American Dingo – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Wheeler Peak, Sangre de Cristo Range, the New Mexico State High Point (6-27-23)

Days 20 – 22 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico!

6-26-23, 12:43 PM, Taos Ski Village – On the deck overlooking a rushing stream, SPHP sipped on a cherry sour.

Mushroom Swiss burger, Loop! Sure you don’t want a bite? Very tasty!

Lupe sat in the shade, content to merely watch SPHP eat while enjoying the sound of the water. The Carolina Dog could have gone into Door 38 Pizza – Taos Ale House; it was a dog friendly establishment, but SPHP was so filthy that avoiding the rest of the clientele as much as possible seemed prudent.

Out on the **Door 38 Pizza – Taos Ale House deck**.

Not interested, aye? Your loss, Loopster! Guess I’ll polish off the whole burger then.

After a steep, dusty drive up a wide gravel road, Lupe spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at the Williams Lake trailhead. 40+ vehicles were there when SPHP pulled the RAV4 into the last available parking spot, but the popular trailhead began emptying out as the day wore on.

**Rich Peak (12,535 ft.)** (L of Center) from the **Williams Lake trailhead**. Photo looks S.

By evening, the American Dingo had a change of heart. Back at Door 38 Pizza – Taos Ale House again, this time when SPHP ordered a second Swiss Mushroom burger plus french fries, Lupe was not only a willing participant, but eager to make up for her earlier abstinence.

6-27-23, 7:27 AM – The big paved parking lot at the entrance to the Taos Ski Village that had been jam packed yesterday was practically empty when Lupe leapt out of the RAV4.

We’re leaving from here, SPHP? What happened to the Williams Lake trailhead?

A nice guy named John at the little barn-like visitor center gave me a nifty trail system map yesterday, Loop. We can start from here, and make a huge loop coming back down that way. Longer and more elevation gain the way we’re going, but you can tag a few more peaks along the way, too.

As long as we still make it to Wheeler Peak (13,161 ft.), that’s fine, SPHP. Loops are awesome; I’m practically named after them! Don’t want to miss out on only my 6th state high point ever, though.

Eh, never any guarantees in the mountains, Loopster. You know that. The forecast is kind of iffy no matter which way we go. If the weather holds up, we’ll make it. Trail all the way!

So where do we go, SPHP?

The Bull-of-the-Woods trailhead is right here, Looper, a couple hundred feet from the visitor center. Onward! Puppy, ho!

Bound for the top of New Mexico, the Carolina Dog set out on Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90.

The paved parking lot at the **entrance to the Taos Ski Village**. The **barn-shaped shed** on the L is the **visitor information center**. Photo looks SE.

**Bull-of-the-Woods trailhead**. The gravel road on the R goes to the Williams Lake trailhead.

**Free trail system map** available at the visitor center.

Entering the forest, the single track trail became broad and rather rocky. Climbing NE at a good clip, it paralleled an unseen stream hidden among the trees off to the R. After a 15 minute trek, Lupe came to a spot with a view of the stream, which was now quite close to the trail.

Pressing on, Trail No. 90 became less rocky, and sometimes leveled out. Another 20 minutes, during which glimpses of the stream continued to appear, got the American Dingo to a tributary coming down from Long Canyon. SPHP was happy to see a makeshift bridge of branches.

**Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90**. More roots and fewer rocks now. Photo looks NE.

Hah! Don’t even have to get our paws wet, Looper!

It’s summer! Nothing wrong with cooling your paws off, SPHP.

Beyond the ford, Lupe reached a junction with Long Canyon Trail No. 63.

At the **junction of Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90** and **Long Canyon Trail No. 63**.

Junction signage. **Long Canyon Trail No. 63** (L).

Sticking with Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90, the broad single track trail soon merged with an old roadbed. Despite the absence of any other obstacles, due to the steepness of the incline, SPHP had to keep pausing to gasp for air. With no views other than the forest, the road trek quickly became monotonous.

The rate of climb finally diminished as Lupe approached Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture.

Arriving at **Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture**. Photo looks NNE.

Located in the saddle region between Gold Hill (12,711 ft.) 2.5 miles NW, and Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain (11,640 ft.) less than 0.75 mile S, Bull-of-the Woods Pasture was not at all what SPHP expected.

You thought there would be more grass, SPHP?

Yeah, guess it was the word “pasture” that threw me, Loop. Kind of thought we might be able to see something from up here, too.

Well, it does have the “woods” part down, SPHP.

I’ll grant you that, Looper.

Actually there was a clearing at Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture, it just wasn’t as extensive as SPHP had envisioned. Furthermore, although Gold Hill wasn’t in sight, the forested N side of Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain was.

**Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain** (R) from **Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture**. Photo looks SSE.

Gold Hill Trail No. 64 branched off to the L here. Taking Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 instead, it immediately curled SE, crossing a creek issuing from a small pond. The dirt road ahead looked new, and the sound of machinery came from this direction. Following this road, a single track trail soon branched off to the R as a light rain began to fall.

A sign said “Redi’s Run”.

At the **Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture pond and stream.** Photo looks NE.

On the new, or at least recently graded, dirt road. **Redi’s Run trail** (R).

Redi’s Run? Hang on, Loop, let’s get off the road. Not sure which way we need to go here.

Putting on the red rain jacket as it began raining harder, SPHP then checked the maps.

Hmm. No Redi’s Run mentioned on any of these maps, not even the one from the visitor center.

Maybe Redi is the name of the Bull-of-the-Woods, SPHP? He might come running through here at any moment!

Hope not. Didn’t bring any red capes to dodge him with.

Use your rain jacket, SPHP. It’s red!

Wasn’t necessary. An approaching roar proved to be a loaded logging truck coming down the road. A few minutes later, an empty truck backed up it.

Since Redi’s Run seemed destined to go downhill rather than up, once the empty logging truck disappeared from sight, Lupe followed it. She soon came to the place where it was being loaded.

Approaching the logging operation. Photo looks SE.

Rather than charge through all the activity, SPHP encouraged Lupe to go around it. Upon regaining the road on Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain’s N ridge, the Carolina Dog enjoyed her first distant view of the day, a look at Baldy Mountain (12,441 ft.) beyond the Red River valley.

**Red River valley** (Center), **Baldy Mountain** (R). Photo looks NE.

Despite cloudy skies, the sun reappeared. However, as Lupe continued along the freshly graded logging road around the upper W slopes of Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain, the sky darkened again.

Circling around **Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain**. Photo looks WSW.

Reaching the N end of Pass 11514, Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 turned S as a single track, parting from the road, which veered N. Lupe took shelter beneath a spruce tree as it began to rain again.

