Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 90 – South Castle Rock, Castle Rock, Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 (5-24-14)

In early May of 2014, SPHP discovered Peakbagger.com, “an online resource for summit-focused hikers, climbers, and mountain lovers”.  User accounts are free, and it seemed like it might be fun to record a few statistics on Lupe’s expeditions and explorations there.  So, on 5-12-14, SPHP created an account for Lupe.

Using Peakbagger.com was fun!  Almost instantly, Lupe and SPHP were hooked!  Lupe started climbing as many mountains as possible on Peakbagger’s list of Black Hills 6500-foot Peaks.  Some of them Lupe had been to before, of course, but the list contained many peaks she had never climbed.

For Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 90, SPHP was excited to have 5 peaks along the E escarpment of the limestone plateau high country of the western Black Hills lined up for Lupe to climb.  All 5 peaks were on the Black Hills 6500-foot Peaks list.  They were strung out along a N/S line W of Reynolds Prairie.  Lupe would start from the S end climbing South Castle Rock (6,840 ft.) first.

Almost 2 miles NW of Deerfield Reservoir on W Deerfield Road, is a R turn on County Road No. 306 to Reynolds Prairie.  No. 306 winds NE up a hill for more than a mile before turning N and leveling out.  Right there, on the W side of No. 306, is a L turn on a side road going up a little hill.  The side road is USFS Road No. 189.1D.  SPHP parked the G6 at the top of the first short rise (9:57 AM, 67°F).

Lupe was starting out her ambitious day of peakbagging about 0.75 mile SSE of South Castle Rock.  She began following No. 189.1D N across a green field, but soon left the road as it angled NW.  Lupe continued N, gradually going uphill.  The sun felt hot out in the open field.  Lupe and SPHP were both glad to reach the shade of the forest, although the climb became increasingly steep.

Before long, Lupe reached the first significant limestone outcropping.  Lupe and SPHP went out to the SE end of it, where there were great open views from the NE around to the S.

Parts of Deerfield Lake are in view from the first big limestone outcropping going up South Castle Rock from the S. The S end of Reynolds Prairie is seen on the L. Photo looks SE.
Parts of Deerfield Lake are in view from the first big limestone outcropping going up South Castle Rock from the S. The S end of Reynolds Prairie is seen on the L. Photo looks SE.
The E end of Castle Rock (6,783 ft.) is the forested ridge with the many beetle-killed trees on the L. The N end of Reynolds Prairie is seen on the R. Photo looks N.
The E end of Castle Rock (6,783 ft.) is the forested ridge with the many beetle-killed trees on the L. The N end of Reynolds Prairie is seen on the R. Photo looks N.
County Road No. 306 winds across Reynolds Prairie. Part of Deerfield Lake is seen on the R. Photo looks E.
County Road No. 306 winds across Reynolds Prairie. Part of Deerfield Lake is seen on the R. Photo looks E.

From the SE viewpoint, Lupe continued climbing N up South Castle Rock.  She quickly reached a high point in the forest, but it was a false summit.  The topo map showed that the true summit was just a little bit higher and farther N.  There were many trees killed by pine bark beetles.  The deadfall timber made progress getting to the true summit rather slow.

The true summit proved to be located up on a limestone cap surrounded by small cliffs in every direction.  Lupe and SPHP scouted around looking for a way up.  The only easy way up was from the SW, where Lupe and SPHP were able to make it up to the top.  The summit area was flat and forested.  The highest point was located toward the N end.  Lupe posed for her South Castle Rock (6,840 ft.) summit photo next to SPHP’s backpack.

Lupe claims her first peakbagging success of the day at the summit of South Castle Rock! Photo looks WSW.
Lupe claims her first peakbagging success of the day at the summit of South Castle Rock! Photo looks WSW.

With the all views blocked by pines, Lupe didn’t linger very long on South Castle Rock.  Lupe and SPHP climbed back down using the same SW route.  Lupe then went around the W side of the summit escarpment heading N to her next peakbagging goal, Castle Rock (6,783 ft.).

Looking back at the N end of the low limestone cliffs below the summit of South Castle Rock. Photo looks S.
Looking back at the N end of the low limestone cliffs below the summit of South Castle Rock. Photo looks S.

Castle Rock is slightly lower than South Castle Rock, and less than 0.25 mile farther N.  It didn’t take Lupe long to reach the W end of the main Castle Rock ridge, which extends out to the ESE.  Lupe and SPHP went all the way out to the E end looking for the highest point.  Somewhere along the way, Lupe must have gone over the true summit, but exactly where was never clear.  Near the E end, she posed for a couple of photos.

Happy Lupe on Castle Rock. Photo looks SW toward South Castle Rock.
Happy Lupe on Castle Rock. Photo looks SW toward South Castle Rock.
Lupe looks a little less friendly here, but it was partly due to the sun making her squint. Lupe's next two peakbagging goals are in view behind her. Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.) is closest with Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) beyond it. Photo looks N.
Lupe looks a little less friendly here, but it was partly due to the sun making her squint. Lupe’s next two peakbagging goals are in view behind her. Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.), capped with white limestone, is closest with Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) beyond it. Photo looks N.

Lupe was off to a great start with 2 of her peakbagging goals already accomplished!  Lupe and SPHP returned to the W end of the main Castle Rock ridge.  Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.), over 0.5 mile N, was Lupe’s next stop.  Lupe and SPHP started going N following a somewhat lower and much skinnier ridge.

