little way, and regained a fair amount of the elevation that had been slowly lost.  The West Peak trail made a nearly 180º turn back to the NW here, while the Apishapa trail continued straight.  Wouldn’t be that hard to miss this turn due to the way the signage was oriented, except that the Apishapa trail was not as well traveled.

Apishapa trail No. 1324 continues straight here, while West Peak trail No. 1390 makes a U-turn L. Photo looks SE.
Same junction after Lupe made the turn. The lower trail returns to Cordova Pass. The upper one goes to West Spanish Peak. Photo looks NW.
This signage does not face the hiker on the way to West Spanish Peak. Only the back side is visible on the L when coming from Cordova Pass.

Beyond this junction, West Peak trail No. 1390 began a steady climb made easier by a series of switchbacks.  So far, there had been virtually no clearings in the forest, but within minutes, Lupe came to an opening with a view back to the SW of the big meadow she’d crossed with snowy Trinchera Peak (13,517 ft.) lined up behind it.

The huge meadow (foreground) and Trinchera Peak (R of Center). Photo looks SW.

20 minutes later, the switchbacks ended as Lupe reached a small, flat meadow with gritty soil.  A short water and beef jerky break was taken here while admiring and studying the view of West Spanish Peak, which was now much closer.  A new worry presented itself.  Although it was still early, clouds were already spreading across much of the sky.

West Spanish Peak from the small meadow. Photo looks NE.

We better not dilly-dally here too long, Looper.

Ready when you are, SPHP!

Beyond the small meadow, the West Peak trail returned to the forest, and began climbing again at a gradually increasing pace.  Another series of switchbacks appeared as the slope steepened.  Lupe soon came upon a snowbank several feet high over the trail.

Crossing the snowbank was easy.  Just past it, the Carolina Dog reached another switchback.  This turn was out in the open, providing the first big view to the N.

Crossing the snowbank. Photo looks N.
Blanca Peak (L) on the horizon, Mount Mestas (far R). Photo looks NNW.

Impressive view already, SPHP!

It is, Loop!  That must be Blanca Peak (14,345 ft.) on the NW horizon, and Mount Mestas (11,569 ft.) sitting out there alone on the R.

What about that distant range between them, SPHP?  Can you pick out Greenhorn Mountain from here?

No, not really.  That area is so far away, that I can’t tell what’s what.

Ever consider investing in binoculars, SPHP?

Some fine day, Loopster.

From this viewpoint, the trail once again turned sharply back to the SE, re-entering the forest before quickly leaving it again.  Ahead, the next turn, a big curve completely out in the open, provided another grand view of Trinchera Peak (13,517 ft.), plus a long string of peaks farther S extending all the way to Culebra Peak (14,047 ft.).

Culebra Peak (L) and Trinchera Peak (R) on the horizon. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe was now at treeline.  The trail made one more jog back to the N, where the American Dingo reached an enormous cairn.

By the enormous cairn. Photo looks NE.

6-13-23, 9:06 AM – This was it, the crux of the matter.  No more forests, meadows or switchbacks.  Beyond the cairn, which apparently marked the official end of West Peak trail No. 1390, the SW face of West Spanish Peak soared toward an as yet unseen summit less than a mile away.

Shoot!  No worries, SPHP!  Steep enough, but doesn’t look that bad, except maybe close to the top.  We’ve done slopes like this plenty of times before.  This one’s just super long.  The talus isn’t even very big.

Got to agree, Looper.  I’m encouraged!  Like you say, looks like the crucial area is the region just below that upper rim.  Appears it all depends on how steep and loose it gets up there.  Heck of a trudge, though, so we best get started.  We’re still a good 1,700 to 1,800 feet below the summit.

As Lupe started up the mountain, there was another favorable sign.  The general cloudiness which had been building rapidly not so long ago, was now actually burning away to some degree.

Following a use path, Lupe went up a series of several humps partially covered with low green vegetation.  Beyond them, the slope steepened some more as the American Dingo entered a world of nothing but rock.

Off to a good start down where there was still a bit of greenery. Photo looks NE.
Among some of the larger rocks. Photo looks NE.

Lupe really seemed into it!  The Carolina Dog climbed and climbed.  Meanwhile, laggard SPHP huffed and puffed, frequently pausing for breathers.  The use trail became braided, offering a variety of routes.  In some places, the talus was so small that SPHP would have considered it scree, but then, what did SPHP know about such things?  In other places, short sections of the trails were simply hard-packed grit.