Nothing too serious yet, but this might not be our day, Looper.

Don’t give up so easily, SPHP.

Oh, I’m not, Loopster! The top of Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain is real close, though, only 100 feet higher up the road. Won’t take us long. Want to tag the summit so you can claim at least one peakbagging success today no matter what else happens?

I’m all in, SPHP!

As soon as the rain abated, the American Dingo followed the road N.

Approaching the **Bull-of-the-Woods summit region**. Photo looks N.

The free trail system map from the visitor center didn’t mention it, but the topo maps showed mines on Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain. As Lupe approached the summit region, forest gave way to a ridge of loose rock that had clearly been disturbed. Going around the W end of this ridge, the Carolina Dog found a wide, almost level gash that had been carved across the mountain. Beyond the gap, a higher ridge looked natural.

6-27-23, 10:15 AM, 50ºF, Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain (11,640 ft.) – A short scramble to the top of this second ridge, and Lupe reached a pile of rocks evidently serving as a loosely assembled cairn. The Carolina Dog might have enjoyed the excellent view of Fraser Mountain (12,163 ft.), her next objective due S, but conditions were none too pleasant.

A 20-25 mph W wind swept over the barren, exposed summit driving a cold light rain.

**Fraser Mountain** (Center) from **Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain**. **Peak 13054** (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks S.

Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain offered other views, too, notably Gold Hill (12,716 ft.) off to the NNW. However, a few minutes atop the wet, windy summit was enough. Lupe returned to the road and protection of the forest. By the time the American Dingo got back to where Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 left the road near Pass 11514, the rain had ended.

Back at **Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90**. **Pass 11514** (Center) ahead. Photo looks S.

Well, phooey! Sorry about that, Loop. Seems we tagged Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain at the worst possible moment.

Still counts as a peakbagging success, SPHP. Maybe we’ll be luckier at Fraser Mountain?

Continuing down to the saddle at Pass 11514, Lupe crossed it. Trail No. 90 switchbacked SW, then SE, climbing through thick forest. Reaching a clearing where the trail turned SW again, it provided a terrific view of Gold Hill and mining-scarred Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain back to the N.

**Gold Hill** (L) and **Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

From this viewpoint, Trail No. 90 headed straight for the closest of a long line of snowbanks on the E side of the enormous ridge leading to Frazer Mountain, promptly vanishing beneath the snow. Climbing up and over the first snowbank, Lupe found no sign of the trail beyond it. However, the general direction she needed to go was clear. Heading S across flat, open ground, the Carolina Dog made rapid progress.

Heading for the big snowbanks on the E side of the ridge leading to Frazer Mountain. Photo looks SSW.

Searching for Trail No. 90 again on the way to Frazer Mountain. Photo looks SSE.

Near the end of the flat part of the gently rounded ridge, Lupe picked up Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 again, which gradually climbed S along the windy W side of the ridge. At treeline now, the views were awesome! Kachina Peak (12,481 ft.) and Lake Fork Peak (12,881 ft.) were both in sight on the opposite side of the Taos Ski Valley, still sporting some snow.

**Lake Fork Peak** (Center), **Kachina Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.

The trail went by the upper end of a forested section, then remained out on open ground as it went clear to the top of Frazer Mountain’s N ridge. In addition to seeing all the gorgeous peaks towering over the upper end of the Taos Ski Valley, Lupe got to sniff some stunning wildflowers along the way.

Heading for the top of the ridge after passing the forested section. **Lake Fork Peak** (R). Photo looks S.

Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 reached the top of the ridge only 0.1 mile N of Frazer Mountain, but did not go up to the summit, instead swinging over to the E side of the ridge. The W wind was especially powerful on top of the ridge, but Lupe enjoyed a bit of relief over on the protected E side.

However, the American Dingo wasn’t about to skip Frazer Mountain! After a brief respite from the wind, she left the trail, heading up the E slope in search of the true summit.

6-27-23, 11:50 AM, 52ºF, Frazer Mountain (12,163 ft.) – A 70 foot climb got Lupe to the top of a broad, flat summit region sprinkled with rocks amid tundra and wildflowers. Four mountain sheep who didn’t care to make the acquaintance of a Carolina Dog added excitement, racing away to the S as they abandoned these heights where the wind was 30 mph out of the WNW.

One of four Fraser Mountain mountain sheep.

From a cairn near the S end, Lupe had a terrific view of the territory ahead. Two big humps were now visible along the ridge leading S to Peak 13045. For the first time, Wheeler Peak (13,161 ft.) was also in sight.

**Peak 13045** (L), **Wheeler Peak** (L of Center), **Peak 12819** (R), and **Lake Fork Peak** (far R) from **Fraser Mountain**. Photo looks S.

The highest ground on Fraser Mountain was a bit back to the N, so Lupe headed over there to tag what appeared to be the true summit, an area scarcely any higher than the rest of the summit plateau. Upon getting there, SPHP made a discovery.

Well, shucks, Loop. Our GPS track messed up and quit recording before we even got to Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain.

Good spot to start a new one, SPHP. Then let’s get down out of this wind!

Heading back to the S end of Fraser Mountain’s summit plateau, Lupe began a rather steep descent on the open slope leading back down to Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90.

The region E of the next big hump to the S looked like the easiest route to Peak 13045 and ultimately Wheeler Peak, but shortly after reaching Trail No. 90 again, it turned E, continuing to lose elevation. Naturally, the trail ought to have worked, too, but upon reaching a forest, it immediately vanished beneath mounds of snow.

At the **S end of Fraser Mountain** about to head down to the L to pick up Trail No. 90 again. **Peak 13045** (far L), **Wheeler Peak** (L), **Lake Fork Peak** (far R). Photo looks S.

Entering the forest as Trail No. 90 vanishes beneath the snow. Photo looks SSE.

While Lupe had no problem with it, SPHP soon found post-holing in deep snow amid dense forest without a clue where the trail had gone rather discouraging.

Ugh! We should have just stayed up on the easy terrain E of that next hill, Loop. This is ridiculous!

Want to go back, SPHP? We can.

Yeah, but instead of going back along the trail, Loopster, let’s just angle SW until we get above all these trees and snow.

Snow extended all the way up to where the trees were mere stunted miniatures of the ones down in the main forest. Traversing this steep, rocky, upper slope was slow going. However, once far enough S, open terrain on the opposite E side of a shallow valley looked much better.

About to cross the shallow valley ahead. **Peak 13045** (L). Photo looks S.

After crossing the valley, Lupe’s off-trail exploration got substantially easier. She’d made it to the La Cal Basin, a flat, obstacle-free region.

