10-5-23, 3:30 PM – Oh, happy day! Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and new Cousin Dixie were here, newly arrived from Colorado, and destined to spend the next few days at Hotel Lupe! The American Dingo greeted them all with great enthusiasm, then sort of played with Dixie, mostly watching as her Aussie Shepherd cousin tore around the living room.
Lupe was astounded by new Cousin Dixie’s appearance! Only 3 months ago, Dixie had been a mere puppy – cute and fuzzy, and with an already over-developed and rather annoying herding instinct. Since then, Dixie had been completely transformed! Now she was nearly as big as Lupe, and a whirlwind of energy.
All that new Cousin Dixie energy had to go somewhere! Fortunately, this evening it suddenly dawned on Dixie how her Carolina Dog cousin was able to pass through walls like magic. A doggie door! Once Dixie caught on to how it worked, she was as bad as a cat, letting herself in and out at will to race around the back yard whenever she pleased. Best idea ever!
10-6-23, 10:06 AM, USFS Road No. 144.1A – The Hotel Lupe doggie door to the back yard served as a release for some of Dixie’s hyper-activity, but wasn’t a complete solution by any means. However, a Black Hills, SD expedition might do the trick!
The morning air was clean, clear, and on the crisp side when everyone, minus Aunt Andrea, who had gone to spend the day with Grandma, piled out of the RAV4 at the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A. Lupe and Dixie were both excited, and couldn’t wait to get started.
Start of USFS Road No. 144.1A, about a mile NE of Nemo. Photo looks SSW.
During Dixie’s first ever visit to the Black Hills at the end of June, she’d had fun on 3 mini-expeditions with Lupe. Now that Dixie was 5 months old, Lupe figured she ought to give her energetic cousin an introduction to peakbagging.
SPHP had suggested Peak5321 as an easy objective. With less than 300 feet of elevation gain required during a mere 1.4 mile, mostly road hike, approach, Dixie’s first ascent attempt would be a guaranteed success! The journey began with a 0.5 mile romp along USFS Road No. 144.1A.
Off to a good start on USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks W.
This easy jaunt got Dixie to a broad minor pass. USFS Road No. 144.1A veered off to the SE here. An unmarked road not shown on the maps that branched off to the R was actually the way to go.
At the broad, flat pass where USFS Road No. 144.1A heads off to the L. The road angling R was the way to go. Photo looks S.Joe and Dixie continuing along the unmarked road. Photo looks SSW.
Traversing the W slopes of HP5243, the road gradually gained elevation before turning SW and flattening out. Much to Lupe’s dismay, by now it was clear that Dixie hadn’t gotten over her annoying herding instincts at all. The American Dingo did her best to try not to let it get to her. Most of the time, everyone was in fine spirits on this beautiful early autumn day, but with some regularity, Lupe couldn’t help growling or snapping at her bossy new cousin.
Dixie, of course, was completely unfazed. The herding went on.
At the curve where the road turned SW. Photo looks SW.
From the turn SW, Ash Point, established by the “Yogi Clan” in memory of Shirley and Sonya at the edge of a cliff, was only another 0.33 mile.
10-6-23, 10:34 AM – In addition to a terrific view of Nemo hundreds of feet below, Ash Point featured views of both Green Top(5,360 ft.) and White Mansion(5,340 ft.) 3 miles NW, with Custer Peak(6,804 ft.) and Terry Peak(7,064 ft.) on the horizon.
Not trusting Dixie’s puppy exuberance near a cliff, Joe prudently kept her leashed up.
Dingo’s eye view of Nemo from Ash Point. Custer Peak (far R). Photo looks W.Terry Peak (L), Green Top (R), White Mansion (far R). Photo looks NW.White Mansion (L) from Ash Point. Photo looks N.
The Yogi Clan had thoughtfully provided a bench so visitors can relax while enjoying the lovely Ash Point views. However, the Carolina Dog merely stood on it for a minute or two before leaping off. Joe and Dixie then demonstrated how to make better use of a bench.
Lupe on the Ash Point bench.Joe and Dixie show Lupe how it’s done.