The N ridge wasn’t as heavily forested.  The views were actually better here than they were from up on the higher E ridge.  However, as Lupe proceeded N, it soon became apparent she wasn’t going to find any safe way down.  She reached a crevasse in the limestone that prevented her from going any farther N.

So Lupe and SPHP had to backtrack almost all the way to the S end of the N ridge again, before finding a steep route down off the E side.  Lupe lost 150 feet of elevation before turning N again.  While SPHP plodded along gradually regaining elevation, the American Dingo roamed the forest.  She eventually reached the saddle to Nipple Butte and started up the S slope.  The climb quickly became steep and very rocky.

Looking up the steep, rocky S slope of Nipple Butte. Photo looks N.
Looking up the steep, rocky S slope of Nipple Butte. Photo looks N.

Lupe climbed up the broken limestone.  She got very high, but near the top it became clear that there were deep fissures in the limestone.  The fissures divided the summit area into several different rock islands in the sky.  The highest one was farther N.  There was no way for Lupe to get over to it from here.

Lupe and SPHP went back down.  Lupe circled around the W side of the mountain looking for another route up.  She found a steep approach from the WNW.  Lupe climbed until she reached a small grassy area between limestone outcroppings.  Once again, she was almost at the top of Nipple Butte.  The summit was now just to the S, above a 6 or 7 foot high wall of limestone.

SPHP had to lift Lupe to help her get up on the limestone platform.  She was nervous about it, but got up there OK.  SPHP climbed up next.  The limestone platform wasn’t very big.  There were sheer drops all around.  They weren’t tremendously high drops, but falling off wouldn’t have been healthy at all.  A 2 or 3 foot high chunk of limestone rested on the platform.  This was the true summit!

Lupe on Nipple Butte with the boulder that is the true summit seen right behind her. Photo looks SW.
Lupe on Nipple Butte with the boulder that is the true summit seen right behind her. Photo looks SW.
Reynolds Prairie from Nipple Butte. Photo looks E.
Reynolds Prairie from Nipple Butte. Photo looks E.

Nipple Butte was a real island in the sky!  Being up there was a little like being on a cloud.  No trees blocked the views.  Lupe could see in every direction.  Lupe and SPHP relaxed for a while, just taking it all in.

Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) (Center), another mile N, was Lupe's next destination. USFS Road No. 189 is seen below. Photo looks N from Nipple Butte.
Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) (Center), another mile N, was Lupe’s next destination. USFS Road No. 189 is seen below. Photo looks N from Nipple Butte.
Castle Rock. Photo looks S.
Castle Rock. Photo looks S.
The S end of Reynolds Prairie (L) from Nipple Butte. Photo looks SSE.
The S end of Reynolds Prairie (L) from Nipple Butte. Photo looks SSE.

When it was time to leave, SPHP carefully crawled off the N edge of the summit area first.  Lupe didn’t know how to get down!  It looked scary to the 2 year old Carolina Dog.  She didn’t really trust SPHP to help her either.  She stood up on top trying to figure out what to do.

Lupe looked happy enough, but she was more than a little worried about how she was going to get down off Nipple Butte.
Lupe looked happy enough, but she was more than a little worried about how she was going to get down off Nipple Butte.

SPHP finally managed to grab Lupe’s front legs and pull her near the edge.  Lupe was alarmed, but SPHP got a secure hold on her and helped her safely off Nipple Butte.  The Carolina Dog was greatly relieved!  Lupe and SPHP made the steep descent down the WNW slope.

Once completely down off Nipple Butte, Lupe headed N across USFS Road No. 189.  She began climbing the S ridge going up Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.).  By now it was afternoon.  Despite the shady protection of the forest, the heat forced frequent stops for water.  Lupe didn’t reach the rough road to the top of Flag Mountain until she was already quite close to the summit.  She followed the road the rest of the way to the rock stairs up to the remnants of the old lookout tower.

Lupe near the remnants of the old lookout tower on Flag Mountain. Photo looks E.
Lupe near the remnants of the old lookout tower on Flag Mountain. Photo looks E.

Remnants of the old lookout tower on Flag Mountain, 5-24-16Not much could be seen to the W, but in every other direction Flag Mountain featured impressive views.  Lupe felt more secure here than at Nipple Butte, too!

Lupe's final peakbagging goal of the day was Peak 6962, the ridge on the L. White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.) is the far ridge on the R. Photo looks N.
Lupe’s final peakbagging goal of the day was Peak 6962, the ridge on the L. White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.) is the far ridge on the R. Photo looks N.
Lupe feeling safe and secure in the remnant of the old lookout tower on Flag Mountain. Photo looks E.
Lupe feeling safe and secure in the remnant of the old lookout tower on Flag Mountain. Photo looks E.
Another look at Peak 6962 (L) and White Tail Peak (Center) from Flag Mountain. The gravel road is USFS Road No. 599. Photo looks N.
Another look at Peak 6962 (L) and White Tail Peak (Center) from Flag Mountain. The gravel road is USFS Road No. 599. Photo looks N.

The afternoon was wearing on, but Lupe had only one more peakbagging goal left.  Peak 6962 was more than 1.5 miles to the NNW.  Staying on high ground, Lupe would have to go twice that far to get there.  Instead of taking the road, Lupe and SPHP left the remains of the Flag Mountain lookout tower going W along the ridge.

