Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 315 – Centennial Trail No. 89 – French Creek to Highland Creek (5-20-23)

7:38 AM, 53ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89, at the French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park –

Great to be out in the Black Hills again, SPHP!

It is!  Good thing you’re enthusiastic, too.  Going to be a long day, Loop.

Terrific!  Are we going to be climbing lots of mountains, SPHP?

Nope.  Probably none at all.  This next section of Centennial Trail No. 89 is 10 miles long.  Round trip we’ll be doing 20.  That ought to be enough of a romp, even for a Carolina Dog!

Trailhead parking at the French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks SW.

Thirsty, Looper?

Not terribly, SPHP.  We haven’t done anything yet.

Well, let’s have a look at French Creek, anyway, before setting off.

Down at the stream, Lupe did help herself to a small drink.  Even though French Creek is one of the larger streams in the Black Hills, it isn’t all that big.  The lovely stream had decent flow today, though.

French Creek. Photo looks SW.

All set, Loopster?  The trail S starts at the opposite end of the horse camp.

Lupe enjoyed the stroll SW through the horse camp.  People, horses, dogs, and intriguing scents were here.  At the far end, CSP Road No. 4 went over French Creek.  A little farther on, Centennial Trail No. 89 left the road, continuing SW along a much more primitive route.

Covered stalls at the popular French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks W.
French Creek again at the SW end of the horse camp. Photo looks SE.
Setting out for Highland Creek on Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SW.

Flat at first, the dirt road the trail followed soon began a gradual ascent.  Before long, it curved sharply E, starting to climb much more steeply up a side valley.  Not a cloud in the sky!  SPHP stopped briefly to shed a layer and apply sunscreen.

Going slowly uphill. Photo looks SW.
Starting up the steeper side valley. Photo looks ESE.

This seems familiar, SPHP.  We’ve been here not too long ago, haven’t we?

That’s right, Loop.  We came down this way 14 months ago after climbing Peak 5213 SE of here on Expedition No. 298.  You’ll only remember this first part, though.  It’s been a very long time since we’ve gone all the way to Highland Creek.

Winding SW, the dirt road gained 300 feet of elevation before eventually flattening out beyond the part Lupe remembered.  Splitting off toward the W as a single track here, Centennial Trail No. 89 soon curved NW, topping out near the head of another valley.

Entering the Pass No. 1 region. Photo looks NW.

Reaching the trail’s high point, Lupe paused to look S.  Only May, yet the air was already smoky from forest fires raging more than 1,000 miles away in Alberta!  The smoke was bad enough to mar distant views, but wasn’t terrible.  Despite the haze, Peak 5080 was still visible 2 miles S.  She would be going past it in a little while.

Peak 5080 (R of Center) from Pass No. 1. Photo looks S.

Although we won’t be climbing any mountains today, Looper, we will be going over a series of minor passes.  This is the first, and highest, one.  The Peakbagger app on the iPhone says we’re at 4,970 feet, 1.5 miles from the French Creek Horse Camp trailhead.

Don’t remember this view at all, SPHP.  Must really have been a long time since we were here before.

11 years to the day, Loopster!  You weren’t even 1.5 years old yet.  Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 20, one of our most memorable ever!  We actually started for Highland Creek from Badger Hole, a 28 mile round trip.  Made it, too, but wound up getting lost after dark on the way back, wandering all night lost somewhere E of Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.).  You cut a paw on something sharp, and I mistook a buffalo for a big rock until we were so close to it, you went nuts.  Instead of running away, the buffalo came after you, while I stumbled around on logs cut into sections for firewood, trying to avoid getting charged.

Oh, I remember that, SPHP!  Good times!  That still has to be our longest Black Hills expedition ever.  You never did figure out where we were until we reached Hwy 16A as the sun came up.

Not exactly true, Looper!  I knew where we were all along, sort of, within a mile or two.  Anyway, all that excitement happened miles N of here.  All I remember about what’s S is a prairie dog town somewhere near the end, a pronghorn antelope, and Highland Creek.  Other than that, just a grassy hill with a big tree on top that I’d always wished we’d climbed.

If you see that hill again, maybe we can climb it today, SPHP?

Hope so, Loop!  Don’t know why, but I always wanted to see what was up there.

Continuing past Pass No. 1, the trail curved S down into the next valley.

At Centennial Trail No. 89’s high point at Pass No. 1. Photo looks WNW.
Heading down the next valley. Photo looks S.

A long, gradual slope led back into another forest.  Before long, Lupe reached a paved road in a bigger valley.  This was the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop.  After crossing the Wildlife Loop, the trail bottomed out in the ditch, then began a slow ascent as it curved W up another small, shallow valley.

Beside the parking area where Centennial Trail No. 89 crosses the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop. Photo looks SW.
Starting up the next valley. Photo looks W.

The trail soon began turning S.  Climbing much more aggressively near the end, Lupe regained 150 feet of elevation before reaching Pass No. 2.  She was now at 4,900 feet, only 0.5 mile from the Wildlife Loop, or 2.5 miles from the French Creek trailhead.

At Pass No. 2. Photo looks SSE.

S of Pass No. 2, the trail lost scarcely any elevation at all.  Instead, it ran SSE through open forest staying nearly flat as it traversed a gentle slope.  After 0.5 mile, the forest gave way to a huge meadow.  A lone bison stood warily watching the Carolina Dog 400 feet away up on a hill to the SW.

A line of considerably higher hills where the forest had burned ran NW/SE beyond a valley to the E.  Peak 5213 was up there!

S of Pass No. 2. Talk about a walk in the park! Photo looks SSE.
Entering the vast meadow. Photo looks SE.
Peak 5213 (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NE.

Peak 5080 was also in sight again, now directly ahead.  A much smaller, grassy hill was even closer off to the SSW.  A big Ponderosa pine stood at the top with a collection of smaller ones near it.

That’s the hill I remember, Loop!

The one you always wished we’d climbed, SPHP?

Yes!  I’m sure of it!

We can climb it right now then, SPHP!

Let’s wait until we’re on our way back, Loopster, if it’s not too late.  More important to make sure we get to Highland Creek first.

Peak 5080 (Center), the hill SPHP wanted to climb (far R). Photo looks S.

Heading SE across the giant meadow, Centennial Trail No. 89 began a gradual descent.  Near the next forest, the trail swung SW into it.  This seemed a good spot to take a little break in the shade.  SPHP took a seat on a log, while Lupe sniffed around, or sat nearby.

Taking a short break. Photo looks NE.

Getting warm out, SPHP!  I’m thirsty.  Nary a drop along the trail ever since we left French Creek.

SPHP shared some water with Lupe, then sat munching honey-roasted peanuts.

How far have we gone now, SPHP?

Hmm.  Let me check, Loop.  iPhone says 3.5 miles, so we’re a third of the way to Highland Creek, maybe a bit more.

So far, so good, SPHP!

Yeah, this is pretty easy, Loopster.  Excellent trail, no super steep terrain.  Kind of nice not to have to face an ordeal for once.  All we have to worry about is the distance.  Since it’s so sunny, let me reapply some sunscreen, then we’ll keep going.

From the break spot, the trail began a somewhat steeper descent.  Lupe spotted bright yellow wildflowers on a hillside, and went over to them.

By the yellow wildflowers.

Always remember to take time to sniff the roses, SPHP!

Fairly certain these aren’t roses, Loop, but I agree with the sentiment.

Not roses?  No matter, they’ll do!  Can’t be too picky in life, either, SPHP.

You’re a wise Dingo, sweet puppy!

Continuing down this next valley, Lupe reached the first damp spots along the trail.  Before long she came to a tiny, seasonal creek.  The trail turned NE here, ultimately descending to a broad, grassy valley where the Wildlife Loop was in view again, but no actual wildlife.

Continuing down the valley. Photo looks SE.
Crossing the tiny seasonal creek. Photo looks ESE.
Approaching the Wildlife Loop again. Photo looks ENE.

Upon reaching the broad valley, Centennial Trail No. 89 did not continue across it toward the Wildlife Loop Road.  Instead, it turned SE, hugging the edge of the forest while winding along the base of the hills.  There was some minor, gentle up and down along in here that didn’t amount to much, until the trail veered S up a steeper drainage.

Across the broad valley from the Wildlife Loop Road. Photo looks N.
Going over a gentle rise near the edge of the forest. Photo looks SE.

This drainage was the start of a nearly mile long ascent divided into two parts.  After gaining 100 feet of elevation in the forested ravine, Lupe reached the edge of a gently sloping meadow.  Two barren hills where the forest had burned were now in sight, with Pass No. 3 between them.

Pass No. 3 (L) from the edge of the meadow. Photo looks SW.

Still slowly gaining elevation, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned WSW here, and didn’t top out until Lupe reached a stand of pines at the base of the nearest barren hill.  A gradual descent SSE followed, with a couple more barren hills, Peak 4880 and Peak 4840, temporarily directly ahead.

Peak 4880 (Center) and Peak 4840 (R). Photo looks SE.

The gradual descent led to a shorter, steeper one, as the trail curved SW into the upper end of another ravine that drained E.  From the bottom of this ravine, Lupe completed the final leg of the ascent to Pass No. 3.

Approaching Pass No. 3. Photo looks S.

10:26 AM – Although marred by smoke, Pass No. 3 offered first views of new territory ahead.  A small peak of massive granite formations two miles SW stood out as having a more rugged appearance than the other hills Lupe had been traveling through.

At Pass No. 3. Photo looks SSW.

The Peakbagger app says we’re 5.1 miles from the start now, Loopster.  Puts us about halfway to Highland Creek.  Shall we take a break?

Yes, please!  I need another drink, SPHP.  Wearing a fur coat, you know.

After sharing water with the Carolina Dog, SPHP munched away again on honey-roasted peanuts, before applying another dose of sunscreen.

Not a bad view, SPHP!  How high are we here?

4,775 feet, Loop.  Not as high as the first 2 passes.  Overall, we’re slowly going downhill as we head S, a trend that will continue all the way to Highland Creek.

Exploring an arm of the pass that jutted out to the SW, CSP Road No. 7 was in view only 0.33 mile away.

CSP Road No. 7 (Center) from Pass No. 3. Photo looks SE.

Continuing on, Centennial Trail No. 89 wound S down to the road.  Along the way, Lupe caught sight of the first significant wildlife so far today, a couple of pronghorn antelope.  Unfortunately, they ran off before SPHP could get a photo.  Nevertheless, seeing the pronghorns was exciting, and more excitement was just ahead.

Reaching CSP Road No. 7 at the bottom of the hill, Lupe was happy to see Flynn Creek.  The American Dingo ran ahead, anxious to take advantage of this rare opportunity to cool off.

Wading in Flynn Creek next to CSP Road No. 7. Photo looks WNW.

After crossing CSP Road No. 7, Centennial Trail No. 89 began climbing SSW back up into a pine forest a little way before curving E.  Continuing uphill, Pass No. 4 wasn’t much farther, or much higher, along a dirt road that the trail intersected.  The elevation was only 4,590 feet here, nearly 200 feet lower than at Pass No. 3.

Beyond Pass No. 4, the dirt road gradually lost elevation as it wound SE.  Loss was minimal, though, no more than 100 feet, before Lupe reached a stretch of very flat terrain where the trail went due S.

Heading downhill again shortly after leaving Pass No. 4. Photo looks SE.
Another stroll through the park! Photo looks S.
One of the trail markers. Brown wands were the most common markers, although quite a few were broken. Blue markers with arrows were often seen, too.