Peak 5321’s summit was only 0.25 mile SSE of Ash Point. However, the road soon curved way E of it on its way S, so Lupe led everyone off into the forest, taking a direct route up a gentle slope.
Heading straight through the forest in search of the summit. Photo looks SE.
10-6-23, 10:50 AM, 47ºF, Peak5321 – A large flat region buried in trees and full of deadfall, Peak 5321 admittedly wasn’t all that scintillating as summits go. At least there was a sunny semi-clearing, the deadfall made reasonably good seats, and there was no edge nearby that Dixie might inadvertently hurtle herself over.
Dixie was bummed that she didn’t get to share in the chocolate coconut bars that Joe, Lupe, and SPHP all enjoyed in honor of her first official Black Hills peak ascent, but she readily accepted Taste of the Wild and water as a consolation prize.
Blinking in the sun on Peak 5321’s flat, deadfall-strewn summit. Photo looks NNE.Taking a break on Peak 5321. Photo looks SE.
With no summit views, there wasn’t much reason to linger after a short break. However, Ash Point wasn’t the only viewpoint in this general vicinity. On a prior expedition, Lupe had discovered that American Point was less than another 0.25 mile SW along the same line of cliffs.
Dixie and Joe were both willing to check it out. Heading S to pick up the unmarked road again, it led right to American Point.
On the way to American Point. Photo looks SW.
10-6-23, 11:27 AM, American Point – Oh, yeah! The cheerful American Flag was still here, waving all red, white and blue in the breeze. From a larger limestone platform above the cliffs than the one at Ash Point, the views were similar here, although oriented more toward the SW. It was now possible to see Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.) far to the S.
At American Point. Black Elk Peak (L) on the horizon. Photo looks SSW.Nemo from American Point. Custer Peak (L) and Terry Peak (R) of the flag. Photo looks NW.Joe, Dixie, and Lupe at American Point. White Mansion (Center). Photo look NNW.Together by the flag. Custer Peak (R of Center), Photo looks WNW.
After hanging out near the American flag admiring the views, that was about it for Cousin Dixie’s first ever Black Hills peakbagging experience. The return involved only a pleasant march back along the unmarked road to USFS Road No. 144.1A, and thence on to the RAV4.
Peak 5321 with its nearby Ash Point and American Peak viewpoints had been a nice outing. Even better, with Uncle Joe and Cousin Dixie still checked in at Hotel Lupe, another Black Hills adventure was sure to be on the agenda tomorrow! (End 10-6-23, 12:23 PM)
Final moments at American Point. Photo looks S.Back at the start, enjoying the fall colors with Uncle Joe.Dixie & Lupe’s Peak 5321 GPS track.
6-29-23, 3:00 PM – Lupe’s fabulous 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico had ended only yesterday. So many chores to catch up on! SPHP was still mowing the back yard when Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea arrived.
Of course, Hotel Lupe’s long standing policy is that humans stay free as long as they are accompanied by a responsible canine. Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea came fully prepared. For the first time ever, they’d brought new Cousin Dixie with them! An AKC registered Australian Shepherd, Dixie was only a little over 2 months old.
New Cousin Dixie at home in Arvada, Colorado.
Lupe was barking with joy at Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea’s arrival, which initially scared Dixie a little. That didn’t last! Soon Dixie was trying to herd her big cousin and wanting to play. Lupe didn’t quite know what to make of this new pipsqueak interloper, sometimes growling a warning, or even snapping at Dixie.
This is my new cousin, SPHP? She’s cute enough, but so small, and rather … what shall I say? … annoying!
Dixie’s just a puppy, Loopster.
I’m a puppy, too, SPHP, but I’m not so… so… hyper!
Well, of course, you’re my Sweet Puppy, Loop, but Dixie is very young. The whole world is brand new to her. She’s full of energy and excited to learn all about everything, including you! So be nice to Dixie. She’ll grow up fast, and we’ll have lots of fun with her.
Do you think Dixie will want to go on any Black Hills, SD expeditions, SPHP?
Oh, I’m sure of it! No doubt Uncle Joe will want to take Dixie up into the hills with us while they’re here for the next few days. Dixie’s too little to go very far yet, but we’ll have a good time.