A few little patches of snow were ahead.  Happy to reach them, Lupe chomped away at the snow.  Numerous tiny frozen waterfalls among the rocks were just starting to drip in the morning sun.  Toward the L, bands of exposed bedrock formed lines of small cliffs and ledges.  Looked like Lupe would soon be above them, but more kept appearing above.

Enjoying a patch of snow. Photo looks NE.
Below a small band of bedrock. Photo looks NNE.
Among the tiny frozen waterfalls. Photo looks NE.

The enormous slope was very steep, but uniform.  Nothing scary at all.  No super tough scrambles higher, edges of precipices, etc.  For the most part, the talus was pretty stable.  Even SPHP caused surprisingly little rock slide.  Bigger chunks were nearly always firmly anchored.

Lupe did fantastic!  SPHP kept stopping to gasp for air, sometimes even sitting down for a few minutes.  Chocolate peanut butter bars and beef jerky were often shared during these short breaks to keep energy levels from crashing.

It was a long way up.  Yet, bit by bit, despite more terrain continuing to appear above, even SPHP was getting there.

Peering back down the slope. Photo looks SSW.
Loopster ready to keep going. Photo looks SSE.
Leading the way. Photo looks NE.

Lupe was still 300 feet from the top when a line of snowbanks along the S side of the West Spanish Peak’s summit ridge first came into view.   The steepest part of the climb that came near the end, just before gaining the ridgeline, really wasn’t any worse than the rest of the ascent.

Suddenly Lupe was there, up on a broad, almost level region near the W end of the summit ridge.  Still some elevation yet to be gained from here, but it was basically a romp.  Turning E, Lupe crossed a big snowfield, then started the final part of her ascent in search of the true summit.

Snow along the upper S side of West Spanish Peak’s summit ridge. Photo looks ENE.
On the lower W end of the summit ridge. Photo looks ENE.

6-13-23, 11:30 AM, 52ºF, West Spanish Peak (13,626 ft.) –  The highest part of the summit ridge was several hundred feet long.  Arriving at the W end, Lupe discovered a cairn.  Whether this cairn was actually at the true summit or not wasn’t completely clear.  A couple more minor high points farther E were at least in contention.  Hardly mattered, since any elevation differences along the entire upper ridge were minimal.

SPHP examined the cairn.

By the summit cairn on West Spanish Peak. East Spanish Peak (L of Center). Photo looks ENE.

Well, shucks!

What’s wrong, SPHP?

This is a day to remember, Loop!  West Spanish Peak is the 3rd highest mountain you’ve ever summited.  Haven’t been this high since you climbed Mount Massive nearly 8 years ago.  Wanted to enter your name in the registry, but there doesn’t seem to be one.

You can still shake my paw and congratulate me, SPHP.

Why, of course.  Congratulations, Loopster!  Well done, sweet puppy!  We actually made it.

Thank you, SPHP!  Can we take a break now?  It’s been quite a climb.

Sure, but let’s go over to the E end of the ridge first, Looper.  We can tag the other high points along the way.

A long snowbank clung to the S side of the summit ridge.  Lupe had to go over part of it on her way to the E end, which she didn’t mind at all.

On the way to the E end of the summit ridge. Blanca Peak (R) on the horizon. Photo looks WNW.
Cooling off near the E end. Trinchera Peak (L). Photo looks W.
Trinchera Peak with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.
Culebra Peak. Photo looks SSW.

You somehow managed to forget to bring the chocolate coconut bars on this Dingo Vacation, SPHP.  What else have you got in that pack?

Well now, let’s see.  How does a Full Moon Savory Stick or a chocolate peanut butter bar sound, Looper?

How about both, SPHP?  And Taste of the Wild and water, too.

Your wish is my command, oh famished one!  Coming right up.

The sky was quite cloudy now.  Although Lupe was usually in sunshine, rain showers were in all directions, especially dark and a little ominous off to the W.  SPHP kept an eye on developments in that direction.  So far, no cause for alarm.

Rain showers beyond the town of La Veta. Mount Mestas (far L). Photo looks N.
The dark horizon. Photo looks SW.

The 2 Spanish Peaks being somewhat isolated from others, views were tremendous in all directions.  East Spanish Peak (12,683 ft.), less than 5 miles ENE, was a big mountain, yet nearly 1,000 feet lower.