Progress was excellent until the American Dingo turned E, starting a steep climb straight up the W side of Peak 13045’s massive NNE ridge. SPHP frequently paused to gasp for air. Fortunately, less than halfway up, Lupe came across Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 again.

Exposed once more to the powerful W wind, switchbacking gradually higher, the trail made getting to the ridgeline easier. Reaching the crest, Peak 13045 was directly ahead, with Mount Walter (13,133 ft.) in view less than 0.25 mile beyond it. Looking ESE, Horseshoe Lake was in sight nearly 1,000 feet below.

**La Cal Basin** (L), **Frazer Mountain** (R foreground), and **Gold Hill** (far R) from partway up **Peak 13045‘s NNE ridge**. Photo looks NW.

Approaching **Peak 13045** (R). **Mount Walter** (L). Photo looks S.

**Horseshoe Lake** (Center) from Peak 13045’s NNE ridge. Photo looks ESE.

Continuing up Peak 13045’s NE slope, Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 made a few short switchbacks, but did not go all the way to the top. Instead, the trail began traversing the upper E slope. However, Lupe soon came to a snowbank where the trail vanished.

On **Peak 13045‘s upper E slope**. **Mount Walter summit** (R of Center). Photo looks S.

The snow’s too steep, Loopster! Don’t chance it.

Backtracking a bit to snow-free ground, Lupe abandoned the trail again and started climbing.

6-27-23, 2:46 PM – 60 feet was enough to get the Carolina Dog to the top of the small, flat, rocky plain that was the summit of Peak 13045. Only the W half of this plain was snow-free, but that was sufficient. Mount Walter was now directly ahead beyond a small saddle, and Wheeler Peak was less than half a mile farther.

**Mount Walter** (L) and **Wheeler Peak** (R) from **Peak 13045**. Photo looks S.

The route was open, the top of New Mexico within reach, but was Lupe too late? The W wind was stronger than ever up here, and although blue sky still dominated S and SE, at all points W, dark clouds and a long, gray line of rain showers were being driven this way.

**Peak 12819** (L) **Williams Lake** (Center), **Lake Fork Peak** (R of Center) from **Peak 13045**. Photo looks SW.

Our timing is looking worse than ever, SPHP.

I know it. Onward! Puppy, ho!

Setting off at speed, Lupe had barely crossed the saddle leading to Mount Walter and started up its N ridge when a few raindrops fell, stinging due to the force of the steadily increasing gale. Thunder rumbled. W of the trail, a grassy slope was below a big snowbank.

Go down there, Looper! No sense in being complete idiots, and getting ourselves fried right on the crest of the ridge!

Running NW down the slope a little way, SPHP dumped the pack, layered up as much as possible with the red rain jacket over all, then sat down.

On my lap, Loop! I’ve got another coat I can put over you.

Leaving **Peak 13045** for **Mount Walter** (R). **Red Dome** (L). Photo looks SE.

This open slope a few 10’s of feet below the ridgeline was it for shelter. Gonna to have to face whatever the storm dished out.

The wind came in swirling in from various directions, but mostly from straight out of the NW, perhaps due to the configuration of the terrain. Prolonged 50 mph gusts were occasionally separated by brief moments of relative calm. As line after line of showers swept over Mount Walter, rain, snow pellets, and tiny hail pelted Lupe. SPHP’s hands started to freeze, forcing a search of the pack for gloves.

Several cloud to ground lightning strikes crackled only a few miles N. No view of what was happening to the S, but thunder boomed from that direction, as well. Despite the fierce wind, the showers seemed to move slowly. At last, a patch of blue sky appeared far to the W.

Waiting the storm out. **Peak 12012** (L), **Peak 13045** (R). Photo looks NW.

The patch of blue sky grew slowly, at first spreading only toward the N. However, the rain abated and the wind even began to taper off slightly. Lupe waited until the last of the thunder was well to the E.

OK, Loop. You’re cutting off my circulation – my leg’s going numb. We’ve been here a whole hour. Time to get moving again!

6-27-23, 4:19 PM, 40ºF – The next bump along the ridgeline wasn’t the true summit of Mount Walter (13,133 ft.), but it wasn’t much farther. Arriving in a 40 mph gale, Lupe found a metal plaque commemorating H. D. Walter atop a pole sticking out of a pile of rocks.

**Mount Walter summit**. **Wheeler Peak** (L). Photo looks SW.

With the wind as annoying as it was, Lupe lingered on Mount Walter only 5 or 10 minutes before pressing on to her final objective.

Closing in on **Wheeler Peak** (Center), the **New Mexico state high point**! Photo looks SSW.

6-27-23, 4:38 PM, 45ºF, Wheeler Peak (13,161 ft.) – Unfortunately, the wild W wind wasn’t about to cut Lupe any slack just because she’d made it to the top of New Mexico. Even so, the relentless 40 – 50+ mph breeze did reward her with what may have been a rare moment of privacy here on a late June afternoon. Not a soul was around.

The summit featured a rock wall serving as a completely inadequate windbreak astride the natural high point. A battered directional survey marker was attached to one of the highest rocks comprising the wall.

Wheeler Peak also possessed a much more unusual landmark in the form of a capped, heavy metal horizontal pipe jutting out of a pyramid of rocks cemented together. This pyramid bore a metal plaque in honor of Major George Montague Wheeler, and sat on a tilting concrete base.

On **Wheeler Peak**, **New Mexico’s highest mountain**! Photo looks SW.

**Major George Montague Wheeler commemorative plaque**.

Next to the **directional survey marker** (R). **Pueblo Peak** (L), **Vallecito Mountain** (R). Photo looks SW.

**Wheeler Peak directional survey marker**.

Attempting to turn the cap fastened by a chain to the heavy metal pipe protruding from the pyramid, SPHP was surprised at how easily it came off. Signing Lupe’s name in the registry notebook hidden within was a challenge in the wind, but SPHP made sure her ascent was noted.

Congratulations, Loopster! You’ve officially made it to Wheeler Peak, the New Mexico state high point.

Thank you, SPHP! Wish my 6th state high point wasn’t so windy, though.

You and me both, Looper. Under the circumstances, we aren’t going to hang around up here for a whole hour. Let’s get some photos.

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then the photo session began.

Baldy Mountain (12,441 ft.) and Touch-Me-Not Mountain (12,044 ft.) beyond a broad valley were the big highlights miles to the NE.