6-30-23 – SPHP was right. New Cousin Dixie very much wanted to be an explorer, too! After the whole gang enjoyed an early morning stroll through the park on the Geyser Loop, Aunt Andrea had eventually gone to spend the day with Grandma. Uncle Joe and Dixie were free to head up into the hills, which was exactly what they wanted to do.
Where to, though? Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition should be something quite easy. SPHP suggested Centennial Trail No. 89. The Deer Creek trailhead would be a good place to start.
At the Deer Creek trailhead with new Cousin Dixie.
6-30-23, 11:01 AM, Centennial Trail No. 89, Deer Creek trailhead – Upon arrival, Dixie was happy and enthusiastic, but at the same time seemed to realize she was about to embark on some serious business.
Mentor and mentee, about to set out on the first of many adventures together.
The plan was simple. Everyone followed the spur trail leading from the Deer Creek trailhead up to the main Centennial Trail No. 89 route. Once there, Dixie could explore S or N.
Dixie doing great, but soon began devoting most of her abundant energy toward herding Lupe. The American Dingo did her best to ignore the pesky Aussie, often growling a warning.
Upon reaching the main trail, Dixie wound up going S. Centennial Trail No. 89 soon crossed the road to Silver City, then proceeded gradually up the side of a forested valley to the junction with Deerfield Trail No. 40. An unlikely new feature was here. A silver disco ball was hanging over the junction. Lupe and SPHP had never seen it before.
Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89, Dixie continued S. The trail went down into Smoker Gulch. 1.2 miles from the trailhead, Uncle Joe decided this was far enough for Dixie’s first Black Hills adventure.
Dixie on Centennial Trail No. 89.Taking a break with Cousin Dixie.
The day was warm, the sky blue with puffy white clouds, and the grass, green and lush. During a short rest break, Dixie became interested in digging, while Lupe ventured out into the tall grass.
Amid the tall grass in Smoker Gulch.
And that was it for Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition. On the way back to the Deer Creek trailhead, Uncle Joe showed off his funky disco dancing form at the intersection with Deerfield Trail No. 40.
Heading back on Centennial Trail No. 89.Dancing fool Uncle Joe beneath the disco ball.
7-1-23, 10:24 AM – This morning’s activities were similar to yesterday’s. After an early morning group romp through the park, this time on the Downstream Loop, Aunt Andrea once again went to spend the day with Grandma. Dixie, Uncle Joe, Lupe, and SPHP were now at Centennial Trail No. 89’s Rapid Creek trailhead below the Pactola Reservoir dam.
About to set out on Centennial Trail No. 89 from the Rapid Creek trailhead.
Heading SE toward the Tamarack trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 was flat as a pancake and on the verge of being overgrown. Dixie displayed great courage crossing 2 bridges over Rapid Creek. The big stream was running high, and Joe was quite impressed by what a great trout stream Rapid Creek appeared to be.
Joe and Dixie already over the first bridge.Rapid Creek was running high, full bank to bank.
Dixie made it past the Tamarack trailhead all the way to USFS Road No. 165.1D in Tamarack Gulch before reaching a spot near an ancient cabin. At this point, Uncle Joe said she’d gone far enough for a 2 month old puppy. After a short rest break, it was time to head back to the Rapid Creek trailhead, once again about 1.2 miles away.
Dixie crossing the Rapid Creek bridge near the Tamarack trailhead during the return.
Another beautiful day, but Uncle Joe may have been right. Constantly trying to herd your big Carolina Dog cousin is a lot of work. Near the end, Cousin Dixie was starting to get tired.
Wildflowers along the way.Dixie starting to feel weary.
Not to worry, though. Uncle Joe to the rescue!
Dixie returning in style.
7-2-23 – The next day was nearly the same routine. An early morning Geyser Loop stroll through the park, followed by another Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition, this time from the end of Horse Creek Road to USFS Road No. 249. Incredibly, SPHP somehow forgot to bring the camera. Oops! Nevertheless, everyone had a great time.
7-3-23, 6:55 AM – Hard to believe, but it was already time for Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe to head back home to Arvada, Colorado. While Uncle Joe was packing their car, Lupe and Dixie roamed the back yard, enjoying the soft green grass together.