East Spanish Peak (Center). Photo looks ENE.
Another angle. East Spanish Peak (R). Photo looks NE.

Other than East Spanish Peak, nothing anywhere toward the E was even remotely close to being as high as West Spanish Peak.  The green plains of eastern Colorado stretched away to a murky horizon.  Only lowlands existed toward the S, too.  Lupe could see some high mountains to the N, but they were very far away.   Only significantly lower ones, the highest of which was Mount Mestas (11,569 ft.), were relatively nearby.

Thousands of feet below, several long, thin lines of rock radiated away to the N from the base of West Spanish Peak.

Peering down West Spanish Peak’s N slope. Photo looks N.

Mighty Blanca Peak (14,345 ft.) dominated an impressive group near the NW horizon.  Somewhat closer, a long line of partially snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Range peaks ran all the way from the WNW clear down to Culebra Peak (14,047 ft.) on the SSW horizon.

By the time only 15 minutes remained of Lupe’s traditional summit hour, numerous cumulus clouds were sailing over West Spanish Peak.  Dark showers off to the W had already advanced to the nearest line of snowy mountains, and were still coming this way.  Abandoning the E end of the summit ridge, Loopster headed back toward the cairn.

At possibly the true summit on the way back to the cairn (R). Photo looks WNW.

Hanging out by the cairn, the Carolina Dog watched conditions steadily deteriorate as what was left of her summit hour slipped away.  Either fog or a cloudburst made it past the snowy peaks, apparently now destined straight for West Spanish Peak.

Up on the cairn. Mount Mestas (R). Blanca Peak (far L) obscured by clouds. Photo looks NNW.
Atop West Spanish Peak as the storm approaches. Photo looks WSW.
Monitoring the situation with a view of the lower W end of the summit ridge. Photo looks SW.

6-13-23, 12:29 PM, West Spanish Peak summit – Lupe stood by the cairn, East Spanish Peak beyond her beneath an increasingly dramatic sky.

A final look at East Spanish Peak (L of Center) from West Spanish Peak’s summit. Photo looks ENE.

Is our hour up yet, SPHP?

One more minute, Loopster!  Hate to abandon such a glorious perch, but we may have already overstayed our welcome.

Haven’t heard any thunder yet, SPHP.  Why don’t you start down first?  I’ll linger here a bit longer, then catch up.

Loathe to leave, SPHP stuck around a few more minutes, praising Lupe on her successful ascent while watching the darkening sky amid rain showers all around.  SPHP finally set off back down the W ridge while the Carolina Dog remained, now poised alone atop West Spanish Peak.

Heading down the W ridge. Photo looks SW.
Glancing down the NW slope. Photo looks NW.
Last moments atop West Spanish Peak. Photo looks ENE.

Ever faithful, Lupe couldn’t stand to let SPHP get too far away.  Before long, she came streaking across the snow, overtaking SPHP in nothing flat.  Passing by a collection of boulders, the biggest rocks she’d seen on West Spanish Peak, Lupe paused long enough to scramble up onto them.

Up on the lower W ridge boulders. Photo looks SW.

Looks like we’re in for it, SPHP!

Afraid so, Loopster.

How long before the storm hits, SPHP?

15, maybe 20 minutes.  No more than that.  Let’s hope it’s just a squall.

Nothing happened.  Shortly after Lupe started down that very long steep SW slope, the weather changed.  The storm began breaking up.  Drifting off to the N, its remnants missed West Spanish Peak entirely.  By the time the American Dingo made it back to West Peak trail No. 1390, it was a beautiful day.

Back down on the switchbacks.

The return was easy.  Never tiring, Lupe led the way.  On the other paw, SPHP sometimes had to take rest breaks even on minor inclines.  Lupe paused now and then, too, glancing wistfully back at West Spanish Peak.

Bidding West Spanish Peak (Center) farewell. Photo looks NE.
Final look back from the huge meadow. Photo looks NE.

6-13-23, 3:30 PM – It was sunny, breezy, and cool when Lupe made it back to Cordova Pass.  The Carolina Dog did seem happy to leap into the RAV4 and curl up on her pink blanket.  SPHP somehow summoned the energy required to provide food and water before passing out.  A 3 hour joint nap ensued.

When SPHP finally came to again, it was cold and windy.  Returning to the much lower John B. Farley Memorial Wildflower Overlook 0.5 mile from Cuchara Pass suddenly seemed like a terrific idea.