**Mount Walter** (L) and **Baldy Mountain** (R). Photo looks NE.

**Baldy Mountain** (L) and **Touch-Me-Not Mountain** (R). Photo looks ENE.

On a better day, Simpson Peak (12,976 ft.) looked easily attainable only 0.5 mile S. Continuing SE to Old Mike Peak (13,113 ft.) from Simpson appeared to be just a romp. Red Dome (12,681 ft.) would have added another mile farther E.

**Red Dome** (L edge), **Old Mike Peak** (Center), **Simpson Peak** (R). Photo looks SE.

Gazing NNW down the Taos Ski Valley, the Williams Lake trailhead was in sight below the ski runs coming down off Peak 12012. Farther down the valley, part of the Taos Ski Village close to where Lupe had set out from was visible. However, the wind was so ferocious along the W edge that SPHP didn’t even try to get a glimpse of whether or not Williams Lake could be seen from Wheeler Peak.

**Peak 12012** (L), **Williams Lake trailhead** (Center), **Taos Ski Village** below it, **Gold Hill** (R), **Frazer Mountain** (far R) at the lower end of the ridge. Photo looks NNW.

The most magnificent views of all, though, were toward the SW where Pueblo Peak (12,305 ft.) and the top of Vallecito Mountain (12,643 ft.) jutted up beyond the ridge between Peak 12819 and Lake Fork Peak (12,881 ft.) beneath a stormy sky.

**Peak 12819** (far L), **Pueblo Peak** (L), **Vallecito Mountain** (Center), **Lake Fork Peak** (R). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

Despite the relentless gale out of the W and still questionable outlook, 15 minutes into Lupe’s stay she spotted someone rapidly approaching from Mount Walter. She soon met Casey, only the 3rd person she’d seen all day. Casey was friendly, but hung around 10 minutes tops, declining to even sign the registry before heading back N.

6-27-23, 5:10 PM – Casey was gone. Once again, Lupe had Wheeler Peak to just herself, SPHP, and the wild W wind, which hadn’t shown the least sign of letting up.

Been here half an hour, Loopster. Maybe Casey’s right? Ready to head down and get out of this gale?

Hate to leave before my traditional summit hour is over, SPHP. Especially on only my 6th state high point!

Feel the same way, Looper, but its kind of hard to enjoy it. Won’t the next half hour just be an ordeal to endure for no real reason, if we stay? We’re lucky to have made it here at all. If the storm had lasted longer, or been more severe, we would never have made it.

I suppose that makes sense, SPHP. Count our blessings, and go! Certainly had a memorable experience, and after all, Wheeler Peak’s been a success!

Precisely, sweet puppy!

The sky was a little brighter, the W wind as rambunctious as ever, as the Carolina Dog returned briefly to the rock wall built over the natural true summit.

Final moments atop **Wheeler Peak**. Photo looks SW.

Between Mount Walter and Wheeler Peak, Lupe had passed a junction with Williams Lake Trail No. 62, the shortest route back, and clearly now by far the quickest way down out of the wind. Eager to complete the big loop proposed earlier in the day, the American Dingo left Wheeler Peak ready to explore this most popular route.

Heading for **Williams Lake Trail No. 62** seen below **Peak 13045** (L of Center) and **Mount Walter** (R). Photo looks N.

Switchbacks made the descent of the steep open slope a snap. For a long way, part of Williams Lake was in view, nestled down in the upper end of the Taos Ski Valley surrounded by the glories of many of New Mexico’s highest peaks. Lupe lost hundreds of feet of elevation before the W wind diminished. By the time she reached the forest, not a breeze remained.

Switchbacking down **Wheeler Peak’s W slope**. **Pueblo Peak** (far L), **Lake Fork Peak** (Center) with a fragment of **Williams Lake** visible below it. Photo looks WSW.

Unidentified **unusual plant** along Williams Lake Trail No. 62. Anyone know what it is?

6-27-23, 8:29 PM, 55ºF, Taos Ski Village – Lupe hopped into the RAV4, glad to return to the comfort of her pink blanket after a long day.

I’m thinking Swiss mushroom burger! Sure you don’t want to come down to Door 38 Pizza – Taos Ale House with me, Loopster?

Perfectly content, and perhaps prescient, the American Dingo declined. SPHP was back soon enough.

Closed, weren’t they, SPHP?

Yup! 7:00 PM, and they roll up the sidewalk. I was a couple of hours late.

6-28-23, 2:30 AM, Taos Ski Village – SPHP turned the key, and the RAV4 sprang to life.

What’s going on, SPHP? It’s the middle of the night!

Can’t sleep! Woke up feeling good and alert, so we’re heading out, Loop.

Heading out for where?

Home, sweet puppy! Wheeler Peak was the exciting conclusion for this Dingo Vacation. Must be 700 miles, or thereabouts, back to the Black Hills. May as well get an early start.

6-28-23, 3:39 PM, 63ºF – For 100 miles, an enormous thunderhead had been visible hanging over the Black Hills. Braving a cloudburst, Lupe sprang out of the RAV4 to dash into the house. Her 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico had been a blast! All over and done with now, but the Carolina Dog’s Summer of 2023 adventures were far from over.

Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea were due tomorrow afternoon, bringing new Cousin Dixie with them! And, of course, preparations would soon begin for Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

On **Wheeler Peak**, Sangre de Cristo Range, the **New Mexico state high point** (6-27-23)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 324 – Line Camp Peak & Horse Trap Mountain (1-31-24)

7:59 AM, 28ºF, Cascade Falls, S of Hot Springs – Shadows were long, but the day already bright as the sun came peeping over the mountains. The steps leading down to Cascade Creek from the picnic ground were icy, forcing SPHP to use the railing for support. Reaching Cascade Falls, mist was rising into the chilly morning air from both the swimming hole, and the lukewarm stream tumbling into it.

Arriving early at **Cascade Falls**. Photo looks SW.

Beautiful! Love Cascade Falls, SPHP, but it’s still January! Kind of early in the season to go swimming, isn’t it?

Ha! No doubt, Loopster! Not too early to do a little wading, though.

As SPHP sat down and began removing boots and socks, the Carolina Dog appeared more concerned than convinced.

**Cascade Creek** immediately above the falls. Photo looks NNW.

Even though the water wasn’t all that cold or deep, Lupe was reluctant to follow SPHP into the stream. The creek bottom was smooth and firm, but uneven with sudden drops of a foot or more, enough to freak the American Dingo out a bit, causing her to freeze up midstream.

Just follow me, Loop. It’s not deep at all, if you take the exact same route.

After fording Cascade Creek, SPHP sat down and began putting socks and boots back on again.

Aren’t we staying here at the creek like we’ve always done before, SPHP?