This flat stretch eventually led to another minor descent SE, after which Centennial Trail No. 89 turned SW, making its last significant elevation gain of roughly 225 feet before reaching Pass No. 5.

Arriving at Pass No. 5. Photo looks SE.

11:42 AM, Pass No. 5

How about another short break, Looper?

If there’s water involved, I’m all for it, SPHP!

Sitting in the shade, the day’s now usual break time routine ensued.  Lupe got a bowl of water.  SPHP munched away on honey-roasted peanuts, and added another layer of sunscreen.

Pretty sure the prairie dog village is down in the next valley we’re seeing ahead, Loop.  If they’re still there, that is.

Sounds exciting, SPHP!  Does that mean we’re getting close to Highland Creek?  Thought you said that the prairie dogs were near the end.

The Peakbagger app says we’re at 4,710 feet here, and that we’ve gone 7.4 miles so far, or about 3/4 of the way to Highland Creek.  So, yeah.  We’ve made a lot of progress.

There was a view to the NW, featuring some considerably higher hills in the distance.  Lupe had a look at it before lying down in the shade.

Looking NW from Pass No. 5.

The trail had followed a rather rocky road up to Pass No. 5.  This same road was grassy as it continued S.  SPHP assumed that was the way to go, once underway again, but a man suddenly appeared from out of a stand of young pines immediately to the E.  He didn’t wave, nod, or say a thing, but turned N, and kept on going down the same road Lupe had come up.

Hmm.  That’s odd!  We’re invisible!  Does the trail go E from here, Loop?

Maybe.  How would I know, SPHP?  You’ve got a map.  What does it say?

The map confirmed that the trail did jog ENE here.  In fact, once Lupe got going again, Pass No. 5’s actual high point was a short distance that way.  Beyond it was another barren hill where the forest had burned, plus the biggest rock formation the American Dingo had come to since leaving French Creek.

Scrambling up onto the rocks, Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was in sight through the smokey haze, now 6 or 7 miles back to the NNW.

Near Pass No. 5’s actual high point. Photo looks NE.
On the rocks. Peak 4830 (L), Mount Coolidge (R) in the distance. Photo looks NNW.

Beyond the rock formation, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned S again.  Lupe trotted down an easy slope through an open forest of relatively young pines.  As she emerged from the forest, a pancake flat plain was directly ahead.  A whole lot of chirping began as the Carolina Dog approached.

The prairie dogs were still here!

Approaching the prairie dog town. Photo looks SSE.
One of the town’s wary citizens.

There weren’t as many prairie dogs as the last time Lupe had been here 11 years go, but that might have had something to with the time of day.  At any rate, quite a few of them whistled at her approach.  Centennial Trail No. 89 went straight through the heart of the town.  At the S end, a prairie dog marker was on the ground between two tall wooden posts.

Prairie dog town marker.

Once past the prairie dog town, the trail continued SSE following a dirt road down a long, flat valley.  At the far end, the trail dropped more sharply to a low point.  After bottoming out, a short, easy climb led to Pass No. 6 at the top of a gentle rise.

In the flat valley S of the prairie dog town. Photo looks S.
Heading down to the low point N of Pass No. 6. Photo looks SW.

The terrain was so gently rolling now, that Pass No. 6 wasn’t much of a pass at all, but Lupe stopped here along the edge of a flat, open forest for a short water and shade break, anyway.  SPHP kept up the honey-roasted peanut habit, and had an orange, too.  Lupe was now hungry enough to eagerly devour some Taste of the Wild.

I know we haven’t reached Highland Creek yet, but it can’t be too much farther.  Any any interest in splitting a chocolate coconut bar, Loop?

You can always count on me when it comes to chocolate coconut bars, SPHP!

The end was near!  The prairie dog town had been 7.8 miles from French Creek, and Lupe had already gone 8.9 miles at Pass No. 6.  Another mile ought to about do it.

As it turned out, one more gentle rise to what might be considered Pass No. 7 was ahead.  Beyond it, the road began a gradual descent.  When Lupe saw the top of a grassy ridge ahead, SPHP knew she was getting close to Highland Creek.

Heading for Pass No. 7 (R). Photo looks S.
View to the W from the Pass No. 7 region.
The grassy ridge (Center) beyond Highland Creek. Photo looks SW.

At the very end, Centennial Trail No. 89 curved W as it dropped down to the Highland Creek valley.  200 feet beyond the creek stood a tall fence with a gate in it.  Wind Cave National Park, Service Road No. 5, and the Highland Creek trailhead were all just beyond the fence.

Heading down into the Highland Creek valley. Photo looks SSW.
Highland Creek valley from a limestone outcropping. Photo looks WNW.

Of course, before visiting the trailhead, the Carolina Dog insisted upon a careful examination of Highland Creek itself.  Meanwhile, SPHP made use of the convenient plank bridge.

Wading in Highland Creek. Photo looks SE (downstream).
Near the fancy Centennial Trail No. 89 bridge over Highland Creek. Photo looks NW.
Leaving Custer State Park. Photo looks SSW.
The Highland Creek trailhead just inside Wind Cave National Park. Photo looks SE.

1:17 PM, 72ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Highland Creek trailhead in Wind Cave National Park

Congratulations, Loop!  We made it!  Only took us 5 hours and 40 minutes.

And how far was it, SPHP?  What does the Peakbagger app say?

9.9 miles total since we left the French Creek trailhead, Loopster.  Let’s see, that means we averaged 1.85 miles per hour.

A blistering pace for you, SPHP, but then it was mighty easy terrain almost the entire way.

Gotta stop and sniff the roses, you know, Looper, or what’s the point?  No one’s here handing out medals for fastest time.

Might have been!  They’d be long gone by the time you arrived, SPHP.

Hmm.  Well, I suppose.  Anyway, how about finding a shady spot to rest a bit before we head N to do it all over again, sweet Dingo of mine?

Right after another session in Highland Creek, SPHP!

Leaving the trailhead, Lupe crossed Park Service Road No. 5, and headed N back through the gate into Custer State Park.  After revisiting Highland Creek, she followed Centennial Trail No. 89 over to the nearest hillside, then went most of the way up it to sit in the shade of a big pine.

Back in Custer State Park. Photo looks NE.
Cool paw Loop enjoying her required return to Highland Creek. Photo looks SE.

Relaxing while enjoying the view of the Highland Creek valley for the last time before heading N, suddenly there was movement.

An enormous group of thirsty natives was proceeding down Centennial Trail No. 89 toward Highland Creek!  However, as soon as they spotted Lupe, the entire group stopped, then ran back up the hill a little way.

Uncertain what to do in the face of this unexpected threat, 80 bison stood pondering their chances of making it to the creek before being torn to shreds by an American Dingo.

A fraction of the thirsty herd.

80 bison to 1 Carolina Dog.  Most of the herd soon decided that their odds of survival were pretty good.  Advancing slowly at first, they then sped on by while Lupe whined and trembled with excitement.

We can take ’em, SPHP!

Yeah, I know, but it’s verboten, Loopster.  Just watch.  Pretty cool, aren’t they?  Not many places you can see this!

The bold buffalo enjoyed their drink from Highland Creek, then went back up the hill to rejoin their still parched friends.  As soon as they all vanished into the woods, Lupe hit the trail again.

Sticking to Centennial Trail No. 89, her return was along the exact same route almost the entire way.  Seemed a little different going the opposite direction, but it was all quite familiar now.  Lupe saw the prairie dogs again, and even spotted 2 pronghorn antelope N of Pass No. 3 that might have been the same ones that she’d seen earlier S of it.  A snake was on the trail in this same area.  Happily, not a rattler.

One of two pronghorns hanging out in the Pass No. 3 vicinity.
The snake. Completely harmless, although Custer State Park does have prairie rattlers.

4:57 PM, on the vast meadow leading back to Pass No. 2

There’s your grassy hill with the big tree, SPHP!  Still want to climb it?

Yes, please!  Let’s do it, Looper.  Still plenty of daylight left.

Leaving Centennial Trail No. 89, Lupe roamed ahead while SPHP trudged along behind.

Heading up the grassy hill. Photo looks SW.

A pleasantly cool 10-15 mph NE breeze was blowing up at the top when Lupe arrived.  Hwy No. 87 was in sight down in the next valley to the W.  A series of forested hills and ridges were beyond it, the otherwise lovely scene still marred by smoke.

The big pine tree, which had stood out as somewhat of a loner on this hill 11 years ago, was now surrounded by a small forest.  Really nothing unusual about this place, except that toward the S end Lupe discovered a plaque cemented to a large rock.

What does it say, SPHP?

There’s a short poem by Dan Tyson, and at the end it says “In Memory of the Bentler Family, October 14, 2006.”

Who are the Bentlers, and what happened to them, SPHP?

No idea, Loopster, except that they evidently died, and Dan Tyson knew them.  Maybe they had some connection to this place, the Centennial Trail, or Custer State Park?

Happen to have any more chocolate coconut bars, SPHP?  We could have one in their honor!

Conniving Dingo!  Not sure the Bentlers would feel the least bit honored by us devouring a chocolate coconut bar, but on the other paw, no harm in it, either.  And yes, I still have one.

The last chocolate coconut bar went the way of the Bentlers.  Lupe then polished off the last of the Taste of the Wild, too, and had a big drink of water.  More peanuts for SPHP.

Relaxing by the Bentler family memorial plaque. Photo looks W.

11 years to the day since Loopster had first gone by this hill!  Now the mystery was finally solved as to what was up here, only to be replaced by the new mystery of who were the Bentlers, and what happened to them?

We’ll probably never know, Loop, but I’m glad we came.

6:48 PM, 68ºF – No getting lost and wandering around all night this time around!  The sun was low, but still up, as the Carolina Dog quenched her thirst for the last time today in French Creek.  She’d seen more buffalo on the way back, but overall, it had just been a peaceful evening.

Bison on the Wildlife Loop Road during the return.
Back at French Creek. Photo looks NE.

Fun day, SPHP!  Glad we did this.  Centennial Trail No. 89 is awesome!

Absolutely!  Always a good time, Looper.

So what’s next on the agenda, SPHP?

Nearly June, Loopster!  The grand and glorious Summer of 2023 is almost upon us, and you know what that means.

Dingo Vacations!

That’s right, sweet puppy!  Adventure is calling!  C’mon.  Let’s go home.  We’ve got a lot to do to get ready.

Bentler Family memorial plaque W of Centennial Trail No. 89, Custer State Park, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-20-23

“May they stay where the river runs through

The range and the sky buckskin and blue

May they ride to the end

On the wings of the wind

‘Till they’re home and their circle is through”

– Dan Tyson

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition               Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map

Next Trail Section N:

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 295 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Badger Hole to to French Creek & Beyond to Peak 5120 (2-7-22)

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!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 314 – Hat Mountain with Poppy, HV & LV, plus Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 (5-1-23)

8:40 AM, 47ºF, Deerfield Road – Not a cloud in the sky!  A gorgeous day, and Lupe was excited.  For the first time since early February, she was adventure bound in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota!

To what do I owe this great honor, SPHP?  I’d about given up on ever going on another Black Hills expedition again!

I know it, Loop.  That’s been my fault.  Got way behind on your blogging, and have been trying to catch up.  Already May now, and summer is just around the corner.  Want to be ready for your next Dingo Vacation, you know!

Oh, I get it, SPHP!  You’ve caught up, and we need to start adventuring again, so you’ll have something to write about.  That’s even better!

No, I’m not caught up quite yet, Loopster, but this outing has been in the works for many moons now, and we’re super overdue for an adventure.  Today you’re going to get to meet Poppy, HV, and LV.

