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 AM – Well, 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?
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 Peak6057 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 Peak6057, 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 Peak6057 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 Peak6057‘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, Peak6057 was done.
S of Peak 6057, Black Elk Wilderness, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-21-24Lupe’s GPS track.
10:10 AM, 32ºF, junction of Horse Creek Road & USFS Road No. 243.2B –
A brand new year 2024, and it’s a glorious day, SPHP!
Snow that had fallen just before Christmas sparkled in bright sunshine beneath blue, blue heavens above. Lupe had been thrilled and anxious to be underway this morning, when SPHP announced that it was time for her annual pilgrimage to New Year’s Eve Peak(6,046 ft.).
Indeed it is, Loopster! Couldn’t be better! I’m about ready. Shall we?
We shall, SPHP!
Then, Onward! Puppy, ho!
Parked at the start of USFS Road No. 243.2B just off Horse Creek Road. Photo looks W.
Horse Creek Road had been plowed, but was icy as Lupe trotted W to the start of USFS Road No. 257. After going past the access gate, the Carolina Dog entered a level field where the snow was 4″ to 6″ deep. Ahead, the hills where the forest had burned years ago were already mostly brown again due to their S exposure.
At the start of USFS Road No. 257. Photo looks NNE.
Oh, I get it! This looks familiar, SPHP. We’re taking our alternate route to New Year’s Eve Peak, aren’t we?
That’s right, Loop! Been wanting to hit Peak 6070 again for years, but the days are so short in December and January, that we don’t make it that far when we’ve gone over Peak5800 first starting from USFS Road No. 710.
We’ll get to see something a little different then this year, SPHP.
Yup! In fact, part of today’s route to Peak 6070 will be up a valley we’ve never explored before, Looper. Should be fun!
Sticking with No. 257 as it crossed the field, Lupe soon reached a short stretch of tall pines. By the time she emerged from the trees, the road had turned NW, now heading up a wide, gentle valley. It wasn’t much farther to a junction.
Which way, SPHP?
No. 257 turns N here, which is the most direct route to New Year’s Eve Peak. That’s the way we’ve gone starting from Horse Creek Road before, Loop. Today, though, let’s keep going NW on No. 257.1A.
Past the first pines No. 257 went through, heading up the wide valley. Photo looks NW.No. 257 close to where No. 257.1A split off. Lupe didn’t go this way. Photo looks NNE.
Almost entirely shaded, the snow was deeper on No. 257.1A. Staying a little N of the road, Lupe preferred continuing up the snowy valley in sunshine. After more than 0.5 mile, the valley narrowed. A thick stand of aspens was ahead.
A narrow trail through the aspens led to a clearing where Lupe rejoined No. 257.1A. The road headed straight for a couple of smaller stands of aspens prior to entering a Ponderosa pine forest. Upon reaching the pines, No. 257.1A turned N and began to climb.
Heading up the broad valley a bit N of USFS Road No. 257.1A. Photo looks NW.On the trail through the aspens. Photo looks W.In the clearing where Lupe rejoined No. 257.1A. Photo looks WNW.Starting to climb following No. 257.1A. Photo looks NNW.
OK, Loop. We’ve now reached the part of No. 257.1A we’ve never been on before. It’s supposed to just keep going up this valley before dead-ending. By then we ought to be within 0.25 mile of the big power line between Peak 6070 and New Year’s Eve Peak.
Sounds good, SPHP! Exploring is a blast!
All the snow on No. 257.1A made the trudge higher a little harder than it otherwise would have been, but progress was good. Lupe sniffed and watched for deers and squirrels, seeing none. After a fairly long march, deadfall began covering the road. No. 257.1A faded away. Glimpses of the power line had already appeared ahead.
Over on the W side of the valley, the American Dingo discovered another old road. It quickly led to a small clearing where a big pine stood at the upper end. The ground beneath it was snow-free.
Want to take a short break under that pine tree, Loopster?
Fine with me, SPHP.