Nope. Cascade Falls may be a great place to hang out during the summer, Looper, but we’re actually here to visit Line Camp Peak (4,530 ft.) today.

Line Camp Peak? Never heard of it, SPHP.

That’s the name I just gave it, Loop, because the topo map shows a Line Camp 0.33 mile SW of the summit. On Lists of John, it’s merely Peak 4535.

Oh, I get it! We’re back to tagging Lists of John peaks with a minimum of 300 feet of prominence. What is a line camp, anyway, SPHP?

Really don’t know, Loopster. If I had to guess, I’d think a temporary work camp near the construction of some sort of road or utility. Way out here, maybe a pipeline or powerline. With any luck, maybe we’ll find out today.

Scrambling up the steep, heavily forested bank on the W side of Cascade Creek through pines, junipers, and bushes, the terrain leveled out after a 40 foot climb. Another steep-sided ravine full of pines and junipers was now to the L with grasslands visible above both sides.

On the **NE side of Falls Canyon**. Photo looks NW.

This big ravine is Falls Canyon, Loop, but we’re on the wrong side. We’re going to have to find a place to get across.

Although Falls Canyon was only 40 feet deep, Lupe was above a cliff with standing water below it. Heading NW, there was already a nice view of Devils Slide Mountain (3,960 ft.) back to the NE.

Beginning the search for a way across **Falls Canyon**. Photo looks WNW.

**Devils Slide Mountain** (L). Photo looks NE.

After only 0.15 mile, the canyon divided. Falls Canyon turned N, while Mike Canyon continued NW. Lupe easily descended into Falls Canyon and climbed back out again here, but now had to cross Mike Canyon, as well. Another 0.1 mile NW got her to a good spot to enter Mike Canyon.

Exploring **Mike Canyon**. Photo looks E.

The terrain in the canyon was rolling and grassy, with a few inches of snow lingering along the more shaded SW side. Although the SW slope wasn’t a cliff, it was still mighty steep. Fortunately, Lupe didn’t have to sniff her way much farther up the canyon to find a spot where it was possible to scramble up and out, entering a region of typical western South Dakota prairie.

S of Mike Canyon now, the prairie rose in a long, gradual climb as Lupe headed W. Didn’t take her long to notice that grass wasn’t the only thing growing out here. The Carolina Dog’s nemesis was here, too.

Yeouch! SPHP, there’s cactus!

Lots of it, too. Progress slowed as Lupe insisted upon playing the cactus game. Remaining in one spot while SPHP scouted ahead, Lupe refused to budge until SPHP gave the signal that the route was cacti-free.

Playing the cactus game. **Devils Slide Mountain** (L). Photo looks E.

In some places, the cactus was so thick that carrying Lupe was the only way to keep going.

I sure hope it isn’t very far to Line Camp Peak, SPHP!

It’s a bit of a stroll, Loopster. Nearly 7 miles from Cascade Falls.

7 miles! We’ll never make it, SPHP! You can’t carry me that far, and I’m not walking barepaw through cactus infested fields for any 7 miles. You try it! It’s not fun.

Ahh, but there’s a road that goes nearly the entire way, Loop. We’ll soon come to it.

A road? Why didn’t you say so? That’s different, SPHP.

Continuing W, the terrain finally leveled out. From the top of a small rise, the Cheyenne River valley was now in sight off to the SW.

**Cheyenne River valley** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Alright! Almost there, Looper. USFS Road No. 647 should be just down this little slope about where the trees start. In fact, I think I see it.

Reaching the road put an end to the American Dingo’s cactus concerns. Turning NW again, her road hike commenced.

On **USFS Road No. 647**. Photo looks NW.

No. 647 was a scenic, easy march. Trending NW for miles through both prairie and open pine forests, the road steadily gained elevation. Soon Lupe was high enough to see Nebraska way off to the S.

Among the pines of the open forest. Photo looks NNE.

**Nebraska** on the distant horizon. Photo looks SSE.

The Black Hills had been very warm for January recently, and today was no exception. The morning was warming up fast as the sun climbed into the cloudless sky. Very little snow remained, but Lupe was happy to find enough melting in the shade here and there to eat for a bit of moisture whenever she got thirsty.

Nothing happened on this pleasant journey until, approaching HP4040 after 2 miles on No. 647, the American Dingo spotted movement ahead. A lone horse with a thick black mane was running around up here. The horse trotted through the fields for a few minutes before disappearing into the forest, evidently on its way to some unknown destination.

Approaching **HP4040** (R). Photo looks NW.

“**Black Mane**“, the handsome horse of **HP4040**.

The road didn’t go all the way to the top of HP4040, instead flattening out as it turned W for a short stretch before losing 50 feet of elevation winding NW down into the uppermost reaches of Cedar Canyon.

About to descend into the **upper reaches of Cedar Canyon** (L). Photo looks WNW.

The uphill trek soon resumed as a somewhat steeper climb. Once out of Cedar Canyon, tablelands were in sight beyond Wildcat Canyon. Views of Wildcat Canyon improved as Lupe continued on.

**Tablelands** (Center) beyond the **Wildcat Canyon region**. Photo look W.

**Wildcat Canyon** (R). **Nebraska** on the horizon again. Photo looks S.

A level stretch led to yet another gradual climb, which topped out near HP4154. However, there were enough trees up here to block any distant views, at least from along the road.

Approaching **HP4154** (Center). Photo looks NW.

Beyond HP4154, more open territory provided a good look at the upper reaches of one of the branches of Wildcat Canyon. However, the views were even better just a little farther on, when the road swung over to the NE side of the long ridge it was following. Looking across Buck Canyon, quite a few peaks Lupe had once been to long, long ago were in sight.

**Upper end of Wildcat Canyon** (beyond Lupe). Photo looks WNW.

Oh my gosh, SPHP! There’s Roundtop Hill (4,469 ft.) and the Seven Sisters Range (4,420 ft.)!

Yup. And if you look down Buck Canyon, Loopster, you can see not only Devils Slide Mountain (3,960 ft.) a mile or so from where we started, but Flagpole Mountain (4,320 ft.) as well.

**Roundtop Hill** (L) and **Seven Sisters Range** (R) beyond **Buck Canyon**. Photo looks NE.

**Devils Slide Mountain** (L of Center) and **Flagpole Mountain** (R) in the distance. **Buck Canyon** (foreground). Photo looks SE.

Looks like we’ve come a long way already, SPHP.

Yeah, we’ve definitely made some progress, Loop. Still 1.5+ miles to Line Camp Peak, though.