The ridge didn’t stay level for very far.  Lupe went down into the forest.  She briefly came to the road near the N end of a sharp bend.  Five ATV’s roared on by heading up.  Lupe continued W beyond the road and back into the forest.  Lupe and SPHP tried to stay on high ground as much as possible, as the terrain went up and down over a series of small rises and intervening saddles.  Nipple Butte, now to the SE, came into view at one point.

Nipple Butte (Center) viewed from the NW as Lupe was heading for Peak 6962.
Nipple Butte (Center) viewed from the NW as Lupe was heading for Peak 6962.

Lupe had to go almost a mile W before the terrain allowed her to start turning N.  She eventually came quite close to USFS Road No. 189 again, but she stayed on a slightly higher ridge to the E of it.  When Lupe finally reached a point about a mile SW of Peak 6962, she was able to turn NE and follow another ridge toward the summit.

There had been quite a lot of deadfall timber to contend with on the way from Flag Mountain, but this last stretch going NE to Peak 6962 was simply terrible.  Dead trees had tumbled over everywhere, sometimes stacking several high.  To make matters worse, an old barbed wire fence followed the same ridgeline Lupe was trying to follow.  Along most of the route, the fence had collapsed under the weight of the many trees that had fallen across it.

SPHP was constantly worried that Lupe would get ripped up by the dangerous barbed wire.  The deadfall and terrain forced Lupe and SPHP back and forth across the fence line many times.  It was a struggle to make any progress through the seemingly endless obstacles.  Getting to Peak 6962 was taking a very long time.  The area felt very isolated and remote.  Protected by the shattered forest, Peak 6962 must not have many visitors these days!

Lupe gradually got closer to Peak 6962.  She started coming to a few places along the ridge where there were views of Flag Mountain off to the SE.  She also started seeing an abundance of beautifully blooming crocuses.  SPHP dubbed the area “Perfect Crocus Ridge”.

Finally, Lupe reached the area where the summit of Peak 6962 was supposed to be.  The topo map showed a couple of areas within 6960 foot contours.  Lupe arrived at the S one first.  The topo map was right.  The top of Peak 6962 was quite flat.  Both of the 6960 foot contours were contained within a 6940 foot contour covering a much larger area.  Lupe found no obvious summit.

There were no views either.  Forest was all around.  Even near the steep E edge of the mountain, the were enough trees still standing to quite effectively hide the view.  Lupe and SPHP trudged on to the N, to check out the terrain over there.  SPHP was hoping to find a view of White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.) to the N.  There really wasn’t one.  If anything, the forest was even thicker here.  The terrain here didn’t seem any higher than back to the S, either.

Lupe was tired from leaping over all the countless dead trees on the ground.  The Carolina Dog wanted to stop for a rest.  SPHP was tired, too.  SPHP sat on the ground.  Lupe had some water and curled up.  SPHP considered what to do next.  From Flag Mountain, SPHP had seen some big cliffs at the very end of a long ridge protruding S from the E edge of Peak 6962.  SPHP was certain those cliffs would provide some great views, but going there would add another 0.5 mile one way.

SPHP decided against it.  It was just too much work going through all the deadfall.  Maybe another time, if there ever was another time.

After 10 minutes, Lupe was ready to go again.  The highest spot on the mountain had seemed to be within the area contained within the S 6960 foot contour.  Lupe and SPHP went back there for Lupe’s Peak 6962 summit photos.  The forest badly damaged by pine bark beetles wasn’t very pretty, but there was a beautiful green carpet of kinnikinnick.

Lupe smiling on the lovely green carpet of kinnikinnick at the summit of Peak 6962. Note the semi-transparent white object to her R. Photo looks ENE.
Lupe smiling on the lovely green carpet of kinnikinnick at the summit of Peak 6962. Note the semi-transparent white object to her R. Photo looks ENE.
This photo documents the existence of a genuine fire-breathing American Dingo on Peak 6962! Note the smoke coming out of her nose!
This photo documents the existence of a genuine fire-breathing American Dingo on Peak 6962! Note the smoke coming out of her nose!

It was time to leave Peak 6962.  The shortest route back to a road was to head SW back along Perfect Crocus Ridge.  To avoid the worst of the deadfall timber, Lupe and SPHP tried staying below the ridgeline by going through a lower field to the SE.  For a little while, this worked well.  Lupe could run around without having to constantly be leaping over dead trees.  After a while, though, the terrain forced Lupe up and over to the NW side of the ridge.

Flag Mountain from Perfect Crocus Ridge. Photo looks SE.
Flag Mountain from Perfect Crocus Ridge. Photo looks SE.

Staying off the top of the ridge helped more than SPHP initially realized.  Lupe came to a clearing in the forest.  Down a grassy slope to the SW was a good gravel road.  Lupe was already almost back to USFS Road No. 189!  SPHP stopped to look at the maps.  After marching along all day through the forest, SPHP was tired of dealing with all the deadfall.  Lupe was going to stick to the roads on the way back to the G6!

The quickest way back was to just follow No. 189 SE to Reynolds Prairie.  Too easy and dull!  A more interesting route was to take No. 189 only 0.5 mile S to USFS Road No. 239.  No. 239 went S through Horsethief Creek valley for 3 miles to W Deerfield Road down in the valley of the North Fork of Castle Creek.