Lupe wasn’t hungry yet, turning down Taste of the Wild. SPHP sat in the sunshine beneath the old tree munching an apple. The Carolina Dog had gained enough elevation so that Black Elk Peak(7,137 ft.) was in sight. The day was now warm enough to make sitting there quite pleasant, but as soon as SPHP finished the apple, Lupe wanted to go.
Ready, SPHP?
I guess. Nice to relax and enjoy the view here, isn’t it?
The views will be better higher up, SPHP.
Loopster, ready to press on. Black Elk Peak (Center), in the distance. Photo looks S.
Beyond the big pine tree, the old road steepened some more. Glimpses of the power line continued to appear ahead. Before long, a grassy slope permitted a view of the top of the ridge to the W.
Let’s go up there, SPHP! Doesn’t look all that much higher.
Lead the way, Miss Ambitious!
The open slope (L) leading to the ridgeline. Photo looks NW.
Abandoning the road, Lupe headed up the grassy slope. As is often the case in the mountains, the top of the ridge was farther than it looked. No big deal, though. Once up there, the American Dingo followed the ridge N. Climbing among a series of small rock outcroppings, Lupe came to quite a nice viewpoint upon reaching the power line.
Told ya, it would be better up here, SPHP!
Well, of course. No argument from me, Looper.
At the power line between Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak. Photo looks NE.View to the SW.
Peak 6070 was only another 0.5 mile. Continuing N, then NW, from the power line, Lupe crossed USFS Road No. 244.1B as she made her way to Peak 6070’s S ridge. An easy traipse along the gently rolling ridge soon got her within striking distance of the summit. Passing another series of minor rock outcroppings, the American Dingo was there!
Exploring Peak 6070’s S ridge. Photo looks NNW.Approaching the summit. Photo looks NNW.Peak 6070’s summit region. Photo looks NNW.On the highest rocks. Photo looks NNW.Loopster atop Peak 6070! Photo looks W.
12:42 PM, 46ºF, Peak6070 – Lupe stood smiling happily in the sunshine atop the highest rocks.
Dear Loopster! May I be the first to shake your paw, and congratulate you on your magnificent ascent of Peak 6070 on this fine New Year’s Day of 2024? Well done!
You may be first and last to shake my paw, SPHP, since no one else is here. This ascent wasn’t that hard, anyway, pure fun!
Nevertheless, it’s an important ascent. Peak 6070 is the first mountain we’ve climbed in 2024. Feels like we’re getting off to a good start!
It does, SPHP! And know what would make it even better?
I do, Looper. A chocolate coconut bar! Happen to have one in the pack for this very occasion.
Glad to hear that I’ve finally got you trained, SPHP!
Peak 6070’s summit area was plenty big enough to move around some, but the views were mostly hidden by trees. Furthermore, there was so much snow around that the only dry places to sit were on exposed rock, which wasn’t that comfortable. Retreating a little down the S slope, a grassy area provided a few dry spots with a much more open view.
Let’s split a chocolate coconut bar here, Loop!
Bring it on, SPHP!
The next half hour + was spent relaxing right here, admiring the view of Five Points(6,221 ft.) and False North Point(6,130 ft.) roughly 4 miles away, with Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.), Sylvan Peak(7,000 ft.) and what was probably Zimmer Ridge(6,600 ft.) on the horizon beyond.
Five Points (L of Center) and False North Point (Center) in the foreground, with Black Elk Peak (L), Sylvan Peak (Center) and Zimmer Ridge (R) beyond. Photo looks S.
The chocolate coconut bar vanished, along with some Taste of the Wild. SPHP drank an Ensure. The Carolina Dog preferred snow, but lapped a little water, anyway. Nothing moved. Even the air barely stirred. The peace and silence were amazing. SPHP had already shed some layers, due to how very comfortably warm it was in the sun. Time ticked away.
This is the life, SPHP!
Isn’t it, Loop? I suppose we better think about moving on pretty soon again, though, if we’re still going to visit New Year’s Eve Peak.
Well, we can’t miss that, SPHP! It’s tradition!
With enough of Lupe’s summit hour left to do a little more exploration of Peak 6070, the American Dingo returned briefly to the snowy summit.