For the next 0.67 mile, USFS Road No. 647 ran along the shady SW side of Buck Canyon, all mushy and wet with melting snow. After going up this incline, the rate of climb greatly diminished as the road turned W again for a little way before resuming its NW course. In this flat region, a large power line soon appeared ahead.

Heading up the **muddy stretch along the SW side of Buck Canyon**. Photo looks NNW.

Hey! This power line might be why the line camp is on Line Camp Peak, SPHP.

Don’t know, Loop. According to the map, the line camp is still 0.67 mile NW. Seems sort of far. Plenty of excellent space right here for a camp, if it was meant to support the construction of this power line.

Continuing NW past the power line, it wasn’t much farther to a fork in the road. Taking the R fork, Lupe headed N through a huge, very gently sloping field. Line Camp Peak’s summit was now only another 0.25 mile, hidden somewhere among the pines directly ahead.

On the grassy **summit plateau of Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks N.

However, something else caught Lupe’s attention. Over toward the W end of the field, a whole herd of horses was hanging out near the area where the line camp was supposed to be.

**Horses** near the **Line Camp region**. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

Oh, I love horses, SPHP! Do you suppose they’re friendly? Maybe we should go see them? We can check out the line camp, too!

Whether friendly or not, let’s leave ’em be, Loop. The line camp mystery is of secondary importance. Let’s do what we came to do, first.

12:32 PM, 60ºF, Line Camp Peak (4,530 ft.) – Located near the NE end of the enormous summit plateau, Line Camp Peak’s true summit proved to be along a rocky, pine-covered, E/W running ridge that rose 10-15 feet above the immediately surrounding area. Only tree-broken views were available from the top, but a little SE of the summit, Lupe enjoyed a great view to the E across multiple canyons.

**Seven Sisters Range** (L) and **Devils Slide Mountain** (R) from **Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks E.

On one of the highest boulders of the **summit ridge**. Photo looks NNW.

Tree-broken views from the **summit ridge**. Photo looks SE.

A long march, but an easy one! Congratulations, Loopster, you’ve made it to Line Camp Peak! May I shake your paw?

Not all of it was as easy as you make it sound, SPHP! But, yes, go ahead, you may shake my cactus-stabbed paw. Gently, please!

For the last day of January, this was an extraordinary day. Although wind now sighed in the treetops, the breeze was only light and variable at ground level, and at a sunny 60ºF, the air was pleasantly warm. For a while, Lupe and SPHP relaxed on patches of grass near the true summit after sharing water and a chocolate coconut bar.

There’d already been a few brief water and Taste of the Wild breaks on the way here, and the American Dingo scarfed up some more as SPHP munched on an apple. Facing S toward the main part of the plateau, a glimpse of Nebraska was visible between the trees.

The **break spot** next to the true summit. Photo looks ESE.

**Nebraska** (L of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks S.

Time ticked away as it always does.

Very nice here, isn’t it, Looper?

Absolutely, SPHP. I loved all the canyon views and seeing some of the peaks we haven’t been to in a long time on the way here, too.

Me, too, Loop. Getting to be 1:00 PM, though, and the days aren’t very long this time of year.

We’ve only been here half an hour, SPHP. You aren’t saying we have to leave already, are you? Can’t we at least stay for the rest of my traditional summit hour? Or maybe you’re wanting to spend the second half of it checking out the line camp? I’d do that.

Actually have something else in mind. Horse Trap Mountain (4,682 ft.) is only a little over a mile N of here. Been a long time ago, but remember how scenic it was up there, Loopster? Would be fun to return for a little while, if the skinny ridge leading to it is negotiable.

A chance to visit Horse Trap Mountain again, SPHP? Let’s do it!

Alright. We better get with it, though, Loop. Taking on Horse Trap means we’ll be getting back long after dark, even if we leave right now. However, before we go, stand on the true summit of Line Camp Peak here again for a minute. There’s kind of an interesting view showing that there’s a hollow spot beneath it.

Back on the true summit of Line Camp Peak. Photo looks NW.

1:01 PM – Setting out for Horse Trap Mountain, Lupe wandered W along Line Camp Peak’s little summit ridge, turning NW once it melted away in the forest. To SPHP’s surprise, the Carolina Dog quickly discovered an old road that went N, exactly the direction she needed to go.

A short descent led to a grassy bench, where a cluster of rocks along the NW edge promised a grand view of Hell Canyon. Going over to them, the view didn’t disappoint at all.

On the **grassy bench** at the **far N end of Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks NW.

**Hell Canyon** from the **N end of Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks WSW.

Wow! This is gorgeous, Loop! Love this kind of territory. Doesn’t look like “Hell” Canyon at all to me.

Heh. Beautiful enough, SPHP. Probably full of cactus, though!

From the far N end of this bench, Lupe’s next objective was in sight.

**Horse Trap Mountain** (R of Center). Photo looks N.

There it is in all its glory, SPHP! Horse Trap Mountain! Doesn’t look like a difficult climb, either, if we can get down to the saddle leading to it.

Fortunately, getting to the saddle was no problem. The ancient jeep trail Lupe had found wound down to an intersection with USFS Road No. 327, which ran E/W right over it.

Following the **old jeep trail** (L) down to the saddle leading to **Horse Trap Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

**HP4656** (Center) above the **upper reaches of Hell Canyon**. Photo looks N.

**HP4500** (Center) along **Line Camp Peak’s E ridge**. Photo looks ESE.

Crossing the saddle, the wind was 20 mph out of the W as Lupe started up Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge. This fairly steep climb was actually a bit dangerous for the Carolina Dog due to a pair of parallel barbed wire fences running straight up the ridgeline, one of which was flat on the ground much of the way.

At one point, SPHP had to give the American Dingo a boost at a rocky spot, although Lupe could have gone around it, if necessary. Views were already marvelous from a couple of high points crossed during the 450 foot ascent. From the second one, Lupe had a terrific view of Horse Trap Mountain’s S face.

A band of limestone cliffs running along the upper rim appeared to have enough breaks in it to ensure a successful ascent.

Heading up Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge. **Line Camp Peak** (L), **Hell Canyon** (R). Photo looks SSW.

**S face of Horse Trap Mountain** from **HP4550**. Photo looks N.

Nothing to it! As Lupe closed in on the S face, a readily discernable trail went right on up. From atop the rocks along the S rim, Lupe enjoyed a tremendous view of Falls Canyon with Devils Slide Mountain (3,960 ft.) and Flagpole Mountain (4,320 ft.) beyond, and the prairies of western South Dakota stretching to the edge of vision beyond them.

Approaching the **S rim of Horse Trap Mountain**. Photo looks NW.