Dixie and Lupe in the back yard.
7-3-23, 7:07 AM – Well, they’re off, Loopster, on the way back to Colorado! Thank you for not getting too snarly with Dixie. I know your patience was being sorely tested at times. So, what do you think of your new cousin? Isn’t she darling?
No doubt Dixie means well, but she’s a herding fanatic, SPHP! Do you have any idea how trying puppies can be?
11:21 AM, 46ºF, Horse Thief Lake – Cabin fever! That was what had been ailing Lupe all through a 10 day long cold snap of absolutely frigid weather, even for January. However, that was all history now. Going to be a nice day today, and the American Dingo was in high spirits as she leapt out of the RAV4. A Black Hills expedition is a always a sure-fire cure for cabin fever!
Sheesh! Checked the snow depth maps before we left home, Loopster. Only supposed to be 2″ of snow up here. Actually more like 6″!
Oh, please! We’re still going, aren’t we, SPHP? It’s been so boring at home!
Yeah, don’t worry, Loop. We’re still going. All this snow isn’t going to make things any easier, but we’ll be OK.
A short trek from the parking lot got the Carolina Dog to the start of Horse Thief Lake Trail No. 14. SPHP barely glanced at a posted map of the Black Elk Wilderness trail system. Lupe had been here plenty of times before.
Start of Horse Thief Lake Trail No. 14. Photo looks SSW.Black Elk Wilderness trail system.
Well, you ready, Looper? Days are mighty short in January, and we’re off to a rather late start. It’s Onward! Puppy, ho! time.
SPHP didn’t have to say it twice. The American Dingo set off heading S on Horse Thief Lake Trail No. 14. The first part of the trail climbed a bit. Didn’t amount to much except that in some places the small stream that ran along the trail had flown over it and frozen into a sheet of ice. Lupe did fine, but the ice was so slick that SPHP had to exercise caution.
By an ice-coved section of the trail. Photo looks SSE.
After passing a frozen waterfall on the L, the trail leveled out and wasn’t so icy. Even SPHP was making great time. Soon Lupe was approaching some of the towering granite formations common throughout the Black Elk Wilderness.
Granite formations along the way. Photo looks S.Near some of the vertical granite. Photo looks SSE.
After 0.7 mile, Lupe reached the first trail junction. To the L, Centennial Trail No. 89 headed S. To the R was a section of trail comprising part of both the Horse Thief Lake and Centennial trails.
At the junction with Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks S.Intersection signage.Sunlit spires near the Horse Thief Lake/Centennial trails junction. Photo looks E.
Go R here, Loopster. We need to head W.
Fine, SPHP, but what’s our destination, anyway? You haven’t said.
Setting off on the section of trail that’s part of both Horsethief Lake Trail No. 14 and Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SW.
Heh, not likely to reach our destination, Loop. More than likely we’re on a wild goose chase. Intend to solve a Black Elk Wilderness mystery today.
Intriguing. Sort of. Care to quit beating around the bush and clue me in on what you’re thinking, SPHP?
I thought you were a mind reader, Loopster.
Sometimes I am, SPHP. You’re being mighty cryptic, though.
Only 5 minutes on the shared section of trail, and Lupe made it to the point where Horsethief Lake Trail No. 14 and Centennial Trail No. 89 parted ways again. No signage here.
Go R again, Looper. We’re taking Centennial Trail No. 89 from here.
Only a few tracks in the snow went that way, none of them recent, as the Centennial trail immediately climbed toward a big boulder.
On Centennial Trail No. 89, the path less taken. Photo looks NW.
Once past the boulder, Centennial Trail No. 89 wove its way W, climbing along the S side of a fairly shallow valley. As Lupe got higher, granite spires she’d passed on Horse Thief Lake Trail No. 14 were visible back to the E. However, since she was now going the opposite direction, for the most part, the Carolina Dog saw only trees.
Gradually climbing through the forest. Photo looks W.On a beautiful filtered sunlight stretch. Photo looks W.