6-13-23, 7:00 PM, John B. Farley Memorial Wildflower Overlook – The sky was full of clouds when Lupe arrived.  5 minutes later, a combination of rain and sleet set in.  Rained and sleeted the rest of the evening, at times quite hard.  By the time the light began to dim, a thick fog had moved in.

No matter.  What a grand and glorious day!  The day before she turned 12.5 years old, Lupe had been to West Spanish Peak (13,626 ft.)!

West Spanish Peak, Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado 6-13-23
Legends of Spanish Peaks
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Greenhorn Mountain, Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado (6-11-23)

Days 3-5 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico!

6-9-23, 7:00 AM – The weather had been unsettled during yesterday evening’s drive.  Fortunately, the ominously dark clouds hanging over the Colorado front range upon Lupe’s arrival at Hotel Mika in Arvada hadn’t produced any hail, only rain.  After a night of luxurious comfort in the Cowboy Room, skies were blue this morning, and a certain Carolina Dog was ready for action!

Uncle Joe was, too.  When he suggested a hike along Indian Creek Trail No. 800 in the Pike National forest SW of Sedalia, Lupe was all for it.

With Uncle Joe on Indian Creek Trail No. 800.

It seemed very strange that Cousin Dusty was no longer around to join in the fun, especially during romps later in the day along the perimeter of the 100 acre field behind Hotel Mika, and the path by Ralston Creek.

Evening entertainment at Hotel Mika included a showing of the movie Red Dog, which was very good, but rather sad, too.

6-10-23 – After a second splendid night’s rest in the Cowboy Room, it was time to move on.  Not, however, before Loopster got to wade in Ralston Creek and circumnavigate the 100 acre field once more.  Even Mika, the Siberian forest cat, then turned out to bid her a fond farewell and happy trails on this Dingo Vacation.

Wading in Ralston Creek.
With Uncle Joe & Aunt Andrea during a jaunt around the 100 acre field.
Hotel Mika’s entire staff turned out to bid Lupe happy trails.

To the American Dingo’s surprise, her current sudden acquaintance with luxurious living wasn’t over quite yet.  Lupe and SPHP were invited over for hamburgers at Mark & Hilary’s place.  High in the hills overlooking the Denver region, their home was about the closest thing to a real castle Lupe had ever been inside of, complete with a tame herd of giant deers resting in the valley below.

The Dingo entrance at Mark & Hilary’s shack.

The world of marvelous company and delicious food finally did come to an end, though.  Mountains were calling!  By early afternoon, the RAV4 was zooming S on I-25.

6-10-23, 6:30 PM, Sangre de Cristo range, intersection of Ophir Creek Road (USFS Road No. 360), Gardner Road (USFS Road No. 634) and USFS Road No. 369 –

Wow, look at that, SPHP!  Can we stop here for a sniff?

Sure thing, Loopster!  I like the looks of this territory, too.  Maybe we’ll stick around?  It’s cooled off plenty.  You won’t be sweltering here tonight!

Back in Pueblo, it had been 86ºF when SPHP stopped to gas up the RAV4.  Hah!  So much for that!  As Lupe trotted SW along Gardner Road from the 10,700 foot pass where the junction was located, the fresh mountain breeze was a decidedly cool 53ºF.

A gorgeous view was off to the SSW.  Beneath an unsettled sky, meadows sloped down to a region of rolling hills covered by a mix of aspens and pines.  Small mountains beyond the hills stretched away toward a high distant range still partially clad in snow.

The gorgeous view from Gardner Road. Photo looks SSW.

What mountains are those, SPHP?  The ones with snow on them.

Dunno, Loop.  We’ve never been in this region before.

Glad we’re here now, SPHP.  This is awesome!

Dingo-approved, aye?  I concur.

Are we going to climb one of those snowy peaks tomorrow, SPHP?

Nope.  We’re going to hit Greenhorn Mountain (12,347 ft.), the Pueblo county, Colorado high point.  Can’t see it from here, Looper.  It’s still a bit of a drive, although nowhere near as far away as those mystery peaks.

A Colorado county high point!  Been a long time since we’ve done any of those, SPHP.  Should be fun!

Hope so!  The plan is to visit a number of Colorado county high points on this Dingo Vacation.  Greenhorn Mountain is supposed to be pretty easy.  Gives us a chance to start getting acclimated to the altitude.  