**Falls Canyon** (Center), **Devils Slide Mountain** (L of Center), **Flagpole Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SE.

**HP4550** (L) along **Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge**. **Line Camp Peak** (Center), **Hell Canyon** (R). Photo looks SSW.

2:16 PM, 57ºF, Horse Trap Mountain (4,682 ft.) – Lupe had come up at the lower S end of a huge, oval summit plateau covered with grass and scattered pines. Sloping gently up to the N, this plateau was ringed by a line of small cliffs around virtually the entire perimeter. Having been here once before, the Carolina Dog knew the true summit was along the opposite NNW edge.

Any preferences, SPHP? Want to go straight for the true summit, or circle around the perimeter where all the big views are?

Around the perimeter, Loopster. After all, the unobstructed views from this island in the sky are what make Horse Trap Mountain so special.

Clockwise, or counter-clockwise then, SPHP?

Your choice, Loop. Either way is fine with me.

Lupe chose clockwise. Within minutes she reached a particularly scenic overlook along the SW edge from rock formations providing a superb view of Line Camp Peak, lower Hell Canyon, and barren ridges to the W.

**Line Camp Peak** (L edge), **Hell Canyon** (L), and **barren tablelands** (R). Photo looks SW.

**Line Camp Peak** (L), **Hell Canyon** (Center), **tablelands** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Circling around to the NW edge, the upper reaches of Hell Canyon were in sight. The top of Parker Peak (4,848 ft.), the Fall River county high point, was also visible, sticking up behind them.

**Parker Peak** (L of Center) beyond **upper Hell Canyon**. Photo looks NW.

2:27 PM – The wind was only 5-10 mph out of the NW by the time Lupe reached the true summit of Horse Trap Mountain after a leisurely stroll around the W end of the plateau. A couple of photos atop the summit rock, the usual congratulatory pawshake, and it was time for a break.

At the **true summit of Horse Trap Mountain**. Photo looks NNW.

**Parker Peak** (R) from the **true summit**. Photo looks WNW.

Taking it easy on **Horse Trap Mountain**. **Parker Peak** (Center), **true summit rock** (R). Photo looks NW.

Hard to believe we’re here again after all these years, Loop! So glad we came! Horse Trap Mountain is every bit as fabulous as I remembered it.

Most definitely agree, SPHP! Easily worthy of a chocolate coconut bar, maybe 2 or 3!

Um, yeah. Only one left, Loopster, but I do have a duck jerky for you, too.

Both were eagerly accepted, along with Taste of the Wild and water, then Lupe laid her head down.

Mind if I snooze for a bit, SPHP?

Not at all, Looper. It’s already been a long day.

SPHP drank a strawberry Equate and chomped the last apple. Only the sound of the wind broke a perfect silence. Amazing, unspoiled territory of this remote part of the Black Hills laid in all directions.

A glimpse of Elk Benchmark (5,669 ft.) and Wildcat Peak (5,500 ft.) was far to the NW. Black Elk Peak (7,131 ft.) was but a distant blip to the N. SPHP peered into Hell Canyon. Gorgeous, but Lupe might be right. Maybe it was full of cactus?

After a short nap, the Carolina Dog woke up and accompanied SPHP on a stroll to other nearby viewpoints.

**Parker Peak** (L) again. Photo looks NW.

**Horse Trap Mountain summit plateau**. Photo looks SE.

3:15 PM, Horse Trap Mountain – The inevitable sad moment arrived.

About time to get back on the top rock, Loop.

Summit hour’s over already, SPHP?

Hate to say it, but yup, pretty quick now, Loopster.

At least we can still enjoy completing our circumnavigation of the summit plateau, SPHP.

Final moments on the **true summit of Horse Trap Mountain**. Photo looks NW.

A brief return to the true summit, and Lupe was on her way, this time circling around the E end of the plateau.

Leaving the true summit region. Photo looks E.

The views were grand going this way, too. All too soon, Lupe was back at the S end of the plateau, ready to start her descent along the S ridge.

**Falls Canyon** (L & Center) from the E edge. **Devils Slide Mountain** (L) and **Flagpole Mountain** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

**Roundtop Hill** (Center in foreground). Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.

Back at the S end. **HP4550** and **Line Camp Peak** (L of Center), **Hell Canyon** (R). Photo looks S.

4:43 PM, 55ºF – The wind had died completely, and the rapidly setting sun was already on the horizon by the time the American Dingo reached the summit of Line Camp Peak (4,530 ft.) again. She wouldn’t get much of a rest break at all here this time around.

Sunset from the **summit of Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks W.

Enjoy it while you can, Looper. 10 minutes, then we’re moving on.

What about the line camp, SPHP? Are we ever going to check it out?

Yup. That’s why we’re in a rush. Going to be too dark to see anything, if we don’t get over there pretty quick.

The last rays of sunshine were filtering through the trees as Lupe headed SW across the big field where the horses had been earlier in the day. No sign of them now. SPHP overshot the turn W to the line camp. Lupe was well on her way to HP4509 before SPHP realized the error.

Doubling back in haste, dusk was deepening among the pines when the Carolina Dog reached the location marked as the line camp on the map. Nothing here. No towers, sheds, shacks, or other structures at all, only a few pieces of metal quietly rusting away in the tall grass.

So what makes this a line camp, SPHP?

No idea, Loop. Only our cartographer knows for sure. Had no idea what to expect from a line camp, and still don’t, except maybe not much at all.

Exploring farther along the N edge of the point W of the line camp, trees hid the views, except from one spot where Lupe caught a final glimpse of a familiar sight.

**Horse Trap Mountain** (L) from **W of the Line Camp**. Photo looks NNE.

And that was it. The return march back along USFS Road No. 647 was even easier now going downhill. Lupe barked at a small plane that flew almost directly overhead while there was still light in the sky. However, it wasn’t long before the tiny flashlight had to come out.

On this black, moonless night, the Milky Way was stunningly bright. Rising in the SE, Orion was directly ahead. Back to the N, the Big Dipper stood on end. Geese honked as they flew by unseen, and coyotes sang a wild, mournful chorus before silence reigned again. Many miles away widely dispersed lights revealed the locations of remote ranch homes.

Nearly 14 hours after leaving the RAV, Lupe forded Cascade Creek again, completely unfazed by the jet black water or ghostly mist rising from it.