Since it was already getting late in the day and SPHP was already fairly tired, naturally SPHP chose a third route, the longest possible one.  Lupe would go W on No. 189 for nearly 2 miles to USFS Road No. 129 before taking it S through Hughes Draw down to the North Fork of Castle Creek.  Lupe and SPHP headed on down to No. 189 and turned NW.

Gradually, it began to dawn on SPHP that going NW was a big mistake.  The sun was getting low, Lupe was heading away from the G6, and this route added at least another 5 miles to the trek back.  No matter how interesting this route might be, it was going to get dark.  It was really too late in the day for such silliness!  SPHP was regretting the decision to go NW when a road going S into a shallow valley appeared a short distance ahead.

A marker at the start of the road said this was No. 129.1B.  A quick check of the maps showed it was a shortcut down to No. 129 and No. 129.1A on the way to the North Fork of Castle Creek.  Good!  Lupe and SPHP immediately turned S on No. 129.1B.

The little valley No. 129.1B went down was very inviting.  Beyond a grove of aspen trees, Lupe and SPHP heard frogs croaking.  Lupe ran ahead to investigate.  She found a pond where she got a huge drink.  SPHP had completely run out of water more than a mile back.

The frog pond near USFS Road No. 129.1B where Lupe got a huge drink of water. The frogs did not resume croaking until Lupe left.
The frog pond near USFS Road No. 129.1B where Lupe got a huge drink of water. The frogs did not resume croaking until Lupe left.

SPHP made good progress hiking down No. 129.1B.  There was open ground on both sides of the road.  Lupe had a blast racing back and forth across the valley.  She hadn’t had an opportunity to run like this all day.  She was having a great time.  Despite all the hours that had gone by, Lupe was still full of energy.

No. 129.1B reached an intersection with No. 129.  Two springs (Lyons Spring on the USFS map) combined to form a small creek, presumably Lyons Creek.  Instead of following No. 129 SE, Lupe went W a short distance to take No. 129.1A going S.

No. 129.1A was a decent road, but did not lose elevation as quickly as Lyons Creek did.  At first, Lupe was able to easily run down to the creek to get drinks of water.  Pretty soon, however, the road was well above creek level.  Lupe frequently saw deer down in the meadows by the creek below.

Lupe rests on the green grass above Lyons Creek. Photo looks SE.
Lupe rests on the green grass above Lyons Creek. Photo looks SE.
USFS Road No. 129.1A. Photo looks S.
USFS Road No. 129.1A. Photo looks S.

Lupe finally reached W Deerfield Road down by the North Fork of Castle Creek.  Lupe couldn’t resist getting in this much larger creek for another big drink.

Getting a drink from the North Fork of Castle Creek.
Getting a drink from the North Fork of Castle Creek.

Lupe was still at least 3 miles NW of the junction with County Road No. 306 to Reynolds Prairie.  The G6 was another 1.25 miles beyond that.  Lupe and SPHP followed W Deerfield Road SE.  Cows were in the fields nearby.  Lupe was very interested.  Although the temptation was huge, she was a very good American Dingo and didn’t bark.

At 9:01 PM (55°F), Lupe finally reached the G6 again.  Light was still fading from the sky.  Lupe had been gone over 11 hours, but she did reach all 5 of her peakbagging goals!  Although she had just completed her 90th Black Hills, SD Expedition, Lupe’s peakbagging days were just beginning.

Lupe on W Deerfield Road in the valley of the North Fork of Castle Creek. Photo looks SE.
Lupe on W Deerfield Road in the valley of the North Fork of Castle Creek. Photo looks SE.
Some of the very tempting cows Lupe didn't bark at.
Some of the very tempting cows Lupe didn’t bark at.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                       Prior Black Hills Expedition

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 133 – South Castle Rock, Castle Rock, Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 (6-13-15)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 212 – South Castle Rock, Castle Rock, Nipple Butte & Flag Mountain (10-22-17)

Start – 10:28 AM, 46°F, at the first pullout along West Deerfield Road near Castle Creek W of the intersection with Deerfield Road (County Road No. 306)

Fall colors were over and done with.  Sad, but the glories of autumn fade quickly.  Nothing new about that.  Lupe was still enthused!  This bright, comfortably cool day in late October was made to order for a continuation of the Carolina Dog’s recent tour of some of the highest peaks of the Black Hills along the E edge of the western limestone plateau.

Today, Lupe would visit 4 such peaks.  She’d been to all of them before more than once, but it had been well over two years since her most recent visit and would be fun to see them again.  Besides, SPHP had promised Loop she would get to explore a whole new canyon on the way back at the end of the day.

Something old, something new, that’s what we’re gonna do!

If that’s supposed to be poetry, SPHP, don’t quit the day job.

Hah, too late, I already have!

My, what a big deficit you’re running, SPHP!

Never mind that, the better to go adventuring with you, my dear Dingo!

Loopster was totally in favor of that.  She started off with a quick look at pretty Castle Creek, which somehow always has good flow even during seasonally dry periods like this.  Then the American Dingo crossed West Deerfield Road and began the climb toward her first peakbagging objective, South Castle Rock (6,840 ft.).

Expedition No. 212 begins with a quick look at Castle Creek. Photo looks NNW.
Looking NW up the Castle Creek valley after crossing West Deerfield Road.

A short climb through a pine forest brought Loop to a grassy field.  The upper S face of South Castle Rock was already in view.  This was going to be a nice, easy stroll most of the way.  Lupe headed N through the field, passed through another forested stretch, and was soon back out in the open again.  The only short steepish part of the whole climb was up in the trees directly ahead.