An easy one?  Good thinking, SPHP!  Especially after our Albany Peak fail.

Don’t count your mountains before they’re climbed, Looper.  Supposed to be a 100% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow.  Easy or not, success isn’t guaranteed.

6-11-23, 8:17 AM, USFS Road No. 369 –

After a rather long, winding drive S, SPHP parked the RAV4 along USFS Road No. 369.  Lupe hopped out.   Beyond the grassy field she started sniffing around in, a lone mountain stood against the blue sky.

North Peak from along USFS Road No. 369. Photo looks SE.

Is that Greenhorn Mountain, SPHP?

Should be the N end of it, Loop.  Greenhorn Mountain is a huge ridge with a couple of subpeaks.  Believe that’s North Peak (12,200 ft.).  Just wanted to get a quick look at it from here.  C’mon, hop back in!  The trailhead is a few miles farther.

6-11-23, 8:32 AM, 44ºF, Greenhorn/Bartlett trailhead –  It was cool and breezy when SPHP parked the RAV4 again.  A couple of other vehicles were already at the roomy trailhead parking lot, but not a soul was around as SPHP got the pack ready.

At the Greenhorn/Bartlett trailhead. Photo looks NW.

So, are we going to climb North Peak on the way to Greenhorn Mountain, SPHP?

Intended to Looper.  There’s actually a big loop we can make with North Peak and Peak 12237 as side jaunts up on the ridge.  Originally thought we’d set off from here taking Greenhorn trail No. 1316 up to that region.  However, that might not be the best plan today, since thunderstorms are expected.  Maybe we better just skip the early climb up onto the ridge, and stick with the lower part of the loop first?  It’s a quicker, shorter route to Greenhorn Mountain’s true summit, our main objective.

Fine with me, but let’s hit Peak 12237 and North Peak on the way back then, SPHP.

Of course!  Weather permitting, that’s our new plan, Loop.

About to set out for Greenhorn Mountain. Photo looks SSE.

Beyond a line of boulders, an old roadbed left the trailhead heading SE.

Apparently that old road is now Bartlett trail No. 1310, which is what we want Looper.  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

The road rose at a gentle pace as Lupe began trotting toward a forest on the W flank of the giant Greenhorn Mountain ridge.

W flank of Greenhorn Mountain from near the start of Bartlett Trail No. 1310. Photo looks SE.
In the forest. Photo looks S.

The forest wasn’t all that thick.  At times clearings provided big views to the SW.  SPHP didn’t recognize them at the time, but what were probably Mount Herard (13,350 ft.) and Blanca Peak (14,345 ft.) were in sight beyond a vast valley.

Blanca Peak (far L) and Mount Herard (R). Photo looks SW.

The Carolina Dog had barely reached the W flank of the ridge when she came to a tiny stream bordered with ice.  Not far beyond this point, more boulders and a mound of dirt put an end to any possible use of the road by even the most determined motorized vehicle drivers.

By the tiny stream. Photo looks NE.
At the roadblock. Photo looks SE.

The forest eventually gave way to much more open territory.  Looked like Lupe could climb right up onto the ridge most anywhere along in here, if she wanted to, but progress along the road was fast and easy.  A few wet, mushy spots of no consequence were the only obstacles.

Beyond the forest. Greenhorn Mountain (R). Photo looks SE.
A wet spot along Bartlett trail No. 1310. Photo looks SE.

Although still well below the summit, Loopster was rapidly closing in on Greenhorn Mountain when the road made a big curve NE before turning S again.  Badly eroded, this scenic turn harbored a group of mountain sheep.  Shocked by Lupe’s sudden appearance, the mountain sheep fled up a steep talus slope.  Marmots whistled unseen among the rocks.  It was all very exciting!

Closing in on Greenhorn Mountain (Center). Photo looks SE.
Approaching the steep talus along Greenhorn Mountain’s W flank. Photo looks ESE.
At the scenic protected curve where the mountain sheep had been. Photo looks N.
A few of the wary mountain sheep with help from the telephoto lens.

Beyond this turn, climbing the steep talus slope directly to the top of the ridge would have been no small feat.  While the Carolina Dog may have been sorely tempted to pursue those sheep, SPHP had no intention of leaving the road yet, which now began rising at a faster clip.  Following it S, the sky was now looking much cloudier ahead.

Starting to cloud up. Photo looks S.