Line Camp Peak and Horse Trap Mountain! What a magnificent day they had been! (9:55 PM, 36ºF)

**Line Camp Peak** from **Horse Trap Mountain**, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-31-24

Links:

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 317 – Minnesota Ridge to Greens Gulch (10-7-23)

10:31 AM, 57ºF – It was the 2nd day of Cousin Dixie, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Andrea’s stay at Hotel Lupe. As usual, once Andrea left to spend the day with Grandma; Joe, Dixie, Lupe, and SPHP had all piled into the RAV4. Now it was parked near the N end of USFS Road No. 203, a little S of the junction with No. 256.

Near the **N end of USFS Road No. 203**, aka **Minnesota Ridge Road**. Photo looks SSW.

Although signed as Minnesota Ridge Road, No. 203 wouldn’t actually get anywhere near the summit. Didn’t really matter, since today’s romp didn’t necessarily envision a peakbagging goal, anyway, although that was obviously an option. Greens Gulch was the chosen destination, an easy road hike all the way.

It was a beautiful, bright, warm early fall day, as everyone set off across a flat region heading SSE along No. 203. The road then began a gradual descent before bottoming out 0.5 mile from the RAV4 at a junction with No. 203.1B. Here, 5 month old Cousin Dixie was amazed to see large black animals roaming the forest.

Lupe knew what they were! Cows! For some reason these cows were wandering through the forest instead of hanging out in some grassy meadow. Dixie was keenly interested in this phenomenon, prompting Joe to leash her up lest any real excitement ensue. The cows themselves didn’t seem all that eager to make any non-bovine acquaintances, and hastily ventured off even deeper into the forest.

Dixie discovers **cows** (center). Photo looks S.

No. 203 wound E from here over a small rise, soon leading to a glimpse of the gently sloping N end of Minnesota Ridge (6,240 ft.). Beyond this view, the road dipped again heading SE into another stretch of forest.

A glimpse of the **N end of Minnesota Ridge** (Center). Photo looks SE.

Another nicely shaded stretch of **USFS Road No. 203**. Photo looks SE.

Before long, the road was regaining elevation again as it broke out of the forest into a giant meadow dotted with aspens sporting yellow leaves. A larger herd of black cows was sensibly busy grazing in this field. Most of these cows were far enough away to pay little attention to Lupe and her new Aussie Shepherd cousin side-kick.

Cows grazing on the **NW slopes of Minnesota Ridge**. Photo looks E.

The road turned S, and flattened out. A lone ghoul tree stood ominously in this area. Lupe went over to investigate. In broad daylight, the ghoul tree didn’t seem that scary, but Halloween was only a few weeks away. No telling what frightening events might take place here then!

Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) was now in sight nearly 5 miles back to the N.

By the **ghoul tree**. **Custer Peak** (far L). Photo looks N.

Somewhere in the vicinity of the ghoul tree, USFS Road No. 203 turned into No. 203.1C. It was all quite odd. Maps showed No. 203 continuing SSE, but from an unconnected point nearly a mile E. Perhaps there had once been a connecting road segment?

In any event, this minor mystery hardly mattered. After continuing SSE across another large, flat region on No. 203.1C, another gradual descent began. Nearly a mile from the ghoul tree, a junction with USFS Roads No. 203.1D and No. 203.1E was reached.

This intersection was in the upper regions of Greens Gulch. No. 203.1C turned SW here, heading farther down the valley. That was the way to Silver Creek in the prettiest part of Greens Gulch.

Approaching the intersection in **upper Greens Gulch**. **USFS Road No. 203.1E** (L) continues S going uphill. **No. 203.1C** turned R farther into **Greens Gulch**. Photo looks SSE.

As the valley broadened out during the stroll on No. 203.1C deeper into Greens Gulch, Lupe trotted along sniffing wherever she pleased. Dixie alternately explored, or tried to herd Lupe without much success. As a geologist, Uncle Joe often paused to stare at the ground.

Heading farther into **Greens Gulch** on **USFS Road No. 203.1C**. Photo looks SSW.

**Greens Gulch** starts widening out. Photo looks SW.

0.5 mile from the intersection, the start of the widest, most scenic part of Greens Gulch began coming into view. By now, a diminutive tributary of Silver Creek ran alongside No. 203.1C. There was more to see ahead, but unfortunately, it was already about time to take a break before heading back. Checking out a couple of hillside spots on the N side of the valley, the second one proved to be the better choice.

**N end of the most scenic part of Greens Gulch**. Photo looks W.

Near the **tiny tributary of Silver Creek**. Photo looks W.

With **Uncle Joe** and **Cousin Dixie** at the break spot on the **N side of Greens Gulch**.

12:32 PM, Greens Gulch – Not a cloud in the sky! Warm in the sun, Dixie and Lupe both appreciated the shade of a few pines along the edge of the forest. Downfall provided seats for Joe and SPHP. Although no peak had been climbed, for the 2nd day running, Lupe, Joe, and SPHP all enjoyed chocolate coconut bars while Dixie had to settle for Taste of the Wild. Joe generously also provided SPHP with a tasty fruit and nut bar from his selection. Water for all, of course!

Far, far away, another war had started in the Middle East this morning. No such strife here! Serene and lovely, Greens Gulch was indisputably a much better place to be.

The inevitable return was another pleasant trek, although mostly uphill this time. Retracing the same route, a little snake, somewhat rare in the Black Hills, was sunning itself on the road. A dangerous pleasure! Sadly, farther on, another young snake had been run over by one of the ATV’s that occasionally roared by.

Returning to **USFS Road No. 203.1C**. Photo looks SE.

The little snake, a completely harmless variety.

The herd of black cows N of the ghoul tree had gone elsewhere by the time Lupe got back to where they’d been. While Dixie, Lupe, and SPHP entered their pasture to get a better look at Custer Peak, Joe stood quietly contemplating the scene from a gate close to the road, unaware that he was solving a mystery in the process.

**Custer Peak** (L) from the field where the cows had been. Photo looks N.

Joe pondering the scene. Photo looks NE.

Why, of course! SPHP still didn’t realize it until much later, but that gate was obviously a USFS gate. Even though only the faintest signs of a road remained now, that gate must have been where the missing connecting portion of USFS Road No. 203 had once split off to join the rest of No. 203 E of Minnesota Ridge.

Not exactly an earthshaking discovery. The return trek resumed, and later that evening Aunt Andrea brought Grandma over to Hotel Lupe to partake of the spaghetti dinner SPHP whomped up for everyone, human or canine, that might be so inclined. (End 1:53 PM, 64ºF)

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe & Dixie’s Scrollable GPS Track

Expedition No. 203 – Gimlet Creek to Minnesota Ridge (5-6-17)

Expedition No. 78 – The Experimental Forest & Minnesota Ridge (3-9-14)

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!