After roughly 0.33 mile, Lupe reached Pass 5380. Nothing to be seen here except snow and forest. Continuing W over the pass, glimpses of a high hill capped by a massive granite formation soon appeared ahead.
Deep in the forest at Pass 5380. Photo looks NW.The soaring granite-capped hill (Center). Photo looks W.
Awesome, but I hope that’s not where we’re going, SPHP! We’d never make it to the top. That’s genuine rock climber territory to be sure, at least from this side.
No, we’re not going there, Loop, but that’s sort of what I expect Peak6057 will be like from the looks of the topo map.
Really? Peak 6057 is a fail already then, SPHP. Why even bother?
Because it was already in the Peakbagger.com database when we started your account in May, 2014, and we’ve never checked it out. In fact, no one else on Peakbagger has ever reported an ascent of Peak 6057, either. Zero ascents, zero attempts.
OK! And what does that tell you, SPHP? Everyone takes one glance at the topo map, and very sensibly says it ain’t happening!
Yes, and no doubt they’re most likely right, but that’s not 100% certain. Besides, Peak 6057 has been on your list of places to go, bugging me for nearly 10 years now. About time we solved the mystery of whether or not we can climb it, Loopster. Even if its not possible, we’ll still enjoy a great off-trail Black Elk Wilderness adventure!
Doesn’t sound as mysterious as you’re letting on, SPHP.
Be that as it may – Onward! Puppy, ho!
Continuing W, Centennial Trail No. 89 descended into a valley. As soon as Lupe crossed the drainage at the valley floor, SPHP called a halt.
OK, this is it. We leave the trail here, Loop.
Simply fabulous! In addition to being doomed to failure, we’re in for one heck of a bushwhack, aren’t we, SPHP?
It’s the Black Elk Wilderness, Looper. Expect no less.
About to leave Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SE.
Abandoning the trail, SPHP led Lupe SSE through a thicket of tall, thin bushes. Pushing through them was an annoyingly slow process, even on this level terrain. Once through the worst of the initial tangle, Lupe took the lead.
Leading the way. Photo looks SSE.
Ah-ha! Not so bad now, is it, Loopster? Just keep going up this valley. Plan is to follow it all the way to its upper S end, turn W climbing up and out, then swing around to the N to approach Peak 6057 from the S.
It was a terrific plan, extremely well thought out as readily confirmed by the topo map, except for one thing. At the first bend, the valley ahead was choked with deadfall and endless thickets of the tall, thin trees or bushes. Furthermore, the valley floor was no longer flat.
Hemmed in by a near vertical granite wall on the R, and a steep, forested slope on the L, Lupe was forced to keep leaping over one obstacle after another amid belly deep snow and rough terrain, occasionally crossing a tiny tributary of Pine Creek.
One obstacle after another ahead. Photo looks SSW.
Even though Lupe never complained, it wasn’t long before SPHP devised a new most excellent plan.
Dingo feathers! Enough of this, Loopster! Peak 6057 isn’t that far, but it’s going to take us forever and a day to get there this way. Let’s get up out of these dang bushes down by the stream, then I’ll check the map to see what our options are.
Continuing only far enough to get to where some room opened up below the rock wall on the R, Lupe climbed just high enough into the forest to get above the jungle down by the stream.
How’s this, SPHP? You can check your map here.
Perfect, Loop. Give me just a moment.
Waiting for SPHP to check the map. Photo looks NW.
Hmm. Well, looks like we ought to be able to head W from here, Looper. Actually a shortcut, if it works. On the other paw, if the terrain gets too steep, we might still be able to head S paralleling the valley floor, thereby sticking more or less to the original plan.
The American Dingo’s ascent of Peak 6057 began in earnest as Lupe headed W, now climbing steadily. Early on, she passed a region of big boulders. A long stretch of uniformly steep open forest came next. Quite a bit of deadfall strewn about here, but it wasn’t too bad.
After gaining 160 feet of elevation, a huge granite hill hundreds of feet higher appeared ahead. Approaching a much lower ledge that looked like it might provide initial views, the snow deepened. Bedrock under the snow was very slippery, but by staying toward the R, Lupe found an easy way up onto this first ledge.
Approaching the ledge. Photo looks WSW.