Poppy and HV!  They’ve written a lot of nice comments on my blog, SPHP!  Will be awesome to get to meet them, but who is LV?

LV means Low Voice, which is Rollie.

Oh, so HV means High Voice, SPHP?

Correctamundo, Looper!  HV is Dawnette.  It’s all quite simple.  Poppy just has a bigger support team than you do.

Like SPHP means Slow Plodding Human Porter, got it, SPHP!

Good!  Now try to behave.  No were-puppy attacks, please!

8:50 AM – S of Deerfield Reservoir, SPHP turned L onto Williams Draw Road (USFS Road No. 691), and parked the RAV4 near a corral Lupe had never seen before.  The American Dingo leapt out as soon as SPHP opened the door.  No one was around.

Where is Poppy, SPHP?

Don’t worry, she’ll be here, Loop.  We’re a few minutes early, that’s all.

Actually, Poppy, HV & LV had already been here.  Moments later, their Honda Accord returned to the corral, coming N on Williams Draw Road after checking for Lupe farther S.  As they emerged from their vehicle, Loopster was all wound up, shrilly barking greetings to one and all.

Poppy, was very friendly and excited, too, but not so vocal about it.  A three year old Golden Retriever with a beautiful red coat and bright, happy eyes, Poppy was full of energy and enthusiasm, clearly looking forward to a romp in the hills.

New friend Poppy by the corral.
Rollie (LV) and Dawnette (HV).

Greetings and introductions were exchanged among the humans, too.  During initial chatter about careers, and life events like graduations, Dawnette made a comment SPHP mischievously interpreted as implying disbelief that SPHP had ever actually graduated from anything.

Not what Dawnette meant, of course, (or so she maintained).  Everyone laughed, and the subject became a running joke.

Once these preliminaries were complete, it was Onward!  Puppies, ho! heading S on Williams Draw Road.  Hat Mountain (6,779 ft.) was the morning’s objective, an excellent choice selected by HV some time ago.

Setting off for Hat Mountain (Center) on Williams Draw Road. Photo looks SW.

Right from the start, Poppy joyfully raced ahead.  Apparently, being off leash was a relatively rare treat for her, due to prior incidents of having set off on her own private alone-in-the-woods overnight adventures.  No doubt they had been interesting times, but HV and LV weren’t keen on a repeat, since such antics can turn out poorly.

Meanwhile, the trek had barely started when the Carolina Dog pooped right on the road.  SPHP shot her a look.

Loopster!  Really?  What happened to being on your best behavior?

Sorry, SPHP.  Just had to get that out of my system!  Good to go now!

Looks like you already went.

Fine company and pleasant conversation made the time fly during the gradual uphill march along Williams Draw Road.  Suddenly, everyone was already less than 0.25 mile E of Hat Mountain’s summit.  SPHP was of the opinion that this was as good a spot as any to leave the road.

Starting up Hat Mountain’s E slope. Photo looks W.

Leaving Williams Draw Road, Hat Mountain’s summit was already less than 300 feet higher.  The E slope began as a moderately steep climb through open Ponderosa pine forest.  Soon the rate of climb diminished, and trees were scarcer as snow banks near the grassy S ridge came into view.  Soon the whole gang was up on the broad ridge, looking N at the last bit remaining to get on top, Poppy still leading the way.

HV, LV and Poppy on the upper E slope. Photo looks SW.
On the S ridge. Summit dead ahead! Photo looks N.

9:46 AM, 52ºF – HV had been to Hat Mountain (6,779 ft.) before, so she had already known what a fabulous viewpoint it would be when she’d chosen it.  Somewhat rare in that it sits in grand isolation a mile or two away from the rest of the limestone plateau high country of the western Black Hills, Hat Mountain is also unusual for it’s roomy, pancake flat, barren summit that provides sweeping 360º panoramic views.

HV, Poppy and LV with Loopster on Hat Mountain. Photo looks SSW.
The broader, pancake flat summit region.

Although both HV and Lupe had been here before, LV and Poppy hadn’t.  A leisurely tour of the views began with a stroll over to the N end of the summit plateau.  Reynolds Prairie was in sight beyond glimpses of still frozen Deerfield Reservoir.  Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) stuck out near the horizon.

Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) was even farther away past the W edge of Reynolds Prairie, well beyond where South Castle Rock (6,840 ft.), Castle Rock (6,783 ft.), Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.), and Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) were all lined up along the E edge of the limestone plateau overlooking the prairie.

Flag Mountain & Terry Peak (far L), Custer Peak (R of Center) beyond Reynolds Prairie. Part of Deerfield Reservoir (R). Photo looks NNE.

Higher pine-covered ridges of the limestone plateau hemmed in views to the W and S, but LV was able to identify Five Points (6,221 ft.) miles off to the E.  Turned out that Poppy, HV, and LV live not too far from it.

To the SE, Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) loomed beyond Gillette Prairie.  Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.) and Green Mountain (7,164 ft.) were easy to pick out along the edge of the limestone plateau.

Black Elk Peak (L) beyond Gillette Prairie, Copper Mountain (Center) beyond HV, and Green Mountain (R) beyond LV. Photo looks SE.

Every now and then, Poppy dashed down one side of the mountain or the other to do some sniffing and exploring on her own, but always came charging back up when called.  Such a beautiful day that SPHP wondered if Poppy, HV and LV might have time to do a little more?

There was talk of a quick visit to the Dragon Caves, which weren’t too far away, but LV had work he really needed to get back to.  50 minutes after arriving, Poppy and HV led the way down Hat Mountain’s NW slope.  HV kind of wanted to go back that way, looking for a road she’d taken the first time she’d been here.

Poppy, HV and LV start down. Photo looks NW.
Loopster still up on Hat Mountain. Photo looks ESE.

Descending the NW slope, LV commented on the crocuses beginning to emerge.  SPHP was surprised and happy to hear them referred to that way.  Crocuses was what SPHP had always called them, too, although all the online information SPHP had seen referred to them as pasques, the South Dakota state flower.

Emerging crocuses.

After losing sufficient elevation, HV rediscovered the road she’d been on before down in the forest.  Taking it NE, the unmarked road soon linked up with Williams Draw Road.  From there, it was an easy stroll back to the vehicles still waiting near the corral.

Poppy enjoying a lingering snowbank along the unmarked road while LV and HV look on. Photo looks NE.

11:36 AM, 54ºF, Williams Draw Road near Deerfield Road – Hat Mountain had been a success, but it was already time for good-byes.  It had been fun getting to meet Poppy, HV and LV.  Poppy might have had the best time of all, with all the running and roaming around she’d gotten to do.  She was a beautiful dog, with many fabulous adventures ahead of her!

Black Hills adventurer Poppy.

Poppy, HV, and LV were soon on their way.  Naturally, the question was now, what next?  The American Dingo didn’t have any work she needed to get back to.

That was fun, SPHP!  Poppy, HV, and LV sure were nice, but I do have one other question, too.

Oh, really?  What’s that Looper?

So, did you really graduate, or not, SPHP?

Oh, for Pete’s sake!  Not you, too!  Of course, I graduated!

Sorry for asking, SPHP.  It’s just that sometimes you … oh, never mind!  It’s a gorgeous day in May, so what are we going to do?

I dunno.  Don’t really have anything planned, but give me a few minutes, and I’ll think of something, Loop.  Meanwhile, Deerfield Reservoir is close.  Why don’t we have a look?

12:04 PM –  The W end of Deerfield Reservoir was only partially frozen, and the ice looked thin where it still was.  Not a thing was going on here, other than a lone Canadian enjoying a brisk swim.

Dropping by the W end of Deerfield Reservoir. Photo looks W.
The hardy Canadian.

Time’s a-wasting, SPHP!  Come up with anything yet?

Yes, I think so, Loop.  Been a long time since we’ve been to some of these named peaks along the E edge of the limestone plateau, and we’re not far from them.  We could visit Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain, and Peak 6962.

Peak 6962!  Why, SPHP?  There’s a good reason we haven’t been there in a long time.  The approach is ghastly!  Don’t you remember all the deadfall and the broken barbed wire fence?  I’m fine with Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain, though.

Yeah, but we can do Peak 6962 one more time, Looper.  Been meaning to return to it for ages now, and when LV mentioned the crocuses, that got me thinking.  First time we ever went to Peak 6962 we came to a place we called Perfect Crocus Ridge because so many beautiful crocuses were there.  Would kind of like to see if we can find them again.  You’ve got to admit, it’s the perfect time of year for it, too!

Oh, I suppose, but let’s do Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain first, SPHP.  We can go for Peak 6962 after that, if there’s still time.  Deal?

Deal!

12:26 PM, 56ºF, Junction of USFS Roads No. 189 & No. 599 – Lupe leapt out as soon as SPHP opened the door.  Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.) was only 0.3 mile S.  Forest hid its ragged limestone summit from where the RAV4 was parked, but the meadow N of the road provided a good look at it.

Parked at the junction of USFS Roads No. 189 & No. 599. Photo looks NW.
Nipple Butte (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.

Nipple Butte doesn’t look like much from here, SPHP.  Feels a lot different up on top, though!  How long has it been since we climbed it?  Seems like forever.

More than 5 years, Looper.  Can hardly believe it’s been that long myself.

On the Carolina Dog’s previous ascents, she’d always been coming from the S, and had ultimately gone up via a chute on the very steep upper W slope.  Approaching from the N was a new experience, but turned out to be quite similar in most respects.

What began as a gentle climb through a thin forest, quickly steepened, as Lupe picked her way through a minefield of deadfall.  By the time the first limestone outcroppings appeared, she wasn’t far from the top.

Approaching Nipple Butte from the N. Photo looks SSW.
Below the first limestone formations. Photo looks S.

Swinging around to the W, and up a rocky ramp, the American Dingo managed to reach an initial viewpoint.  Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) was only a mile N, with Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) in the distance beyond it.

Going up the ramp. Photo looks SSW.
Flag Mountain (far L). NW end of Reynolds Prairie (R). Photo looks NE.

Switching to the E side of the next higher outcropping, a fairly easy route led to an opening with access to the summit block.  SPHP had to give the Carolina Dog a 5 or 6 foot boost, before scrambling up after her.

The upper NE route to the true summit (Center). Photo looks SW.
On the summit platform. Photo looks SW.

1:00 PM, 61ºFNipple Butte (6,800 ft.) also has a flat, open summit, but a tiny one compared to Hat Mountain.  With vertical edges never more than a few feet away, it’s an airy perch.  A lone chunk of limestone, just the right size to serve as a Dingo display rock, was the absolute top.  Lupe was able to leap up onto it under her own power.

On Nipple Butte. Photo looks SW.

Ta da!  Chocolate coconut bar time, SPHP!

So it was!  Lupe hopped off the summit rock, then laid down while SPHP fetched a chocolate coconut bar out of the pack.

HP6856 (R). Photo looks W.

Once the chocolate coconut bar had been dispatched, SPHP munched an apple.

This squeezy little platform always makes Nipple Butte feel so much higher than it really is, doesn’t it, Loop?

Nipple Butte is plenty high, SPHP!  Can we see Hat Mountain from here?

Yup.  It’s a little hard to pick out, because the ridge behind it is higher, but it’s that conical hill almost due S with the grassy slope toward the R.

I see it, SPHP.  Looks mighty small.

Well, it’s 5 miles away, Loop.

S end of Reynolds Prairie (L), Green Mountain (Center), Hat Mountain (R), Castle Rock (far R in the foreground). Photo looks SSE.

Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) was a mile N.  Castle Rock (6,783 ft.) was less than that far S.  Reynolds Prairie was E, and the forested highlands of the limestone plateau country were W.  Lupe barely had to budge to see it all from up here.

Castle Rock (L). Photo looks SSW.
Reynolds Prairie. Photo looks ENE.
Flag Mountain (L), Reynolds Prairie (R). Photo looks NE.

Half an hour was going to have to be enough on Nipple Butte with both Flag Mountain and Peak 6962 on the agenda.  Soon it was time to head back down.  Lupe watched while SPHP carefully slid backward over the N edge of the summit block, before helping her down, too.

Final moments on Nipple Butte. Photo looks SSW.

Instead of heading back down the N slope, Lupe made her traditional W chute descent.  Once safely below the chute, she headed NW down to USFS Road No. 189.1B, then NE back to the RAV4.

Looking down the W chute.
And back up it. Photo looks NE.
Lower end of the W chute. Photo looks SE.
Heading down to USFS Road No. 189.1B. HP6897 (L of Center). Photo looks NW.

Without stopping, Lupe went right on by.  Heading up the slope leading to Flag Mountain’s S ridge, she had a terrific view of Nipple Butte back to the S.

Nipple Butte as seen from the S end of Flag Mountain’s S ridge. Photo looks SSW.

The rate of climb soon diminished.  Flag Mountain came back in sight, as Lupe continued N along the broad ridgeline.

Flag Mountain (Center) from its S ridge. Photo looks N.

Gradually gaining elevation despite a couple of dips along the way, Lupe stayed to the W (L) when she came to a big limestone formation near the Flag Mountain access spur off USFS Road No. 189.  Following the road all the way to the end got the Carolina Dog just shy of the summit.

A set of stone steps led up onto the limestone escarpment where what remained of the old fire lookout still stood perched at the E end.

At the end of the Flag Mountain access road, just below the summit. Photo looks NE.
At what’s left of the old Flag Mountain fire lookout. Photo looks E.

2:49 PM, 63ºF, Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.)

Nearly a year since we were here with Dennis Stewart, remember, Loop?

Yes, of course!  What a difference, too, SPHP!  We could hardly see a thing back then due to fog.  So cold that it was even trying to snow!

With scarcely a cloud in the sky, there were no such difficulties today.  The views were excellent, but to the S, E and W they were all similar to those seen from Nipple Butte.

L to R beyond Reynolds Prairie: Medicine Mountain, Copper Mountain, Green Mountain and Hat Mountain. Nipple Butte and Castle Rock (far R). Photo looks S.
Hat Mountain (L) in the distance, Nipple Butte and Castle Rock (Center).
Flag Mountain’s limestone summit ridge from within the fire lookout foundation. Photo looks W.
Out on the escarpment. Black Elk Peak (far R) on the horizon. Photo looks ESE.

The view to the N, though, was now substantially different.  The dreaded Peak 6962 and White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.) were now in sight.  Both were long ridges along the E edge of the limestone plateau country, bordered partly by lines of cliffs, and without any conspicuous summit.

Peak 6962 (Center), White Tail Peak (R), and Terry Peak (far R). Photo looks NNW.

Yes, but White Tail Peak has all the best viewpoints, and all Peak 6962 has is a wretched long approach choked with deadfall, SPHP.

Yup, it’s icky, Loop, but there’s actually a better way than our traditional route from the SW.  Craig Johnson later described a route from the S that’s not supposed to have much deadfall.  We saw that valley before, but never went that way.

Then let’s go that way now, SPHP!

We can do that on the way back, Loopster.  If we don’t take our old route there, we’ll never find Perfect Crocus Ridge again.

For the crocuses then, SPHP!  Last time I’m ever going this way, though.

Lupe had only been to Peak 6962 twice before, and both times she’d gone W from Flag Mountain, staying high while skirting a gigantic bowl.  This route was nearly all forested, and involved a fair amount of up and down along the way, although nothing particularly steep.

Horrid amounts of deadfall, along with a dangerous, damaged barbed wire fence, made the last part of the journey particularly odious.  No reason not to expect the same again today.  Nevertheless, the American Dingo once again left Flag Mountain plunging W into the forest.

Even here, the deadfall was pretty bad.  Winding and leaping her way through it, the situation didn’t improve until after Lupe crossed the Flag Mountain access road, and continuing W, got over the next hill.

A rare clearing on the way to Peak 6962. Photo looks WNW.

A mile W of Flag Mountain, Lupe passed close to USFS Road No. 189.  It was time to turn NW.  Quite a bit of deadfall was on this next thickly forested hill as the Carolina Dog began climbing again.

You know, SPHP, we could take one of these roads!  Would make life a lot easier, at least part of the way.

Yeah, but where’s the tedious adventure in that?  Besides, this route is both shorter and an old tradition now, Looper.  We’re doing fine.

Reaching HP6920, USFS Road No. 189 was in view again.  After a short break, even SPHP was ready to take the road for a while.

USFS Road No. 189 from HP6920. Photo looks N.

Too late!  Lupe had hardly made any progress along No. 189 when SPHP realized that she really ought to be up on the ridge next to it.  The map showed some sort of a primitive road up on the ridge, too, but when the American Dingo got up there, it didn’t really exist.

Briefly on USFS Road No. 189 shortly before leaving it again. Photo looks N.
Hmm. Not much of a road up here, is there, Loopster? Photo looks NNE.

Well, maybe in another 200 or 300 years, the series of small hills along Peak 6962’s mile plus long SW ridge will be the way to go.  Not today.  The dreaded deadfall was worse than ever, and the broken barbed wire fence was still a dangerous, hidden tangle amid it all.  Staying W of the treacherous fence, poor Lupe had to leap over countless dead trees, their trunks often stacked 2 or 3 high.

All in vain, too!  Sadly, Perfect Crocus Ridge was no more.  At least, SPHP couldn’t find it, even though Lupe must have gone right by it at some point.  Not a crocus to be seen anywhere along the way.

Along the rim of the bowl. Peak 6962‘s S ridge (L), Reynolds Prairie (Center), Flag Mountain (R). Photo looks SE.

6:15 PM, 60ºF, Peak 6962 –  The barbed wire fence had been left behind, but the ghastly deadfall extended all the way to a small, bright green patch of kinnikinnick which seemed to be at or close to the highest point on the mountain.  Hard to be precise, since such an enormous region was at essentially the same elevation.

Sunlight was streaming through the shattered forest when Lupe arrived, but all distant views were badly tree-broken.

Peak 6962 summit, or at least the S high point. Photo looks NNW.

Think this is about it, Looper.  Summit of Peak 6962!

Hasn’t changed much, has it, SPHP?  How long has it been since we’ve been here?

A long time, Loopster.  Nearly 8 years!

It’s been a grueling journey, SPHP.  Wouldn’t happen to have a chocolate coconut bar and some water, would you?

I do, but before we do that, Loop, there is supposed to be another high point that’s also potentially a true summit candidate 500 feet farther N.  We ought to tag it, as well.

Without complaint, Lupe made this journey, too.

At or near Peak 6962’s N summit candidate. Photo looks SSE.

6:26 PM, Peak 6962 – The exact location of the N high point was similarly next to impossible to identify, but Lupe must have been close to it when SPHP shared that final hard-won chocolate coconut bar of the day with her.  With nothing but tree-broken views here, too, the Carolina Dog saw no reason to linger.

Satisfied, SPHP?

Yeah, I guess so, Loop.

So what’s your opinion, SPHP?  Which high point is Peak 6962’s true summit?

The S one, Loopster, but that’s just a wild guess, a faint impression.  Might easily be totally mistaken.

Hardly matters, SPHP.  Can’t be much difference between them, and how often does anyone visit Peak 6962, anyway?  Not much to see here, until the forest burns down someday.

Still glad we came, Loop.  I like the quiet remoteness of it.  Sad we couldn’t find Perfect Crocus Ridge again, though.  Would have been fun to see it.

Heading back through the deadfall, which wasn’t as bad here as along the SW ridge, Lupe returned to Peak 6962’s S high point, which SPHP still considered, rightly or wrongly, the true summit.  For a moment, Lupe paused briefly to glance WNW toward the sinking sun and a distant blue ridge.  SPHP wondered if she would ever be here again?

This time, the American Dingo departed Peak 6962 heading down the previously unexplored valley to the S recommended by Craig Johnson.  Super easy!  Nothing at all like the traditional ordeal along the SW ridge!  Lupe followed a broad swath of open ground bordered by scattered stands of pines down a nearly mile long obstacle-free slope.

Exploring the S valley. Photo looks SSW.

USFS Road No. 599 was waiting at the bottom.  A pleasant 2 mile road hike around the E side Flag Mountain was all that remained.

7:52 PM, 42ºF – The sun was down, but it was still light out when Lupe reached the RAV4.  As dusk came on during the drive home, the Carolina Dog was hysterical due to all the deer along Deerfield Road, including a giant deer that sprang across the highway right in front of the RAV4.  The exciting wildlife display didn’t end until nearly Hill City.

Well, Expedition No. 314 turned out to be quite the day!  Felt good being back out in the Black Hills again, didn’t it, Loop?

Sure did, SPHP!  Got to meet Poppy, HV and LV, and visited 4 mountains at or near the edge of the limestone plateau!  Hoping this is a sign of more good times to come!

Poppy launched us back into action, Loopster!  Summer of 2023 is right around the corner now.  Gonna be great.  Adventure season is upon us, sweet puppy!

With Poppy, HV and LV on Hat Mountain, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-1-23

Note: Dawnette (HV) and Rollie (LV) are owner-operators of the popular, highly-rated Annie Lode Coffee Cabin located 3.5 miles NE of Hill City on US Hwy No. 385/16 (0.3 mile W of Three Forks).  Dingo recommended!

At the Annie Lode Coffee Cabin, 23828 Hwy 385, Hill City, South Dakota

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition               Prior Black Hills Expedition

Hat Mountain GPS Track

Nipple Butte GPS Track

Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 GPS Track

Peak 6962 GPS Track (Descent)

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!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 313 – Centennial Trail No. 89: South from Bear Butte Lake with Cousin Laddie (2-12-23)

Where to?  This was only the second full day of Cousin Laddie’s stay at Hotel Lupe, but also the last one, too.  Tomorrow Laddie would already be on his way back home to Colorado.  Gotta come up with something worthy of the occasion, but with a fair amount of snow in some parts of the Black Hills, what would be a good choice?

SPHP didn’t have to ponder the question long.  But, of course!  Why not?  Both Uncle Joe and Laddie had enjoyed yesterday’s trek N from Fort Meade along Centennial Trail No. 89.  They might enjoy completing that whole segment of the trail leading to Bear Butte Lake by starting at the lake, and working back toward Fort Meade.  Ought to be easy to link up with the point where everyone turned back yesterday.

When Uncle Joe expressed enthusiasm for this plan, the die was cast.

10:45 AM, 49ºF, Bear Butte Lake trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 – Just as sunny and warm today as yesterday, but a 20 mph NW wind sweeping across the frozen lake sure made it feel colder.  Joe and SPHP bundled up a bit and were fine.  Lupe apparently was, too.  No need to worry about Cousin Laddie under all that luxuriant Sheltie fur!

Everyone was soon ready to hit the trail, which started out heading SW along a mowed path a little way from the lake’s SE shore.

Bear Butte from the trailhead. Photo looks NNE.
Joe and Lupe about to head out. Photo looks W.
Crossing the mighty Bear Butte Lake glacier near the very start. Photo looks WSW.
Bear Butte Lake with the Black Hills beyond. Photo looks W.