After a stint going S, the road angled SW as it climbed into open forest, then began to level out and fade away after turning E.  Reaching the high point of Bartlett trail No. 1310 near an old, weathered fence post, fog was now visible just down the slope at all points S.  As Lupe watched, more and more of the slope vanished from sight.

At the high point of Bartlett trail No. 1310. Photo looks S.

Sheesh!  It’s only 10:00 AM, and we’re almost there Looper.  Don’t tell me we’re already too late!  Not supposed to get stormy until this afternoon.

Well, we better get to climbing then while there’s still blue sky to the N, SPHP.  Maybe we can get to the summit before the whole mountain gets swallowed by these clouds?

Did seem like the only sensible course of action.  Greenhorn Mountain’s true summit was less than 600 feet higher and a mere 0.25 mile away as Lupe abandoned Bartlett trail No. 1310.

Greenhorn Mountain (L) as Lupe leaves the trail. Photo looks NNE.

Nothing to this ascent really, except that, unaccustomed to the elevation, SPHP was really feeling it as the slope steepened.  Leading the way, Lupe often had to wait while SPHP paused to gasp for air.  The steepest part of the mountain was nothing but rock.  Nervous mountain sheep along the ridgeline above gave SPHP another excuse to stop and breathe.

Mountain sheep (L of Center) along the ridge. Photo looks NE.
A better look at the mountain sheep with help from the telephoto lens.

Once the mountain sheep disappeared from view, Lupe resumed her climb.  Reaching a region of low, scratchy bushes and tufts of grass, the slope diminished.  Unfortunately, by the time a wall of rock serving as a windbreak appeared ahead, no blue sky remained.

Exploring Greenhorn Mountain’s upper S slope. Photo looks NE.
Approaching Greenhorn Mountain’s summit (Center). Photo looks N.

6-11-23, 10:48 AM, 60ºF, Greenhorn Mountain (12,347 ft.) – That wasn’t entirely true.  As Lupe stood atop the rock wall comprising the wind shelter at the true summit, the clouds shifted, revealing blue sky to the N.  Although distant views in other directions remained shrouded, the American Dingo could see most of Greenhorn Mountain’s N ridge all the way over to Peak 12237 and North Peak (12,200 ft.).

Atop the windbreak at Greenhorn Mountain’s true summit. Photo looks NW.
Peak 12237 and North Peak lined up at Center. Photo looks NW.

Well, congratulations, Loopster, on climbing Greenhorn Mountain, you’re first Colorado county high point in many a year!  May I shake your paw?

Why, thank you, SPHP!  It’s been a pleasure.

Suppose we might as well take a seat now that we’ve got a couple photos of what glimpses remain of the views before we’re totally engulfed in fog.  There’s water and beef jerky for you in the pack, Loop.  Interested?

Grabbing a glass jar wrapped with black tape from within the wind break, SPHP sat down facing E on small rocks and tundra just outside the windbreak opening.  The Carolina Dog eagerly gobbled up as much beef jerky as SPHP was willing to provide before curling up on SPHP’s lap.  Lost in fog, even the views to the N were gone now.  SPHP slowly polished off a chocolate pudding cup.

In the wind shelter. Registry jar (L). Photo looks W.
Fog sweeps in hiding even the views to the N. Photo looks N.

Opening the jar, SPHP found a registry, as expected.

Your in luck, Looper!  I can add your name.  Wouldn’t have been able to a couple of days ago.

Why not, SPHP?

This registry is brand new.  Nathan Brandli of Morrison, Colorado placed it here only yesterday in memory of one Roger Linfield.  Yours will be the 5th entry, and 1st one today.

Poor Roger!  I’m ashamed to say that I can’t even remember who he was, SPHP.

You’re slipping, Loop.  How about Quinton Gonza’s mother?  Remember her?  Quinton’s is the 4th and final entry yesterday.  Says he came up here all the way from Naples, Florida to scattered his mother’s ashes.

Drawing another complete blank, SPHP.

Not too surprising, Loopster, since we never had the pleasure of meeting either of them.  By the way, let me know if those big soft Dingo ears detect any thunder.  Might be wise to scoot before Mother Nature takes it upon herself to scatter our ashes up here, too.

Front page of the new Greenhorn Mountain registry.

Should have gotten an earlier start!  Sad to have come all this way only to arrive as the views vanished, but nothing to be done about it now.