The sky was clouding up, a bit of a chill in the air, as Lupe reached the top of the ledge. She could see a long way E, but the most striking view was of several enormous granite formations 0.5 mile SSE.
Up on the ledge. Photo looks SSE.
Wow! Gorgeous up here, SPHP, but if any of those rugged formations is Peak6057, your mystery is solved. It’s a no go.
Splendid, aren’t they, Loop? Typical Black Elk Wilderness. And no, none of them are Peak 6057. They’re all off in the wrong direction.
Can we take a break here, SPHP? I’m getting hungry.
Kind of snowy. Let’s get a little higher, Looper. Maybe we can find a dry spot that isn’t solid rock?
Leaving the ledge, a deep valley to the S forced the Carolina Dog to angle WNW in order to keep climbing. Lupe sometimes had views of the much higher massive granite formation across the valley, but it wasn’t Peak 6057, either. SPHP was becoming concerned over whether or not Lupe was going to be able to get across the valley, because she was eventually going to need to, when a snow-free dry spot appeared by a big pillar.
This looks good, Loopster. Let’s take a break here.
Continuing on in search of Peak 6057 and a place to take a break. Photo looks NNW.The massive granite summit across the valley. Photo looks SSW.Loopster by the rest break pillar. Photo looks ENE.
1:58 PM, at the rest break pillar 1/6 mile ENE of Peak 6057 –
Chocolate coconut bar, Loopster?
Don’t mind if I do, SPHP, but why so generous? We haven’t even made our attempt on Peak 6057 yet.
Yeah, well, I’ve already been catching glimpses of Peak 6057. What I’ve seen of the E side looks utterly impossible.
Oh, sorry to hear that, SPHP. Disappointing, but even you were expecting it to be that way.
That’s the way the Black Elk Wilderness mystery crumbles, Loop. Haven’t completely given up hope yet. The highest ground I’m confident we can get to is over on the SW side of Peak 6057. Distance-wise, we’ll actually be close to the summit. Elevation-wise, not so much, unless the situation looks a lot different over there.
The chocolate coconut bar had vanished in a flash. Lupe had a silver bowl full of Taste of the Wild. SPHP munched the usual apple. Apple consumed, it was time.
Onward! Puppy, ho!
Still climbing, although not as steeply as before, Lupe steadily closed in on Peak 6057. None of the what could be seen of the E face looked the least bit encouraging – nothing but towering vertical walls. The Carolina Dog hadn’t reached them yet, when an opening appeared to the WSW.
Think we’re past that valley to the S now! The terrain doesn’t look bad at all. Quite a bit of deadfall, but we’ll get through it. Head that way, Loop. We can start circling around to the SW side of Peak 6057 from here.
Start of the deadfall-strewn passage around the S side of Peak 6057. Photo looks SW.
The snow was belly deep on Lupe, the deadfall ghastly. SPHP’s progress was dreadfully slow, but Lupe didn’t complain. SPHP soon concluded that the fastest way around the S side of Peak6057 would be to go right up next to its soaring granite walls.
Heading for Peak 6057 (Center). Photo looks WNW.
As expected, the territory next to the granite walls proved to be a maze of deadfall and boulders, but this was the shortest route, likely no worse than circling more widely through the almost equally challenging region farther from the peak.
Near Peak 6057’s granite walls. Photo looks WSW.The mountain’s SE face. Photo looks NW.
Working along the S side of the mountain eventually revealed the high ground Lupe intended to explore SW of the summit. Although difficult territory due to all the deadfall, it was actually very scenic, featuring several separate enormous spires.
First view of the SW spires (L & Center). Photo looks W.Peak 6057’s S face. Photo looks NW.
Scrambling amid all the boulders and deadfall along the S side of the mountain, it had already become clear that Lupe wasn’t going to find any magic route to the top. Already mentally prepared, it wasn’t such a terrible disappointment. No regrets. Seldom seen by Dingo or human, this Black Elk Wilderness scenery was fantastic!
S of Peak 6057. Photo looks W.Looking ESE.Close to the spires. Photo looks WNW.