After a short climb through a pine forest, Loop reaches a grassy field. The upper S face of South Castle Rock is already in view in the distance. Photo looks N.
Getting closer! Lupe squints in the bright morning sunshine. Photo looks N.
The only steep part of the climb up South Castle Rock is in the trees ahead. Photo looks NNW.

The best views from South Castle Rock aren’t from the summit, but from limestone cliffs high up on the far S ridge.  That was right on Lupe’s way to the summit, so she went there first.  She had a great panoramic view to the S and E from here.  To the N, Loop could see the end of nearby Castle Rock’s E ridge.

From limestone cliffs along South Castle Rock’s far S ridge, Lupe had sweeping views to the S & E. Photo looks SE past Deerfield Reservoir.
The end of Castle Rock’s E ridge is seen on the R. South Castle Rock and Castle Rock are different parts of the same mountain. Photo looks N.
At the edge of South Castle Rock’s S ridge. Photo looks N.

South Castle Rock has two high points.  Being slightly higher, the N high point is the actual summit.  From the cliffs along the S ridge, Lupe circled well W of the S high point before turning N again.

The summit wasn’t far off, but the discouraging sight of all the deadfall timber Lupe had to traverse to get to there made SPHP realize the Komperdell trekking poles generously gifted by Jobe Wymore had been forgotten in the G6.  Doh!  SPHP had used them for the first time a week ago on Expedition No. 211.  The poles had been quite useful for nagivating deadfall then, and would have been handy to have here.  Oh, well!

After circling around the S high point, the sight of all the deadfall on the way to the true summit made SPHP realize the Komperdell trekking poles had been forgotten in the G6. They would have been mighty handy to have here! Photo looks N.

The true summit of South Castle Rock (6,840 ft.) sits at the N end of a fairly large limestone cap surrounded by low cliffs.  Getting through the deadfall to reach the cap was the hard part.  That done, Lupe circled to the SW where the cliffs were lowest.  One mighty, unassisted, clawing leap, and she was on top!

At the highest point at the N end, someone had built a cairn since Lupe was last here.  Trees hid the views in most directions, but Loop did have a tremendous view of Reynolds Prairie to the E.  She also had a clear view of Castle Rock’s E ridge to the NE.

Lupe arrives at the S end of South Castle Rock’s limestone cap. She was able to leap on top from a point farther W (L). Photo looks NW.
At the summit. Someone had built the small cairn next to her since the last time Lupe was here in June, 2015. Although forest hides the views in most directions, Lupe could see much of Reynolds Prairie to the E. Photo looks E.
The slightly lower summit of Castle Rock (6,783 ft.) is on the ridge seen beyond Lupe. That’s where she was heading next. Photo looks NE.

After a short break near the cairn, Lupe left South Castle Rock’s limestone cap at the same SW point where she’d leapt up.  Less than a 0.25 mile trek brought her to Castle Rock’s E ridge.

The E ridge was 200 feet wide and rounded, sloping down toward cliffs on both sides.  The top was nearly level along most of its length.  Lupe followed the ridge ESE all the way to where the ground started dropping toward the cliffs at the far end.  The true summit seemed to be here near the ESE end, but it was hard to tell for certain.  Having traveled the whole length of the ridge, Loop must have been at the actual high point somewhere along the way.

The apparent summit of Castle Rock (6,783 ft.) was forested and clogged with deadfall, but Lupe had great views from the cliffs along the edges of the ridge in every direction except back to the W.

At the summit of Castle Rock as near as SPHP could determine. A glimpse of the N end of Reynolds Prairie is seen below. Photo looks NE.
South Castle Rock as seen from Castle Rock. The summit is on the R. Photo looks SW.
Looking SE from Castle Rock’s E ridge. Parts of Deerfield Reservoir are seen beyond Reynolds Prairie. The distant high ridge on the R is Green Mountain (7,166 ft.).
Nipple Butte (6,810 ft.) (L) and Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) (Center), Lupe’s 2 remaining peakbagging destinations for the day, from Castle Rock’s E ridge. Photo looks N.

After visiting Castle Rock’s summit on the E ridge, Lupe headed back W.  Although the mountain’s long, skinny N ridge is somewhat lower, she went out onto it.  A big, flat, barren area at the southern end of the N ridge provides good views to the W and NE.  This area is Lupe and SPHP’s favorite part of Castle Mountain.  Despite the openness, the whole place has a secluded, tucked-away feel.

Loop on the big barren area near the S end of Castle Peak’s long, skinny N ridge. This is a favorite spot! Flag Mountain is seen beyond Nipple Butte on the R. Photo looks N.
An expansive view of the N end of Reynolds Prairie. Photo looks NE.
Looking W from Castle Peak’s N ridge. SPHP promised Lupe she would get to explore this big canyon on the way back to the G6 later on.
Flag Mountain is partially hidden by Nipple Butte on the L. Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) is the distant high point on the R. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

The easy way off Castle Rock’s N ridge is found on the E side almost at the S end.  Lupe followed an animal trail down there.  She lost elevation traveling N well below Castle Rock’s N ridge where the slope wasn’t too bad.  This was a forested area full of long grass hiding an annoying amount of deadfall timber.  SPHP was soon wishing for those Komperdell trekking poles again.