Sitting together, gazing down on a rising ocean of white clearly destined to completely engulf Greenhorn Mountain, there didn’t seem to be any point in staying for Lupe’s entire traditional summit hour, nor in going on to Peak 12237 or North Peak, especially since no shelter at all had been visible on the long ridge leading toward them.  Completely exposed way up here on any part of Greenhorn Mountain was no place to be, if lightning did approach.

Guess we might as well head back the way we came, Looper.  Let me know when you’re ready.  No rush.  Kind of cool looking down on these clouds.

At least we made it to the top of Greenhorn Mountain, SPHP!

Yeah, gotta be grateful for that.  Would have been a lot more fun to get to explore the rest of the loop, though.

25 minutes after arriving at Greenhorn Mountain’s summit, the rising tide of white seemed to stall.  Instead of being engulfed in fog, the day grew sunnier.  Big views began reappearing to the N and W.

The ocean of white foam. Photo looks ESE.

Look, SPHP!  Views are opening up all over the place.

Well, wha’dya know?  Luck of the Dingo!  Let’s have a look around.  If this keeps up, maybe we can explore the rest of the loop after all?

While waiting to see if this good fortune was likely to continue, Lupe first headed a little way back down the S slope to get a look at the views in the direction she’d come up from.  Quite a few high clouds were still over this way blocking the most distant views, but they didn’t seem threatening, at least not at the moment.

At the S end of the summit region. Photo looks SSW.
Peak 10880 (L) in the foreground. Photo looks WSW.

Returning to the windbreak, Lupe stayed along the W rim of the summit region, which featured the sharpest drop-off.

Looking mighty good to the N, SPHP!  Shall we go for it?

Absolutely!  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Along the W rim not far from the true summit. Photo looks NW.

A brief return to the summit wind shelter to retrieve the pack, and the American Dingo was on her way.

Progress was exceptionally fast and easy.  Lupe roamed as she pleased across broad regions of scree and tundra.  Meanwhile the sky continued to clear.  A slight dip soon led to a bigger one where the ridge narrowed and turned NW.  The Carolina Dog enjoyed eating snow melting along the rim of the mountain.

Exploring the upper half of the loop after leaving the true summit. Photo looks NW.
An early glance back at Greenhorn Mountain’s true summit (Center). Photo looks S.
About to head down to the narrowest part of the ridge. Peak 12237 and North Peak lined up R of Center. Photo looks NW.

Descending to the saddle along the narrowest part of the ridge, suddenly there was movement was ahead.

Someone’s coming, SPHP!

A young man approached, exchanging friendly greetings with SPHP as he went on by, evidently destined for the true summit.  Lupe had already crossed the saddle, and started on up the next hill when a young woman appeared, also heading S.  She waved, but said nothing.

From this first saddle, Lupe regained roughly 140 feet of elevation on the way up to HP12240.  Another windbreak was up here, and a descent to a second saddle ahead.

Greenhorn Mountain (Center) from HP12240. Photo looks SE.
By the windbreak on HP12240. Peak 12237 (R). Photo looks NW.

After a short rest at HP12240, Lupe met a couple coming up it from the NW on her way down to the second saddle.  They had a dog about Lupe’s size with them, which wore a vest that the man used to carry their pet like a piece of luggage.  Staying a good 20 feet away as they passed, the man announced that his dog was not friendly.  No doubt this was true, since luggage seldom growls as menacingly as this piece did.

Took hardly any time at all to get down to the second saddle, which was very broad.  Veering off to the R here, Lupe followed a gently rising draw toward the massive rounded hump comprising Peak 12237.

Down in the second saddle. Lupe explored the region beyond her on the way up to Peak 12237 (R). Photo looks NW.

6-11-23, 12:37 PM, 54ºF, Peak 12237

Oh, I don’t know!  You’ve got me, Loopster!  Actually, I think we passed the true summit somewhere back to the W where it was rockier.  So hard to tell where it is.  This is one of those mountains where no matter where we go, everywhere else always looks a little higher.

Well, can we call it close enough for Dingo work then, and take a break, SPHP?  What’s wrong with right here?

Nothing, really.  Peak 12237’s summit region was a vast level plain, some parts rockier than others.  No telling which of 10,000 different rocks was actually the true summit no matter how much roaming Lupe did.  The air was definitely colder, clouds were moving in again, and views were disappearing as SPHP sat down.