Halfway along the SE shore, Centennial Trail No. 89 went quite close to the lake.  Might as well go have a look!

Bear Butte Lake from the SE shore. Photo looks N.
Bear Butte from Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks NE.
Joe and Laddie get in on the act. Photo looks NE.

After passing a small bay at the S end of the lake, the trail headed W out onto the prairie.  Going gradually up a long rise, the trail flattened out near Hill 3204.  Venturing a short distance off-trail, the hill provided a sweet view of Bear Butte Lake with Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) beyond.

Heading out onto the prairie. Photo looks W.
Bear Butte Lake and Bear Butte from Hill 3204. Photo looks NE.

Returning to Centennial Trail No. 89, it continued W across a featureless plain, eventually angling SW toward a ridge.  From the top this ridge there was a last view of Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake back to the NE.

Heading for the ridge. Photo looks SW.
Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake from the top of the ridge. Photo looks NE.

A vast expanse of prairie was now in sight to the W with the Black Hills beyond it.  Crook Mountain (4,930 ft.) was readily identifiable to the WSW past Oyster Mountain (4,040 ft.), although neither looked all that big from here.

Oyster Mountain (the darkly forested hill way beyond Lupe) with Crook Mountain (slightly L) beyond it. Photo looks W.

The most interesting view, though, was to the S.  The long ridge everyone had reached yesterday from Fort Meade was 1.5 miles away.  Since there was plenty of time to get over to it, a short break was taken here before continuing on.  Conditions were more pleasant now, the N wind having died down somewhat.

Looking SSW toward the long, flat, grassy ridge that was today’s objective.

Soon everyone was ready to press on.  Centennial Trail No. 89 went S as it now descended toward the lowlands.  Near a pond, the trail reached a fence line, which it followed SW to a gate.  Going through the gate, the trail became more of a faint 2 track road as it headed S again.  By the time it eventually curved SW, the majority of the distance to the next ridge had already been covered.

Approaching the destination ridge. Photo looks SW.

Near the end of this stretch through the lowlands, the trail curved SE, starting up toward the same gap in the ridge to the S everyone had made it to yesterday.  In this region, Cousin Laddie and Uncle Joe successfully completed their explorations of Centennial Trail No. 89 between Fort Meade and Bear Butte Lake.  Nearly to the ridge now, going all the way to the top again seemed like the thing to do.

Joe and Laddie heading up to the gap (R). Bear Butte (Center). Photo looks NE.
Looking ESE down on the gap as Joe and Laddie complete the trek up onto the ridge.

Once up on the ridge, the plan was to take a break somewhere along the N edge.  Going W along the rim, a second point jutting out toward the N seemed like a good spot.  The upper E side provided some shelter from the wind, which was still blowing.  This area overlooked a ravine full of snow that extended clear back down to the prairie.

Lupe and Laddie on a snowbank near the break spot. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NNE.

Just like yesterday, SPHP let Laddie and Lupe split a chocolate coconut bar, followed up by as much Taste of the Wild as they wanted.  Joe and SPHP had apples and Kirkland bars again.  Water, of course, for anyone who wanted it.

Sweeping views of the low prairie looked like one might go on exploring forever.  Only 2 miles W, the Black Hills beckoned clad in dark pines.

The Black Hills. Photo looks WSW.

A small pond was in sight about 0.5 mile N out on the prairie.  Although Centennial Trail No. 89 didn’t go to it, getting there would be easy.  The plan for the return became to follow the long snowfield extending down the ravine, then continue across the prairie to visit this little pond.

However, what looked like a carcass was visible down along the W side of the ravine.  Before everyone got underway again, Joe leashed Laddie up to prevent him from getting anywhere near it.

Laddie with the anti-carcass leash on.
Joe and Laddie out on the breezy point. Photo looks NW.

The snow in the ravine was strong, supporting even SPHP’s weight.  Joe and Laddie completely by-passed the carcass, but Lupe and SPHP went over for a look.  The cow had been dead so long that even the Carolina Dog didn’t want a thing to do with it.

Heading down the snow-filled ravine. Photo looks NNE.
The poor icky cow! Photo looks NE.

After sticking with the snow in the ravine until it ran out, the trek across the prairie to the little pond was next.  A bit of cactus caused Loopster to insist upon implementing her anti-cactus strategy, which basically meant SPHP had to go first, certifying the route directly ahead was cacti-free.  Only then would Lupe follow.

Looking SW back up toward the ridge.
Loop on her way down. Photo looks SW.
Exploring the prairie. Photo looks SSW.

The little pond was frozen, of course.  Uncle Joe ventured onto the ice.  Cousin Laddie eventually did, too.  The American Dingo and SPHP did not.  The only other thing of interest here was a gnarled tree on a small barren rise just NE of the pond.  Even the tree wasn’t all that fascinating, but at least Lupe and Laddie could say they’d been here.

Uncle Joe out on the ice. Photo looks NNW.
By the gnarled tree. Photo looks E.

Heading E from the pond and its lone gnarled tree, Centennial Trail No. 89 was soon reached again.  Rather than go back entirely along the same route, the day’s journey concluded with a detour around the N side of Bear Butte Lake on the way back to the trailhead.

This involved a trek through a campground, following a primitive road through some trees where there were big mounds of snow, and ended with a short-cut through an extensive, currently dry region of cattails.

Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake back in sight again. Photo looks NE.
Getting close to Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks E.
On a snowbank near the W end of the lake. Photo looks N.
Setting out around the N side of Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks NE.

By 2:40 PM, the day’s outdoor adventures were over.  It had been a fun time with Cousin Laddie and Uncle Joe.  Although Hotel Lupe wasn’t serving dinner tonight, Grandma was throwing a Super Bowl party at her apartment.

There were lots of good things to eat!  Lupe got a Busy Rib Hide.  Laddie didn’t, because he had only one front tooth to chew with, his L canine that earned him his Cousin Snaggle Fang nickname, but he could have Beggin’ Strips.  Both cousins also enjoyed plenty of baked chicken that SPHP doled out.

Lupe was disappointed the Dingoes weren’t even in it, but the Super Bowl was actually exciting this year!  The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38 to 35 in a high-scoring duel undecided until the final seconds.

Cousin Laddie’s brief visit to Hotel Lupe and the Black Hills with Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea had been a marvelous time!  Lupe and SPHP were so glad they had come, even though 2.5 happy days together had flown by all too quickly.  The next morning it was sad to see them go.

No one at the time, though, realized just how extremely sad it was.

With Cousin Laddie & Uncle Joe near Bear Butte Lake, South Dakota 2-12-23

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                     Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map

Lupe & Laddie’s GPS Track to the Break Spot

Remembering Cousin Laddie

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 312 – Centennial Trail No. 312 North from Fort Meade with Cousin Laddie (2-11-22)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 149 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Fort Meade to Bear Butte Lake (12-19-15)

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!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 312 – Centennial Trail No. 89: North from Fort Meade with Cousin Laddie (2-11-23)

2-10-23, mid-afternoon at home – Lupe was going berserk!  Despite being delayed due to a super icy hill, Cousin Laddie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe were here from Colorado!  Wild with joy, the Carolina Dog greeted them all to Hotel Lupe with enormous enthusiasm.  Chocolate bars were on their pillows, and SPHP was cooking tonight!

In the evening, even Grandma came over for the feast.  Cousin Laddie was hoping for SPHP’s “Sheltie delight” spaghetti, but got chili instead.  Once it cooled off enough, Laddie decided the chili wasn’t bad, either, stuffing himself with 2 big bowls of it.  Not to be outdone, Lupe had 3.

2-11-23, 10:27 AM, 44ºF, junction of USFS Roads No. 144 & No. 144.1A – As Lupe hoped and expected, Cousin Laddie’s arrival meant adventures in the Black Hills were in store!  SPHP had selected Peak 5321 near Nemo as a good objective to start with.

Seemed like a perfect choice!  USFS Road No. 144.1A went nearly all the way to the top with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, passing scenic Ash Point just before getting there.  Another great viewpoint was a short distance beyond the summit, too, if everyone felt a bit more ambitious.

However, there was a lot more snow than SPHP anticipated at the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A.  So much snow that Uncle Joe was wishing he’d brought snowshoes!

At the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks S.

Well, this was a N slope.  SPHP promoted the notion that once the road got up to where it enjoyed a more S-facing exposure, the snow wouldn’t be nearly so deep.  There might not even be any snow at all.  Uncle Joe was willing to play along with that idea, at least for a little way.

After passing a barricade near the start, No. 144.1A angled SE.  The snow made what should have been an easy, gradual ascent quite a workout.  Cousin Laddie with his short Sheltie legs had the hardest time of it, but didn’t complain at all, bounding through chest deep snow like a trooper, trying to keep up with Uncle Joe.

By the barricade near the start. Photo looks SSE.
The snowy initial climb. Photo looks SE.

After gaining 100 feet of elevation, the road curved SW and started to level out in a sunnier region.  As expected, there was less snow here.

Joe and Laddie lead the way on a still mostly snowy road. Photo looks WSW.

Before long, No. 144.1A curved SE again.  With the snow just as deep as it was earlier, SPHP had to concede that maybe Peak 5321 wasn’t actually such a great idea today.  A new plan was hatched.  If it was too snowy in the hills, maybe Joe and Laddie would be interested in a prairie hike at much lower elevations?

Joe and Lupe as far as the snow trek went, a little over 0.4 mile in. Photo looks SE.

When SPHP suggested taking Centennial Trail No. 89 N from Fort Meade, Joe was all for it.  He liked the Fort Meade area, in fact, Joe and Cousin Dusty had often been with Loopster on Centennial Trail No. 89 N of the Alkali Creek trailhead, just S of Fort Meade.  Joe called that section of the trail the “Ponderosa hike”, and it had always been one of their favorites in the entire Black Hills region.

With this new plan in mind, everyone headed back to the RAV4.

Returning to the RAV4 on a still too wintery USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks NW.

2-11-23, 11:54 AM, 52ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Fort Meade trailhead – Oh, yeah!  Much better!  Cousin Laddie was going to have an easier time of it here.  Some snow around, but not much, and only in a few spots.

At the Fort Meade trailhead. Photo looks NW.

After crossing Hwy 34/79 just W of Fort Meade, everyone went through a gate N of the highway, then continued N through a field of tall, dry grass toward oaks and cottonwoods over by Bear Butte Creek.

About to head through the gate after crossing Hwy 34/79. Photo looks N.
Reaching the trees near Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks NE.

A surprise was waiting at Bear Butte Creek.  The bridge that used to be here was gone!  No sign of it!  Fortunately, the creek was running low.  Joe wandered W along the near bank, looking for a place to cross.  He found a suitable spot 200 feet upstream.

Meanwhile, Cousin Laddie had ventured into Bear Butte Creek.  Finding it deeper than he expected, Laddie tried to get out, but each time he leapt up onto a shelf of ice along the edge of the stream, a big chunk would collapse beneath him, plunging the Sheltie right back into the water.

Laddie kept trying, though, finally managing to escape.  Laddie, Lupe, and SPHP all headed for the area where Uncle Joe had made it across, and had success, too.

Joe already up on the N bank, waiting for Laddie. Photo looks NW.
Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks WNW.

After crossing Bear Butte Creek and finding the trail again, it headed NE across a huge field.  A long ridge more than 150 feet high was just to the N.  The top of Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) was visible beyond it.

Entering the field. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NE.