Nipple Butte (6,810 ft.), Lupe’s next destination, was 0.5 mile away.  The deadfall didn’t let up until she reached the saddle leading to Nipple Butte from Castle Rock.  Once she traversed the saddle, the climb steepened quickly.  Lupe was approaching from the S, but the best way up is a chute on the WNW side of the mountain, so she circled around to the W as she went higher.

The top of Nipple Butte is a ragged, rugged chunk of limestone with lots of broken rock below on most of the surrounding slopes.  Of all the peaks Lupe was visiting on Expedition No. 212, Nipple Butte was the only one that was at all scrambly.  The Carolina Dog got a bit too high, too soon, reaching the rocky slopes while she was still SW of the summit.

Loop reaches the rocky zone while still SW of Nipple Butte’s summit. Photo looks NE.

It would have been faster, if Loop and SPHP had circled around farther to the W before getting so high, but it didn’t really matter.  Lupe crossed a slope of broken limestone scree, and reached the chute on the WNW side of the mountain.

At the start of the steep chute up to the summit area. This chute is on the WNW side of Nipple Butte. Photo looks NE.

The chute was steep, but not long.  Lupe was at the top in no time.  Before going to Nipple Butte’s true summit, she got up on the high point N of the upper end of the chute.

On Nipple Butte’s N high point. Flag Mountain is in view at Center. Photo looks N.

From the top of the chute, a six foot high wall of limestone was all Lupe had to get up to reach the summit.  The six feet were simply too high and vertical for her to manage on her own.  However, there were a couple of rocks SPHP could stand on from which she could be boosted to the top.

Meekly, the American Dingo lifted one of her front paws.  She needed help and was ready for assistance.  SPHP picked her up, stepped into position, and lifted her to the small limestone platform at the top of Nipple Butte.  SPHP then scrambled up after her.

A single chunk of limestone 1.5 feet higher than the rest of the summit platform is the true summit.  It was large enough for Lupe to stand on.  So easy, yet dramatic.  She’d made it!  There Lupe stood, on the tiny absolute top of Nipple Butte (6,810 ft.) with 360° views!

Oh, yeah!  Nice work, Loop.  Photo time!

Loop at the summit of Nipple Butte. Photo looks SW.
Most of the summit platform is in view here. Photo looks SW.
Oh, so beautiful, Looper! If your big soft Dingo ears were any larger, you look like you could use ’em to take off and fly away. Don’t try it, though!
Looking SW. The summit rock is now in the foreground on the R.
Next to the summit rock. Still looking SW.
The N end of Reynolds Prairie. The N high point of Nipple Butte, which Lupe was on earlier is seen on the L. Photo looks NE.
Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) (R) from Nipple Butte. USFS Road No. 189 is in view. Photo looks N.
The middle of Reynolds Prairie. Photo looks E.

Lupe and SPHP sat together up on Nipple Butte for a little while.  The sense of space and airiness from the tiny platform is among the best on offer anywhere in the Black Hills.

When the time came to go, SPHP climbed down first.  The American Dingo remained on top for one last photo atop the summit rock.

The summit as seen from Nipple Butte’s N high point. The 6′ high limestone wall SPHP boosted Loop up is at Center. The vegetated area below is the top of the chute Lupe climbed to get here. The forested ridge on the L is Castle Rock. Photo looks S.
The S end of Reynolds Prairie, bits of Deerfield Reservoir, and the distant high ridge of Green Mountain (R) from Nipple Butte. Photo looks SSE.

One more peak to go!  SPHP helped Loopster off the summit platform.  Puppy, ho!  Back down the steep WNW chute to broken limestone scree leading to scattered boulders, and finishing it all off with the usual deadfall infested trek in the forest.

Heading down the WNW slope. Photo looks W.

Lupe reached USFS Road No. 189 at the saddle leading to Flag Mountain.  Half a mile NW of here a spur road leaves No. 189.  The spur winds 0.75 mile NE almost to the top of Flag Mountain.

Nah, not that way!  Instead, Loop crossed No. 189 heading N.  Traveling directly up Flag Mountain’s S ridge would be shorter and more fun.  An hour after leaving Nipple Butte, the Carolina Dog was standing in the remnant of the old fire lookout tower on Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.).

Lupe in the remnant of the old fire lookout tower on Flag Mountain. Photo looks E.
Perched up on the wall, feeling good about her 4th successful ascent of the day!
Looking S back where Lupe had come from. Nipple Butte is seen in front of Castle Rock (Center).
Looking W along Flag Mountain’s summit ridge.
Near the remnant of the fire lookout tower. Photo looks E.
Another look from a bit farther W.

Flag Mountain was the highest of any of the peaks Lupe climbed today.  The views were grand, though this much larger summit area did not give quite the same feeling of exposure and airiness she’d had up on Nipple Butte.

Early in the day, there had only been a light NW breeze.  By the time Lupe reached Nipple Butte, the wind had switched to the SW and picked up to about 15 mph.  The same SW wind was still blowing up here.  With the sun now noticeably progressing toward the horizon, the breeze felt a bit chilly.

Lupe and SPHP lingered up on Flag Mountain anyway.  This was warm compared to what would likely be coming before too long.  Who knew how many more weeks it would be before cold and snow would take over up in this western high country?