Greenhorn Mountain (Center) and HP12240 (R of Center) from Peak 12237. Photo looks SE.

A tall dark structure, which proved to be a giant cairn, was visible on a hill 0.25 mile E.  That hill was clearly lower, so Lupe didn’t bother with going over there.  With the weather deteriorating, visiting North Peak was more important.  SPHP shared water and more beef jerky with the American Dingo, then consumed another chocolate pudding.  Drifting clouds alternately hid or revealed views, occasionally threatening to plunge Peak 12237 into fog.

Half an hour ticked away.

Alright, let’s get going, Loop.  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

The journey to North Peak was also easy.  Gradually losing elevation, Lupe had a grand time sniffing her way through an enormous, mostly grassy region while making a big arc to the W, then N.  No one else was around.  The cool air felt good; the gloomy gray sky seeming more like a forlorn day in November than summer.

Lupe soon reached a third saddle.  Crossing this grassy, extremely broad, shallow region, she started up North Peak’s S slope.  A moderately steep march 200 feet higher gradually leveled off near the top.

North Peak (Center) from the upper N slopes of Peak 12237. Photo looks NW.
Approaching North Peak (R) from the third saddle. Photo looks N.

6-11-23, 1:25 PM, 55ºF, North Peak (12,200 ft.)  North Peak’s summit was also a large, flat region similar to Peak 12237’s.  It was very cloudy by the time Lupe reached what seemed to be about the highest spot a bit beyond the last of a couple of cairns near the W rim.

At North Peak’s summit. Photo looks SW.

Unfortunately, due to all the clouds, the only views were to the W and SW.  Retreating over to the W edge of the mountain, Lupe found a fairly soft spot to lie down among the rocks.  Looking W, a line of clouds hid everything to the N.  S of these clouds, a road and small lake were in sight 900 feet below.

N Blue Lake (L) and USFS Road No. 369 from North Peak. Photo looks W.

That’s USFS Road No. 369 down there, Loop, the road we came in on.  The lake is the northernmost of two lakes known as the Blue Lakes.  We passed them shortly before reaching the trailhead.

Looks like there’s parking down by that lake, SPHP.  Maybe we can stay there tonight?

Not a bad idea, Loopster.  We’ll check it out.

From North Peak’s W rim, Lupe and SPHP watched the back and forth battle between the clear air, and the line of clouds valiantly trying to force its way S.  Views remained restricted to this one narrow scene.

20 minutes was enough.  SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, congratulating her on her successful exploration of Greenhorn Mountain and its subpeaks, then the Carolina Dog headed back down North Peak’s S slope.

Searching along the W edge of the third saddle once she got down to it, Lupe had no trouble finding Greenhorn trail No. 1316.  Heading SSW, the trail gradually descended a long talus slope, eventually leading to a pair of big switchbacks that got her down to the forest.  By then, it was only another 0.25 mile back to the trailhead.

Completing the loop! Returning via Greenhorn trail No. 1316. S Blue Lake (R). Photo looks SW.

6-11-23, 2:19 PM, 47ºF, Greenhorn/Bartlett trailhead – Lupe arrived back at the RAV4 to the sound of thunder coming from an approaching storm.  SPHP drove down to the N Blue Lake, where the rest of a mostly sullen afternoon of clouds, intermittent fog and rain, occasionally interrupted by brief moments of sunshine, was spent napping.

When sunlight returned early in the evening, Lupe got out to sniff along the lakeshore.  SPHP heated up chicken and dumplings for dinner.  As shadows lengthened, the sky clouded up again, and the air continued to cool.  That didn’t prevent Lupe from a enjoying a nice jaunt exploring forests and fields along USFS Road No. 369.

Evening at N Blue Lake. Photo looks SSW.
North Peak (L) from N Blue Lake. Photo looks ESE.

The American Dingo got as far as the S Blue Lake before turning back.  By then, SPHP had collected 2 plastic bags full of Lupe treasures.

6-11-23, dusk, N Blue Lake – Lupe curled up on her pink blanket.  Already getting pretty cold out.  SPHP threw the Viking blanket over her so she could snuggle in.

We had a great time up on Greenhorn Mountain (12,347 ft.) today, didn’t we, SPHP?

Sure did, Loopster!  Your 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation is off to a good start.  Snooze fast, sweet puppy!  Lots more adventures ahead!

Lupe’s GPS track.
On Greenhorn Mountain, Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado 6-11-23

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