The trail went NE all the way to a fence line where it turned N.  Warning whistles revealed the presence of a small prairie dog town near the base of the ridge.  All excited, the American Dingo dashed off to stick her nose down some prairie dog holes and enjoy some serious sniffing.

Either Shelties don’t give a fig about prairie dogs, or Laddie didn’t hear them due to his partial deafness.  In any case, he displayed absolutely no interest, preferring to follow Uncle Joe up the 2 track dirt road the trail now followed up the ridge.  When SPHP went that way, too, Lupe quickly abandoned her prairie dog investigations.

Beyond the prairie dog village, starting up the ridge. Photo looks NE.

After getting up the first rise, the dirt road flattened out.  The top of the ridge was still somewhat higher.  A second minor push required to get to the upper plateau didn’t take long.  Once on top, a lone boulder was seen resting 30 feet E of the road near the S rim.

The boulder looked like a good spot to take a break.  A couple of ponds were in sight a mile E, and Bear Butte was in view again, too.  Sitting on the grass, SPHP let Laddie and Lupe split a chocolate coconut bar, and gave them as much Taste of the Wild as they wanted.  Joe and SPHP each had a Kirkland bar that Joe provided, plus an apple.

On the big grassy bench below the top of the ridge. Photo looks NW.
Relaxing near the lone boulder. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NNE.
The ponds (Center) from the boulder near the S edge of the ridge. Photo looks E.
The view back toward Fort Meade and Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks S.

After the pleasant rest break, following the dirt road just a little farther N led to an intersection.  Centennial Trail No. 89 turned NE (R) here in the general direction of Bear Butte, remaining on top of the broad ridge.

This flat stroll was about as easy as it gets, and views of the surrounding prairie were terrific.  Conditions were fabulous for February, mid 50’s ºF, with scarcely a breeze.  Joe and SPHP chatted about what a great place to camp this ridge would be on a starry night.

The western South Dakota prairie. Photo looks NNW.

Laddie and Lupe didn’t find all that much to sniff up here other than an empty water trough in a wooden fence, but still seemed to be enjoying themselves.

By the dry water trough. Bear Butte (L). Photo looks NE.

After going NE for more than a mile, the road curved E toward a gap in the ridge.  Before heading down into the gap, a few moments were taken to appreciate the view of Bear Butte from up here.  Bear Butte Lake was just coming into sight at the base of the mountain.

A long, long time ago, Cousin Dusty had been up here with Lupe.  It was sad to think that Cousin Dusty was gone now, but, of course, nice to have Cousin Laddie’s company.

Laddie and Lupe together before descending into the gap. Photo looks NE.
Bear Butte Lake at the base of Bear Butte with help from the telephoto lens.

Descending into the gap, Uncle Joe scanned the ground for artifacts as he turned N, venturing farther down into the prairie.

Below the ridge after going through the gap. Photo looks NW.
Joe and Laddie head farther out into the prairie. Photo looks NW.

Bear Butte’s summit is the N end of 111 mile long Centennial Trail No. 89, but Laddie and Lupe weren’t going that far today.  Now 2.5 miles from the Fort Meade trailhead, Uncle Joe was ready to turn back.

About ready to head back up onto the ridge. Photo looks S.
Cousin Laddie at trail’s end for the day.
Bear Butte from the turnaround point. Photo looks NE.

The return was beautiful, half of it way up on the ridge with the big prairie views, this time heading toward the Black Hills.

Joe and Laddie returning to the ridge. Photo looks SSE.
Heading for the Black Hills. Photo looks SW.

2-11-23, 3:00 PM, Fort Meade trailhead – Nearly the entire return route was identical, except near the very end.  By going farther W through the huge field and a picnic ground, a lovely bridge over Bear Butte Creek had been discovered along a bike path.  Happily, Laddie hadn’t had to brave the icy waters a second time.

Later on in the evening, Cousin Laddie had another reason to celebrate.  Joe and Andrea brought Grandma over to Hotel Lupe again, and SPHP didn’t disappoint.  Tonight’s chef’s special was “Sheltie delight” spaghetti, a Laddie favorite even American Dingoes were partial to.

Cousin Laddie on Centennial Trail No. 89 between Fort Meade & Bear Butte 2-11-23

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                    Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe & Laddie’s GPS Track

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 149 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Fort Meade to Bear Butte Lake (12-19-15)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 129 – Centennial Trail No. 89 near Fort Meade (5-22-15)

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!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 311 – The Peak 5452 Fail & Pillar Peak (1-15-23)

9:02 AM, 33ºF, Camp 5 Road (USFS Road No. 172) trailhead off Hwy 14A – Record high temperatures for the date yesterday, but you sure wouldn’t have known it from conditions at the Camp 5 trailhead this morning.  SPHP parked the RAV4 in more than a foot of snow.

Arriving at the snowy Camp 5 Road trailhead. Photo looks SW.

It’s still winter here, SPHP!

Going to be winter for a while yet, Loopster.  Still January, about as wintry as it gets.  Supposed to warm up some again today, though, although not as much as it did yesterday.  You still want to go, don’t you?

Oh, of course I do, SPHP.  Where are we off to?

Peak 5452, Looper!

Peak 5452?  Sounds like another Lists of John 300+ foot prominence peak.  In fact, I sort of vaguely remember that we were driving around looking for access to a Peak 5452 last fall.  Am I right, SPHP?

Indeed, you are, Loop!  We drove up Peedee Gulch one day thinking Peak 5452 would be a short easy romp from the W.  However, turned out it was all private property over that way, a big housing subdivision.  So this time we’re going to come at it from the NE, a much longer route, but hopefully we won’t have to be traipsing through anyone’s front yard.

Crossing Camp 5 Road, Lupe set out taking a shortcut down into the Boulder Creek drainage, which was full of snow, but otherwise dry.  A 40 foot climb up the opposite bank, and the Carolina Dog popped out on USFS Road No. 172.1G, which was also quite snowy.

USFS Road No. 172.1G. Photo looks NW.

Wow, a lot more snow around than I expected, Loopster!  We might be in for quite a time today.

I like the snow as long as it doesn’t get too deep, SPHP.  Which way now?

We go W from here all the way to the end of No. 172.1G, Loop.  0.5 mile should get us to Two Bit Creek.

Following tire tracks where the snow had been compressed, Lupe trotted W with relative ease as the road wound through the woods paralleling the course of the Boulder Creek drainage.  This was a beautiful trek, but not nearly as peaceful as it looked.  Traffic roared along Hwy 14A on the opposite N side of the valley.

The last tire tracks ended 0.25 mile in.  Traveling through the foot deep snow now required greater effort.  No. 172.1G eventually curved SW and ended at a sign.

Beyond the last tire tracks. Photo looks SW.
At the end of USFS Road No. 172.1G. Photo looks SW.

“Area restriction, unauthorized route, no motor vehicle use yearlong”.  We’re golden, Looper.  You aren’t motorized are you?

I’m 1 Dingo power, SPHP.

Don’t think that counts.  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Beyond the sign, what was left of USFS Road No. 172.1G dipped into the Two Bit Creek drainage.  No surface water, but even more snow here.

Start of the trek up Two Bit Creek. Photo looks SW.

OK, Looper, now we just follow Two Bit Creek upstream.  2 miles at most, depending on how much winding around there is.  That should get us to a mile long climb up Peak 5452’s NE ridge, and we’ll be there!

As the American Dingo explored the Two Bit Creek valley, the snow was often deep enough down along the dry streambed to make travel much slower and more difficult than expected.  Two feet deep in some places, three in a few spots!

Heading up the Two Bit Creek streambed. Photo looks W.

Attempting to avoid some of the deepest snow, while cutting off some distance as the stream looped around, at times Lupe roamed regions above one bank or the other.  The snow usually wasn’t as deep when that was possible, but it often wasn’t.  In some places, Two Bit Creek ran along the base of scenic limestone cliffs.

Near the end of USFS Road No. 172.1G, there’d been signs about mining claims in this area.  They warned against anyone else, presumably even Carolina Dogs, attempting to extract any minerals.  More mining claim notices appeared as Lupe’s journey continued.  She ignored them all.

Passing a mining claim notice (L). Photo looks SSW.

Don’t know why, but I’ve never really been inclined to start mining, SPHP.

Nothing to worry about, Loop.  I’d be surprised if you were.

In truth, there was little evidence the mining claim owners really had much interest in mining, either.  Not entirely true, though.  Looper did pass one upturned plastic cart next to a small exploration dig.

Heart of the Two Bit Creek mining industry.

Two Bit Creek went on for what seemed like a long way.  Now far from the highway, Lupe explored a quiet, wonderfully secluded region.

Below a scenic cliff.
Down along the streambed again. Photo looks SW.
Exploring a flat region above the stream bank. Photo looks WSW.

Eventually, a snow-free spot was found well above the streambed.  This was the first opportunity to sit down and take a break.  Looper wasn’t hungry yet, but was happy to curl up on SPHP’s lap.

At the break spot.

How much farther to Peak 5452, SPHP?

According to the Peakbagger app on our new iPhone, we’re still only about halfway to the start of the NE ridge, Loop.

Beyond the break spot, the Two Bit Creek trek continued in a similar manner for quite a way.  Eventually, the valley began to broaden out.  Climbing the S bank of the streambed, Lupe reached a large flat region that wasn’t as thickly forested.  Somewhat surprisingly, vehicle tracks were visible in the snow only a little farther S.

In a flat region S of Two Bit Creek. Photo looks SSW.

Going over to the tracks, they wound E or W through the forest.

On what might have been a road again beneath the snow. Photo looks W.

Wonder where this goes, SPHP?

Not sure, Looper.  Certainly easier than following Two Bit Creek, though.  Head W.  That will get us closer to the start of Peak 5452’s NE ridge.

The Carolina Dog made excellent time along the snowy tracks.  Soon an intersection appeared.  Partially hidden by trees, a house was now in view ahead.

Uh-oh!  We’re either on, or coming to, private property, Loop.  That house is right where we want to go, too.  We need to get around it somehow.

Which way then, SPHP?  The tracks go either N or SW from here.

Peak 5452 is SW, Loop.  Go that way.  N won’t do us any good.

The terrain rose gradually as Lupe followed the tracks SW.  A snow-free stretch soon revealed that this really was some kind of a primitive road.

On the primitive road. Photo looks SW.

It wasn’t far to another junction along the edge of a ravine.  Another house was now in sight on the hillside W of the ravine.

Well, shoot!  We’re cut off from where we need to go, Loop.  Apparently this whole valley is part of a subdivision.

So what now, SPHP?  Is our goose cooked on Peak 5452?

Kind of looking that way, Loopster.

A road or track of some sort went SE up a steep slope from here.

Looking up the steep track. Photo looks SE.

Let’s go that way, Loop.  There are still a couple of these big ravines W of us that we need to get past.  Their sides are so steep that we aren’t going to be able to get over the ridges between them with so much snow around, but maybe this route will wind through it all somehow?

As Lupe climbed SE up the steep track, it seemed to be the only realistic hope of ever getting to Peak 5452 today.  After gaining a fair amount of elevation, the track leveled out and turned SW again, an encouraging sign.  Maybe this was actually going to work?

Approaching the curve SW. Photo looks S.

However, the track soon curved S again.  A small sign was ahead.

No trespassing!  We actually did stray onto private property, Looper.

Are we going to get into trouble, SPHP?

Doubt it.  No harm done, and we’re off it now.  Never meant to intrude, and we won’t be back, so this should be the end of it.

By the No Trespassing sign. Photo looks NNE.