Lupe lingers on Flag Mountain. Who knew how much longer it would be until snow and cold would take over in this western Black Hills high country? Reynolds Prairie is on the L. Both Nipple Butte and Castle Rock are on the R. Photo looks SSE.
White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.) is the long ridge at Center. Lupe had enjoyed some fabulous views from there only 3 weeks ago on Expedition No. 209. The more distant mountain on the R is Terry Peak (7,064 ft.). Photo looks N.
From the wall of the old lookout tower, Peak 6962 (Center) is in view. Photo looks NNW.
Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) is the high point on the far horizon at Center. As the highest mountain in South Dakota and the Black Hills, many of Lupe’s expeditions feature a view of Black Elk Peak from one direction or another. Photo looks SE.

With 4 successful ascents, Lupe had completed all of her peakbagging objectives for Expedition No. 212.  The time had come for SPHP to honor the promise to let her roam some never before explored territory in the big canyon W of South Castle Rock, Castle Rock and Nipple Butte.

Final moments up on Flag Mountain’s summit ridge before descent. Photo looks NE.

Lupe left Flag Mountain traveling W.  She ultimately took a route down similar to her path up, following the S ridge much of the way.   An early turn to the SW served as shortcut to USFS Road No. 189.

Once across No. 189, the American Dingo began her explorations of the big canyon traveling SSW.  It was downhill from here all the way to West Deerfield Road.

NNW of Nipple Butte looking forward to starting the long trek down the big canyon. Photo looks SSE.

Lupe saw lots of deer.  She got muddy paws and drank from a small stream, a tiny tributary of Horsethief Creek, itself no great torrent.  Looper was one busy Carolina Dog the whole way, free to run and play.

In the upper part of the canyon W of Nipple Butte. This seldom, if ever, used road went most of the way down the canyon. Photo looks SSW.
Miss Muddy Paws after a drink from the tiny stream. The road was reduced to a single track trail here. Photo looks S.
Somewhere W of Castle Rock or South Castle Rock. The faint road is back. Looking S.
Near Horsethief Creek in the lower end of the canyon, now more of a wide valley. Photo looks NNE.

The sun was close to setting by the time Lupe neared West Deerfield Road.  The G6 was a only short walk SE along the road.  Expedition No. 212’s adventures were almost complete.  Behind Loop, the top of South Castle Peak still glowed in the last light of day.

South Castle Rock glows in the last light of another great day spent in Lupe’s Black Hills. Photo looks NNE.

That glow was gone before Lupe even got to the G6 (6:01 PM, 36°F).  Expedition No. 212 might be officially over, but Lupe’s fun wasn’t.  She was back early enough so twilight would last a long time.

For nearly an hour on the ride home, a frantic American Dingo watched for deer, cows and horses to bark at.  Many decibels provided near constant earsplitting proof of the success of this project.  No doubt a hugely satisfying encore to a splendid day!

South Castle Rock.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 199 – Twin Sisters Twice & Castle Rock (4-12-17)

Start (10:25 AM, 54°F), intersection of Dog Song Road & USFS Road No. 373, 4 miles SE of Pringle.

Cool rainy weather, even a skiff of snow, had delayed Expedition No. 199 for several days, but Lupe was finally on her way!  Although she had finished up the last of the Brian Kalet peaks she was going to climb in the southern Black Hills on Expedition No. 198, she was still headed S, just not quite as far S as before.

Lupe’s first peakbagging objective for the day was the high point of the Twin Sisters Range (4,980 ft.).  The Twin Sisters Range is really no more than a 2 mile long ridge running E/W within the Black Hills.  For some reason this ridge, which isn’t particularly high even compared to nearby terrain, has its own name on the maps while countless similar ridges do not.

No matter, if the Twin Sisters Range was on the maps, that was good enough for Lupe!  After she reached the high point, the plan was to explore much of the rest of the ridge.  Maybe Lupe would even go on to Elk Knob, another minor high point 0.5 mile farther S?

Approaching the area from the W, it became clear Lupe would not only have an easy time up on the ridge, she would have some great views, too.  The Twin Sisters Range looked barren and exposed.

The W end of the Twin Sisters Range looked barren and exposed. Lupe was going to have some great views up there! Photo looks E from Dog Song Road.
At the starting point. The G6 is parked just off Dog Song Road (not pictured). Lupe would follow USFS Road No. 373 to get to the W end of the Twin Sisters Range, about a mile E of here. High Point 5017 is the ridge seen in the background. Photo looks SE.

From the G6, Lupe followed USFS Road No. 373 going E toward the W end of the Twin Sisters Range.  This was a super easy, level stroll in upper Cold Spring Creek valley.  The creek must have been underground here.  It was nowhere in sight.  A steady E breeze made the day seem cooler than it really was, but meadowlarks were singing cheerfully.  Lupe was cheerful, too!  She liked this place.

Shortly after setting out, Loop reached a locked gate across No. 373 at the W end of an area serving as the water supply source for Wind Cave National Park.  The 0.5 mile long area is not connected to the rest of the park, located 2 miles farther E.  No vehicles could go beyond the locked gate, but Lupe could.  It didn’t take her long to reach the far E end where she found no gate, only a cattle guard.

After passing through the park water supply area, No. 373 angled SE and entered a thinly forested area.  Lupe began to gain elevation.  The W end of the Twin Sisters Range was now close at hand.

Getting close to the W end of the Twin Sisters Range. Photo looks E from USFS Road No. 373.

Lupe followed No. 373 gradually uphill until she was SW of the W end of the Twin Sisters Range.  Here, SPHP led her off the road to begin the real climb.

Lupe and SPHP left the road to begin the climb up to the W end of the ridgeline here. Photo looks NE.