Loop returning to the Peak 6070 summit. Photo looks SSE.Final moments on top of Peak 6070. Photo looks SSE.
Then it was down Peak 6070’s N ridge for the first time ever, going just a little way to where it was possible to circle around to a SW shoulder of the mountain that had been visible from the break spot. This shoulder had looked like it might offer a view to the W. Sure enough, a nice view of Nugget Gulch Peak(6,000 ft.) greeted Lupe, with high ridges of the E edge of the limestone plateau visible on the far horizon.
Nugget Gulch Peak (R of Center) from Peak 6070. Photo looks WNW.
50 minutes after arriving at Peak 6070, shorting her summit hour a bit to save daylight, Lupe was on her way again. Cutting E across the grassy fields on the mountain’s S slope a little below her break spot, she got to see that beautiful view to the S again, as well as a sweeping view off to the SW of Peak6043, Peak6167, and Old Bald Peak(6,130 ft.).
Looking S again from Peak 6070’s upper S slopes.Peak6043 (L), Peak 6167 (L of Center), Old Bald Peak (R of Center). Photo looks SW.
Just think, SPHP! We were over on Old Bald Peak less than 1.5 months ago with new Cousin Dixie! Bet she would have liked to be here on Peak 6070 with us today, too!
Oh, I’m sure of it, Looper! Dixie would love this!
Leaving along Peak 6070’s S ridge, Lupe soon caught a glimpse of her next objective, New Year’s Eve Peak, only a little over a mile SE. Upon reaching USFS Road No. 244.1B again, this time she followed it along the power line to Peak 6070’s SE ridge. From here, she had an even better view of New Year’s Eve Peak.
New Year’s Eve Peak (L) from Peak 6070’s S ridge. Photo looks SE.USFS Road No. 244.1B, which Lupe followed to this point. Photo looks SW.New Year’s Eve Peak (R) from the power line. Photo looks E.
Following Peak 6070’s SE ridge after leaving the power line, there were spots where the ridge was quite narrow and crowned with near vertical rock formations of modest size. Beyond these obstacles, Lupe turned E to descend a long, forested slope before reaching the ridge’s high point near the SE end.
In the shade of the ridge, the snow was deep on this steep-sided traverse, but soon enough, the saddle leading to New Year’s Eve Peak appeared ahead. After crossing this saddle, Lupe began her ascent of New Year’s Eve Peak’s steep W slope.
Approaching the saddle leading to New Year’s Eve Peak (Center). Photo looks E.
2:44 PM, 41ºF, New Year’s Eve Peak(6,046 ft.) – The sun was sinking, the day cooling off, when Lupe leapt up onto the summit boulder. Small pines nearby that had been growing up since the forest was thinned 10 years ago, were getting bigger every year. SPHP congratulated Lupe on her 11th ascent of New Year’s Eve Peak. The Carolina Dog smiled.
Back on New Year’s Eve Peak’s summit boulder! Photo looks WSW.Surrounded by the young pines that will soon hide the views again. Photo looks SE.
It’s good to be back on New Year’s Eve Peak, isn’t it, SPHP?
Always, Loopster! It’s our place to brood and mourn over the old year, or ring in the new one. Kind of glad we’re here to ring in the new year this time. 2023 ended too sadly.
We’ll always remember Grandma, SPHP.
I know, Loop. Not the same as seeing her, though, is it? Anyway, it’s New Year 2024, so no brooding! I’ve done enough of that. Let’s have a seat, and enjoy our traditional view of the snowy hills to the W.
That’s the spirit, SPHP! We can think about all the grand adventures we’re going to have in 2024 while chomping another chocolate coconut bar!
The classic New Year’s Eve Peak view of the snowy hills. Photo looks W.
As SPHP sat down on a rock, suddenly the day’s long silence was broken by the sound of gunfire, immediately making the Carolina Dog nervous. Somewhere not too far off to the W, someone had decided to get in some target practice. Multiple rounds were fired at regular intervals.
After sharing the final chocolate coconut bar of the day, Lupe had more Taste of the Wild before laying down on the rocks next to SPHP.