The news still wasn’t good.  Although the track continued on from here, it went S staying on the E side of the ravine.  Any attempt to cross the ravine, and go W up and over the heavily forested steep slope beyond it looked like an unrewarding task.

We’ve struck out on Peak 5452 today, haven’t we, SPHP?

Yeah, I think this is it for Peak 5452.  Not a decent route in January.  It will get dark on us during the return if we try to force our way over these hills and ravines to get there.  Won’t be much fun without a trail to follow.

So now what?  How do we get back to the trailhead, SPHP?  Can’t go back the way we came without trespassing again.

Oh, don’t worry about that.  We aren’t going back that way.  Want to climb Pillar Peak (5,469 ft.), Loop?  It’s only about a mile S.  No access issues, and we already know a good route back to the trailhead from there.

Pillar Peak?  I’m all for it, SPHP!  At least we’d get to climb something.

According to the topo map, the best route to Pillar Peak from here was to climb SE entirely out of the ravine, then turn S along a broad ridge that would ultimately lead first to the mountain’s somewhat lower E summit.  Although no road or trail went that way, this route began as a pretty easy climb.  Not all that steep, and not much snow around, either.

Sniffing her way through the forest, Lupe hadn’t gone much farther when a Black Hills National Forest boundary sign appeared.

Officially re-entering the national forest.

Gosh, were we still on private property, SPHP?

Guess so, hard to tell without any fences, Loop.  There’s a survey marker here, so we ought to be officially back in the national forest now.

Continuing SE, the terrain nearly leveled out.  Time to turn S!  Lupe led the way, roaming easily through an area thick with dog hair pines that slowed SPHP’s progress considerably.

Waiting on you, SPHP!

Beyond the dog hairs, SPHP was able to make much better progress.   A gradual climb resumed, which led to a big clearing full of snow.  Parts of the upper regions of Pillar Peak were now in sight ahead.  From here, Pillar Peak looked like just a couple of forested hills.

Continuing S in a somewhat more open forest. Photo looks S.
Pillar Peak (E summit L, true summit R) from the clearing. Photo looks SSW.

Avoiding the snow as much as possible, Lupe continued S along the edge of the clearing heading toward Pillar Peak’s E summit.  The rate of climb began increasing again.  After gaining a few hundred feet of elevation, the Carolina Dog reached a drop-off along the E side of the mountain.  From a big snowbank, she now had a much better view of the E summit than the one she’d had from the clearing.

Beyond the snowy clearing, heading for Pillar Peak’s E summit. Photo looks S.
Closing in on the E summit (Center). Photo looks SSW.

The E summit wasn’t much farther or higher now.  Swinging around to the SW to avoid most of the snow along the edge of the mountain, there was quite a bit of deadfall to contend with.  The discovery of a deer skull was of interest to the American Dingo.  SPHP preferred the view of Peak 5400 across the deep valley to the SE.

A bit closer to Pillar Peak’s E summit (Center). Photo looks SSW.
The intriguing deer skull.
Peak 5400 (R). Lupe had been there a year and 2 days ago. Photo looks SE.

A final short, steep climb got Lupe up to the E summit region.  Where she first reached it, she enjoyed a nice, distant view of Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) off to the NE.

Bear Butte (R of Center) out on the prairie beyond the Black Hills. Photo looks NE.

The actual E summit was only a short uphill stroll from this viewpoint.  Only took a minute or two to get there.

Almost there! Pillar Peak’s E summit (Center). Photo looks SW.
On Pillar Peak’s E summit. Photo looks S.

1:24 PM, Pillar Peak E summit – Although Lupe had been to Pillar Peak on 3 prior occasions, this was the first time she had ever visited the E summit, which had remained a mystery.  Now the Carolina Dog stood on the highest boulder among a collection of others along the edge beneath a sullen sky.  Hidden by pines, Pillar Peak’s true summit wasn’t in view from here, but Loop enjoyed an open panorama from the S all the way around to Bear Butte to the NE.

Bear Butte (L) from the E summit. Photo looks NE.

Wow!  This is sweet, SPHP.  What a great view of Peak 5400 across the valley!

Glad we came here, Loopster!  Pillar Peak’s E summit really is pretty cool.  Always wondered what it was like.  See that road down in the valley?  We’ll be taking it on our way back to the trailhead later on.

Peak 5400 (Center). Photo looks ESE.

This is already better than a lot of hills we climb in the Black Hills, SPHP.  We ought to celebrate!

Uh-huh!  By which you mean, we ought to share chocolate coconut bar, I presume, conniving Dingo!

The thought did cross my mind, SPHP.  You wouldn’t happen to have one in the pack, would you?

SPHP did.  Sitting down together on a bed of pine needles next to the boulders, the Carolina Dog’s wish came true.  SPHP stroked her soft ears.

I like this spot, Loop.  Let’s just hang out here for 10 minutes, take a break.

It was a nice, relaxing time together, but 10 minutes shot by like nothing at all.  Eh, maybe 15?

OK, time to finish this.  To the true summit, Loop!  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Leaving Pillar Peak’s E summit. Photo looks ENE.

The true summit wasn’t far away at all, no more than 0.2 mile.  Lupe lost maybe 60 feet of elevation going down to the broad saddle leading to it, then began an easy climb.

In the saddle leading to the true summit (R). Photo looks W.

Having been here before, the American Dingo knew what to expect.  Long ago, fire must have swept over Pillar Peak’s true summit region.  Surprisingly little remained of any dead trees.  This made Pillar Peak a more striking summit and an excellent viewpoint.

Approaching Pillar Peak’s true summit. Photo looks WNW.

1:54 PM, 43ºF, Pillar Peak (5,469 ft.) –  Pillar Peak’s true summit was an interesting place, and a bit unusual for the Black Hills.  A maze of rock formations a few feet high were separated by lanes of grass resembling intentionally designed walkways.  Lupe easily leapt up onto the highest rock, completing her 4th ascent.

The premier view was of Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) with its ski runs off to the SW.  With snow on the hills, it stood out particularly well today.

At the true summit. Terry Peak (R) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

A lot to see in other directions, too, but all that could wait.  Loopster had her whole traditional summit hour to spend up here.  First it was time for a longer rest break.  And lunch!  Sitting down on the dry grass near the true summit, SPHP brought out another much anticipated chocolate coconut bar, Taste of the Wild, water, and an apple.

Lunch time on Pillar Peak. Dome Mountain (L), Terry Peak (R). Photo looks SW.

The second chocolate coconut bar of the day had already bit the dust, and the Taste of the Wild was still in the process of being gobbled up, when a sudden breeze arose from out of the SW.  Hadn’t been any wind at all when Lupe first got here only 5 or 10 minutes ago.

We better finish eating pretty quick, Looper.  Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) was in sight only moments ago.  Now I don’t see it at all.  Weather’s coming in!

Probably just a snow shower that wouldn’t amount to much of anything.  Hadn’t been much precipitation expected in the forecast, but SPHP kept an eye on it while munching on that apple.  Meanwhile, Lupe finished her Taste of the Wild.

Soon the breeze felt colder.  Deer Mountain (6,652 ft.) was gone now, too, and it looked like snow was starting to envelop Terry Peak, as well.

If you want any pictures, SPHP, maybe we better start getting them now?

We think alike, Looper!  Come on!  Time for your Pillar Peak summit tour!

Since the snow shower was coming from out of the SW, concentrating on Terry Peak, Bald Mountain (6,617 ft.), Dome Mountain (5,512 ft.), and Bear Den Mountain (5,642 ft.) all to the S or W first made sense.

Terry Peak (Center), Bald Mountain (R of Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.
Bear Den Mountain (R). Photo looks SSE.

Other directions wouldn’t be affected by the snow shower for a while yet.  Flat-topped Mount Theodore Roosevelt (5,680 ft.) was visible to the NW, with both Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.) and Crow Peak (5,787 ft.) barely in sight a little to the R of it.

Mount Theodore Roosevelt (L), Spearfish Peak and Crow Peak (L of Center), and Green Mountain (R) all on the horizon. Photo looks NW.
Mount Theodore Roosevelt (L), Spearfish Peak (R) and Crow Peak (far R). Photo looks NW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

More directly N, Whitewood Peak (5,120 ft.) stood out among lower hills.  A little more to the E, Crook Mountain (4930 ft.) looked like just a large, low, forested dome.  Way out on the prairie far beyond it, two little blips were on the horizon.  Probably Castle Rock Butte (3,768 ft.), but might have been Deers Ears Butte (3,438 ft.).

Whitewood Peak (L of Center). Photo looks NNW.
Crook Mountain (Center). Photo looks NNE.

And of course, Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) was easily recognizable to the NE.

Bear Butte (Center) in the distance. Photo looks NE.
Bear Butte (L of Center). Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.

The W end of the summit region was 20 feet lower, and featured a big grassy area.  Loop and SPHP took turns going down there.

Lupe still up on top. Photo looks E.
Down in the big grassy area. Terry Peak (L), Mount Theodore Roosevelt (far R). Photo looks WSW.

The wind blew harder, the temperature dropped.  Wouldn’t be long now before the snow shower arrived.

When it hit, it was a nothingburger.  Middle of January, and it wasn’t even snow!  Rain fell for a few minutes, and that was it.  Incredible!  The “storm” passed, and Terry Peak came back into view.  Lupe watched it all happen from the highest rock formation on Pillar Peak.

Back at the true summit. Terry Peak (R). Photo looks SW.
Carolina Dog storm survivor. All 10 drops! Photo looks SW.

2:54 PM, 39ºF, Pillar Peak – An hour had gone by already!  Time to say good-bye to Pillar Peak once again.  SPHP started down first.  Loop was supposed to wait up top for the signal, but when SPHP looked back, the American Dingo was already on her way!

Leaving the summit. Photo looks NW.

Couldn’t wait for a final summit shot, aye, Looper?

You’ve got plenty already, SPHP!  I’m ready for more exploring!

The Carolina Dog was more cooperative at a few more scenic spots as she left the summit region.

Deer Mountain (far L), Terry Peak (L), Bald Mountain (L of Center). Photo looks WSW.
Crook Mountain (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.
Leaving Pillar Peak (Center). Photo looks NNE.

Then it was down the steep, rocky S slope to a saddle where Lupe turned SE on a very snowy romp down to USFS Road No. 172.1H.  The road was flat as it went a short distance E to another saddle SE of Pillar Peak.

Lupe had been here before.  Up a little rise to get over the pass, and with only relatively minor exceptions, it was downhill all the rest of the way.

Heading down the valley between Pillar Peak and Peak 5400. Photo looks NNE.

4:50 PM, 37ºF, Camp 5 Road trailhead – Just as Lupe reached the RAV4, it started to rain again.  The Carolina Dog hopped in before she even got damp.

Pillar Peak was awesome, as always SPHP, but we never did get to Peak 5452.  Wonder if we ever will?

Oh, I suspect we will, Looper, but don’t think we’ll try it again until the snow melts.  Maybe in 2 or 3 months?  At least we saw it today.

We did?  When?  You never pointed it out!

It was there, Loop.  You saw it from Pillar Peak.  Big forested hill only 1.25 miles due W, but it didn’t really stand out.  Don’t think we’ll see much more than trees even if we do get there eventually.

We’re still going to pick it off, SPHP!  I’m going to get all these Black Hills Lists of John 300+ foot prominence peaks done, or at least all the ones we can actually climb.

That’s the spirit, Loopster!  We’ll try a different Lists of John peak next time out.  Maybe we’ll have better luck then?