Funny how nature can be such a mess, SPHP, and yet the overall effect is absolutely gorgeous!
True enough, Loopster. Wish it worked that way at home. Never does, though. Quite the opposite!
As Lupe got around to the SW side of Peak 6057, the potential arose to explore a couple of narrow regions between the spires and the main mass of granite.
Next to a narrow opening. Photo looks N.
Want to explore one of these cracks, SPHP? We’re here now!
Might as well see how high we can get, Loop!
A faint flicker of hope that maybe there really was a way to the top of Peak 6057 stirred as Lupe entered a narrow passage. That would be so awesome!
A short climb, and Lupe reached a spot that was a dead end for her, but after giving the Carolina Dog a boost, SPHP scrambled up, too.
In the crack. Photo looks SSE.
This is so cool! It keeps going, SPHP!
It does, but be careful, Loopster, and don’t get too far ahead. Might easily come to a sheer drop in here.
At the upper end of the crack. Photo looks NW.
Lupe quickly reached the top of the crack. No sheer drop. No route to Peak6057‘s summit, either. Beyond its high point, the crack widened out, revealing a view of Elkhorn Mountain(6,440 ft.), another giant knob of granite.
Elkhorn Mountain (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.Elkhorn Mountain (L). Its N shoulder (Center & R). Photo looks WNW.
And that was it. Standing there at the upper end of the crack, Lupe was done. The American Dingo couldn’t go any higher.
How far below the summit do you think we are, SPHP?
Hard to say, Loop. Your GPS track claims we’re at 5,927 feet, which agrees pretty well with the topo map, but neither one’s completely accurate.
130 feet below Peak 6057’s summit then? Well, we can still get there, SPHP. All you have to do is rent us a helicopter!
Yeah, guess that should have been the plan all along. Not happening today, no helicopter rentals around here. Getting late, anyway. We better find our way back to Centennial Trail No. 89, Loopster. No sense in getting ourselves stranded way out here on a January night!
A short scramble down to the SW from the wide end of the crack was an incredible jumble of boulders and deadfall.
Starting the descent after going all the way through the crack. Photo looks S.
Couple more things before we go, Loopster. Let’s head SW far enough to get a photo of Peak 6057 from that direction since this side was our best shot at finding a way to the top. From the end of the crack, I also caught a glimpse of Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.) way off to the SW. Maybe we can find a spot with a clearer view of it, too?
Despite all the snow and deadfall, Lupe soon completed both missions.
Peak 6057’s SW face. Photo looks NE.Another look for all you ambitious rock climbers out there! Photo looks NE.Black Elk Peak (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SW.
The Peak 6057 mystery had been solved as far as Lupe was concerned, but her Black Elk Wilderness adventure wasn’t over yet. Exploring W, then N, through the snowy woods, the return to Centennial Trail No. 89 was a scenic and more challenging endeavor than expected.
Eventually heading NE down a long, surprisingly rugged valley, progress was awfully slow.
Still exploring during the return. Photo looks NW.Descending into the valley NW of Peak 6057. Photo looks N.Down in the valley, on the way back to Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks NNE.
Light was fading fast, when Lupe came to an unexpected ancient trail running through the forest. This clearly wasn’t Centennial Trail No. 89, but greatly helped speed SPHP’s progress.
5:04 PM, dusk at Pine Creek – Suddenly, it was over. Lupe was standing on Centennial Trail No. 89, a veritable super highway through the Black Elk Wilderness.
Back on Centennial Trail No. 89 in the Pine Creek valley. Photo looks NE.
Hah! Great job! We made it, Looper.
We always do, SPHP.
Yeah, in this business everyone bats 1,000, until one day you don’t.
The rest was easy. Lupe followed Centennial Trail No. 89 back to where she’d left it, then retraced her earlier route back to Horse Thief Lake.
6:09 PM, 37ºF – Emerging at the Horse Thief Lake trailhead, crusty snow crunched beneath SPHP’s boots. Moonlight streamed over the access road as Lupe trotted back to the RAV4 while the silent stars glittered overhead. At long last, Peak6057 was done.
S of Peak 6057, Black Elk Wilderness, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-21-24Lupe’s GPS track.