That can’t be very comfortable, Looper, laying on a cold, hard rock. Want to get on my lap?
I’m fine, SPHP. Wish that gunfire, would stop once and for all, though.
Yeah, me too, Loopster. Kind of hard to contemplate much of anything when someone’s blazing away like that.
SPHP threw a jacket over Lupe. A few minutes of silence often prevailed before the next burst of gunfire erupted again. SPHP munched another apple while Lupe gazed out at those familiar snowy hills.
More than half an hour went by before target practice evidently ended.
Glad we came, Loop. Shall we take a few more pictures before bidding a fond farewell to New Year’s Eve Peak for another year?
Lupe struck a dramatic pose on a rock before returning briefly to the summit boulder. Then from over on the rocks along the S edge, she had a good look at Boulder Hill(5,331 ft.), Silver Mountain(5,405 ft.), and Calumet Ridge(5,601 ft.) way off to the SE in the general direction of Sheridan Lake. Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.), mightiest of the Black Hills, was almost directly S.
A dramatic New Year’s Eve Peak pose shortly before sunset. Photo looks WSW.Final moments on the summit boulder. Photo looks SE.Boulder Hill (L of Center), Silver Peak (Center), and Calumet Ridge (R of Center) above Sheridan Lake on the horizon. Photo looks SE.Black Elk Peak (beyond Lupe), Five Points (R). Photo looks S.
50 minutes after arriving atop New Year’s Eve Peak, Lupe headed down the S ridge.
So did you get much planning done on what we’re going to do this year, SPHP?
Nothing definitive, Loop, but we have mountains of possibilities. Actually, the first thing we need to do is at least get your blog caught up at little bit on your 2023 adventures. I’m like 7 months behind!
Blogging’s fine in winter, SPHP, but the days are already getting longer!
When the days begin to lengthen, the cold begins to strengthen! That’s what my Grandma used to say, Loopster.
Maybe for another month, SPHP, but spring will come.
The S ridge widened as it curled around to the E. Lupe followed it all the way to Pistol Point. It was nearly alpenglow time when the Carolina Dog got there.
At Pistol Point. Photo looks E.
Lupe paused here long enough to take a look at the territory she usually explores on her way to New Year’s Eve Peak. Peak5917 was less than 0.5 mile NE. Peak5800 was nearly 1.5 miles ESE.
Peak 5917 (L), Peak 5800 (R) from Pistol Point. Photo looks E.
I’d climb all these mountains every year, if the days were longer, SPHP!
They will be in a few months, Loop. Maybe it would be fun to visit them when the grass is green sometime?
Maybe, SPHP, but I’m used to them this way, with a blanket of snow.
The sun was nearly down when Lupe left Pistol Point. As the American Dingo lost elevation during a fairly steep descent into the snowy valley to the S, the sun vanished behind the mountains.
Final moments at Pistol Point. Photo looks SW.About to begin the descent into the valley. Black Elk Peak (R). Photo looks SSE.A last look at Peak 5800 (L). Photo looks ESE.
This was certainly a beautiful day, SPHP. We’re off to a great start in 2024!
That we are, Loop. Looks like for once, we might get a decent sunset, too.
Remember that year when the sunset was so fantastically colorful, SPHP? Really awesome!
I do, Loop. Long time ago now. This will be the first year since then to even come close to that display.
Sunset from the valley S of Pistol Point. Black Elk Peak (L of Center), Five Points (R), False North Point (far R). Photo looks S.
The air turned cold. The snow turned crunchy. Still exploring, as dusk deepened, the Carolina Dog eventually encountered USFS Road No. 257 again. By the time she reached the RAV4, the brightest stars were visible in the rapidly darkening sky.
Lupe was happy! She’d not only visited Peak 6070 for the first time in years, but kept up her New Year’s Eve Peak tradition. Who knew what adventures 2024 would hold? The American Dingo was optimistic! What a fine day this one had been! (End 5:22 PM, 30ºF)
Returning from New Year’s Eve Peak, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-1-24Lupe’s GPS track.