On Pillar Peak, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-15-23. Peak 5452 beyond Lupe.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                   Prior Black Hills Expedition

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 310 – Peak 5800 & New Year’s Eve Peak (12-31-22)

12:32 PM, 39ºF, junction of USFS Road No. 710 & Hwy 385 – Lupe stood next to the RAV4 with a big smile on her face.  The American Dingo was all fired up for the last big adventure of 2022, her traditional year end visit to New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.)!

Ready to set out for New Year’s Eve Peak on the last day of 2022. Photo looks SW.

What luck, SPHP!  This year we actually get to go right on December 31st!  That’s not always the case.

True enough, Looper!  This will be your 10th visit to New Year’s Eve Peak, but only the 4th time right on New Year’s Eve.  Flexibility is required, since the weather is unreliable this time of year.  I’m like you, though, always hoping December 31st will work out.

Are we going to visit Peak 5800 first, SPHP?

Yes, let’s do it!  Should have time enough for that.  Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Beneath an overcast sky, Lupe headed SW into the forest.  The cool air and patches of old snow on the ground did make the day feel a little on the wintry side, but conditions really weren’t bad at all.

Heading into the forest. Photo looks SW.

A gentle slope soon became a steeper climb.  Nothing too difficult.  After gaining 400 feet of elevation, Lupe reached a clearing where a platform of rock provided the first real view of the day.  Rolling grasslands of the Bald Hills were in sight only a mile or two NE.  Far beyond them, the sky was lighter on the horizon.  Apparently, the gray cloud hanging over the Black Hills didn’t extend way out onto the western South Dakota prairie.

The Bald Hills from partway up Peak 5800. Photo looks NE.

As Lupe continued higher, she came to a series of rock outcroppings in the forest that were kind of fun.

Coming to some rocks. Photo looks SW.
Queen of the outcropping! Photo looks SSW.

Peak 5800’s long NW/SE oriented summit ridge wasn’t much farther.  The forest ended as Lupe approached it.  A little snow and deadfall on this last slope presented no difficulty.

Approaching Peak 5800’s summit ridge. Photo looks SW.

Lupe reached the summit ridge a bit NW of the SE high point.  This was not the true summit, which was located at the NW end.  Lupe turned SE going past the high point down to some rocks providing excellent views.  Tiny snowflakes filled the air, a gloom descending on Peak 5800 as snow showers swept in.

Storm Hill (5,192 ft.), Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.), Silver Mountain (5,405 ft.), and Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.) were all still in sight to the SE, along with Sheridan Lake.  Meanwhile, off to the SW, Five Points (6,221 ft.) and False North Point (6,130 ft.) were threatening to disappear among the gray clouds.

Storm Hill (far L), Boulder Hill (L), Silver Mountain (Center), and Calumet Ridge (R) in the distance. Sheridan Lake (R). Photo looks SE.
Five Points (L) and False North Point (Center). Photo looks SW.

Gosh, I wasn’t expecting snow, Loopster.  Maybe the situation is going to get more interesting than the forecast indicated?

Well, we better not dilly-dally then, SPHP.  We don’t want to miss out on New Year’s Eve Peak!

Heading NW to Peak 5800’s true summit, Lupe paused briefly on the SE high point before continuing on.  New Year’s Eve Peak was already in sight 2 miles NW.  Although the sky was completely overcast, it didn’t look as stormy over there.

Loop on Peak 5800’s SE high point with the true summit (R) beyond her. Forested New Year’s Eve Peak (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.

Strewn with rocks and scattered pines, Peak 5800’s broad summit ridge was a pleasant, easy trek.  Soon the Carolina Dog was standing atop the 10 foot high rock formation at the true summit.

At Peak 5800’s true summit. Photo looks NW.

1:42 PM, 35ºF, Peak 5800 – The view of New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.) was even better here.  Lupe could see the Seth Bullock lookout tower on Scruton Mountain (5,922 ft.), too.

New Year’s Eve Peak (Center) from Peak 5800. Scruton Mountain (R). Photo looks NW.

Conditions don’t seem to be getting any worse, Loop.  Think we can stay here a little while.  How about a chocolate coconut bar?

Oh, SPHP!  You know I’m never in such a rush that I’d be unwilling to hang around for a chocolate coconut bar!

Shortly after the chocolate coconut bar vanished, a snow shower swept over the mountain, reviving at least some sense of urgency about getting to New Year’s Eve Peak.  After a brief stay on Peak 5800’s summit, Lupe was on her way again.

Peak 5800’s W face was by far the most rugged terrain the Carolina Dog would encounter today.  Past experience had shown that by going SW, getting off the mountain wasn’t actually hard at all.

A scenic descent! Photo looks WNW.
Toughest terrain of the day. Great fun! Photo looks NNW.
Down safe and sound, looking SE back at Peak 5800.

Skies were clearing to the N.  Patches of blue appeared!  Continuing NW, beautiful, rolling territory was ahead.  This region of rock outcroppings, scattered pines, and big views was one of the features that always made Lupe’s New Year’s Eve Peak tradition such an attractive proposition.

Without much snow to deal with this year, even SPHP made great progress as the American Dingo sniffed and explored her way toward Peak 5917, which now hid most of New Year’s Eve Peak.

New Year’s Eve Peak (R) behind Peak 5917 (far R). Pistol Point (Center) beyond Lupe. Photo looks WNW.
Among the rolling hills and grasslands. Peak 5917 (R). Photo looks WNW.
Black Elk Peak (L), Five Points (Center), False North Point (R). Photo looks SW.

An unexpected transformation had taken place by the time Lupe was closing in on Peak 5917.  With only an hour or two of daylight left in 2022, suddenly the Carolina Dog was in sunshine.  To the N, skies were almost completely blue, although plenty of clouds remained elsewhere.

Approaching Peak 5917. Photo looks NW.

Keep your claws crossed, Looper!  Maybe we’ll get to see a glorious sunset from New Year’s Eve Peak?

Oh, I hope so, SPHP!  That would be a fabulous finish for 2022!

An hour earlier, and Lupe would have had time to climb Peak 5917, too, but the position of the sun indicated that she’d better not delay in getting to New Year’s Eve Peak.  Traversing the S slope, Loop went over a ridge then down to the saddle leading to Pistol Point.

Turning first W, then SW, 2 steep climbs on a snowy old road next to a fence got Lupe up to the Pistol Point region.  Abandoning the road, she headed S looking for the pistol handle, which was super easy to find.

At Pistol Point. The big rock R of Lupe is the pistol handle. Photo looks ENE.

Pistol Point is the high point at the end of New Year’s Eve Peak’s S ridge where it curls to the E.  With Peak 5917 only 0.5 mile NE, and a great look at Peak 5800 to the ESE, Lupe always stopped here to enjoy the sweeping views.

Peak 5917 (L), Peak 5800 (R) from Pistol Point. Photo looks E.

Pistol Point offered grand views to the S as well, but the scene to the SW was the important one at the moment.  Quite a few clouds that way, but reasonable hope still remained for a marvelous winter sunset.  With the sun already low, Lupe had to press on.

Near sunset at Pistol Point. Photo looks WSW.

Hard to believe a whole year had already slipped away since Lupe’s last journey along New Year’s Eve Peak’s familiar S ridge, but it was true.  2022 had been a spectacular year!  Now it was about to fade into history forever.  A brooding sadness came flooding over SPHP as the American Dingo finished her ascent.

4:02 PM, 29ºF, New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.) – The sun was still up, but not for much longer when Loopster leapt onto the 4 foot high rock formation that was the mountain’s true summit.  A cairn was still on it, and a second cairn sat on some lower rocks a little farther S.  The small pines surrounding the true summit were growing up, getting taller every year.  Soon enough, there wouldn’t be a view.

At New Year’s Eve Peak’s true summit. Photo looks SSW.

The first time Lupe had ever come here, the trees had been tall and old.  Hardly any views at all back then except from along the S edge.  There hadn’t been any cairns, either.  And then, a year or two later, Loop had arrived to find that loggers had come through, taking out quite a few of the old trees, which opened up at least some views to the S and SE.

That first time Lupe stood on these rocks had been the last day of 2012, exactly 10 years ago.  Not only 2022 was dying, a whole decade was about to be lost to the annals of time with it.  10 years gone!

Amid SPHP’s morose thoughts, ever so gently requesting recognition, dear Lupe offered her sweet paw.  Brightening, SPHP shook it.

Great job, Looper!  So glad we’re together again on New Year’s Eve Peak!

In time for sunset, too, SPHP!  And another chocolate coconut bar, I hope!

Oh, yes, I brought another one, Loop.  Let’s go sit down and enjoy it.

Suddenly, from somewhere off to the N, gunshots rang out.  Panicked, Lupe sprang off the summit.

Hide, SPHP!  Enemies!

The gunshots were loud and kept coming, seldom pausing for more than a minute or two.

Blam, blam, blam!

Took a lot of convincing, but Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap on the upper W slope.  Lupe and SPHP had always sat here together facing the snowy hills stretching away to the W, but this time Lupe was trembling as SPHP stroked her soft ears.

Nervous Lupe on the upper W slope. Photo looks N.
The familiar snowy hills. Photo looks WSW.

Sitting there facing WSW, it was kind of cold.  The chocolate coconut bar was frozen stiff as SPHP divided it up.  Loopster enjoyed her share, but not the rest of the experience.  That dang gunfire wouldn’t stop.  More than anything else, the Carolina Dog wanted to flee.

The chocolate coconut bar was gone.  SPHP chomped 2 small apples while the sun sank into a bank of clouds.  Instead of a splendid show, 2022 was destined to die dull and drab.  Too bad, but nothing to be done about it.  SPHP tried to think of all of Lupe’s wonderful adventures in 2022, but it was impossible to celebrate the now fleeting year, brood over days gone by, or even ponder what 2023 might bring.

Blam, blam, blam!

200 rounds.  For the first time ever, New Year’s Eve Peak wasn’t fun.

4:32 PM – Still light in the sky, but after sinking into the murk, the sun hadn’t been seen for a while.  Clearly no point in staying in this war zone without even any hope of a colorful display.  Exactly half an hour after arriving, a paranoid American Dingo stood once more on New Year’s Eve Peak’s summit.

Back at the true summit. Sheridan Lake (L), Black Elk Peak (R). Photo looks SSE.

SPHP smiled, and gave Lupe an apparently unreassuring  pat.

10 years, Loopster!  At least we made it back here again.

Yes, wonderful, truly amazing, SPHP!  Now hurry up, take the shot, and let’s get out of here before this turns out to be not only 2022’s grand finale, but ours as well!

Lupe leapt down the instant the photo was taken, but did pause briefly a short distance from the summit on the rocks with the best views along the S edge.  Beyond her, Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) was a dark blue, Five Points (6,221 ft.) a deep green and gray.  Far to the SSW, a pale orange strip of sky was visible above the distant hills.

Soon the light would fade.  2022 would sneak away in the night never to return.  For a moment, Lupe stood there looking wistful.

The Carolina Dog said nothing, though, before continuing down the slope leading to the S ridge.  By the time she got to Pistol Point, dusk was on the verge of turning into night.  Silence reigned among the shadows.  A little later on, going over Peak 5917’s S ridge, the flashlight came out.  Stars twinkled above, and a half moon brightened what snow remained.

In darkness, snow crunched beneath SPHP’s boots as Lupe trotted down USFS Road No. 710.  2022’s final quiet, happy time together.  Tomorrow dawn would arrive with whatever adventures New Year 2023 would bring.  (End 5:54 PM, 30ºF)

New Year’s Eve Peak, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-31-22

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                      Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe’s GPS Track 12-31-22

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 288 – New Year’s Eve Peak (1-3-22)

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