After all the cactus she had been having to dodge for the last couple of months while climbing Brian Kalet peaks farther S, Loop wasn’t at all certain leaving the road was a good idea.  In fact, she was pretty positive it wasn’t.  This barren ridge looked a lot like some of those cactus-infested areas.  She begged SPHP to carry her.

The Twin Sisters Range was a few hundred feet higher than most of the peaks Lupe had been climbing lately.  It was definitely sunny and exposed, which is good for cactus, but SPHP hadn’t seen any yet.  Maybe this area was high enough to be above cactus line?  Cactus usually disappears somewhere in the 4,700 to 5,000 foot range in the Black Hills.

SPHP didn’t carry Lupe, only encouraged her to keep climbing.  She followed somewhat reluctantly.  However, her confidence grew as she made rapid progress up the slope without encountering any cacti.

Shortly before reaching the ridgeline, there was movement on the ground.  Lupe saw a snake!   It was gray-green and smallish, but coiled up and surprisingly active.  SPHP didn’t know what kind of snake it was, but it was clearly harmless.

Lupe came across this snake as she neared the top of the ridgeline. It was harmless, but surprisingly active on this cool, breezy day.

Even though the snake was harmless, SPHP was a little concerned about seeing it.  The snake seemed plenty lively despite the cool, breezy day.  Snakes are quite rare in most of the Black Hills, but are much more common at lower elevations.  In all her expeditions and adventures in the Black Hills, Lupe has never seen a rattlesnake.

One of the reasons Lupe had been climbing the lower Brian Kalet peaks of the southern hills early in the year when it was cold out was to avoid encountering rattlesnakes.  Due Lupe’s small size, a rattlesnake would be much more of a danger to her than to SPHP, and she might not know to stay away if she came to one.

Lupe might be above cactus line here, but seeing the harmless snake proved she wasn’t above snake line yet.  SPHP couldn’t ever remember seeing a rattlesnake above 5,500 feet in the Black Hills, but that was more than 500 feet higher than the Twin Sisters Range.  Seeing the harmless snake also proved spring had progressed far enough along so snakes were now active.

Dry, sunny, and topped by a layer of weathered limestone undoubtedly offering plenty of little caves and crevasses to hide in, the Twin Sisters Range did look like prime rattlesnake country.  Still, seeing a single harmless snake didn’t mean the area was infested.  SPHP encouraged Lupe to stay close from now on, though, as she finished her climb.

It only took Lupe a couple more minutes to reach the top at the W end of the ridge.  The views were excellent!

Lupe reaches the W end of the Twin Sisters Range ridge. The views were excellent! Without any trees around, Loop could see in every direction. Photo looks W at the Cold Springs Creek valley she had traveled through to get here.
The high point of the Twin Sisters Range (R) from near the W end of the ridge. Photo looks ENE.

The Twin Sisters Range High Point (4,980 ft.) was less than 0.25 mile away.  An easy stroll E along the ridge, and Lupe was claiming her first peakbagging success of the day!  That was easy!

Lupe reaches the summit cairn at the Twin Sisters Range High Point. Photo looks W.
At the summit cairn. Photo looks E.
The lower end of the Cold Spring Creek valley. Photo looks ENE.

With the 360° view available from the Twin Sisters Range High Point, Lupe could see many mountain peaks she had visited in the past, including a lot of the ones she had been to in the last couple of months in the southern Black Hills.  Most of them were many miles away.

Looking N toward Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.)(Center). Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.)(far R) is also in view.
High Point 5017 is the large, barren ridge in the foreground. On the far horizon are Parker Peak (4,848 ft.)(L) and Matias Peak (4,780 ft.)(Center). Photo looks SW.
Much of the territory around (and including) the Twin Sisters Range had burned years ago. This photo looks NW at some of the devastation.

From the summit, Lupe could see the rest of the Twin Sisters Range ridgeline to the E.  She would get to explore much of this territory on her way to Elk Knob.  It looked like fun!  The Carolina Dog would enjoy great views all the way.

Looking SE at the rest of the Twin Sisters Range ridgeline. Lupe would have a great time exploring it on her way to Elk Knob! Buffalo Gap is in view in the distance at the edge of the hills a little R of Center. Peak 4160 is the long ridge to the L of it at Center. Unkpapa Peak (4,280 ft.) is the long ridge to the R. Lupe had been to both only 10 days ago on Expedition No. 198.

After enjoying the views from the breezy summit, Lupe headed SE down the ridge starting her trek to Elk Knob.  For 5 minutes, it was fun being able to see so much.  In an instant, everything changed.

Looper, you OK?!

Yes, of course!  You were right, no cactus up here.  Makes life a lot more pleasant!  This is way better than some of those other mountains.

Yeah, but we’re not staying.  Time to go!  There’s worse things than cactus.  Hear that buzzing?

With these big soft Dingo ears, how could I not hear it?

Well, remember that sound.  That’s a rattlesnake.  Poisonous, perhaps deadly to Dingoes if one bites you!  We must have passed within a few feet of it seconds ago.  It’s right over there somewhere.  Stay here!  Don’t go over there.

Yikes!  Are you serious?

Very.  Two snakes in what, maybe 20 minutes, up here?  One of them poisonous.  It changes everything.  We aren’t going to spend hours strolling around on Rattler Ridge courting disaster.  Forget that.  If you like this place, we can come back another time, like on a warmish day in December or January.  Won’t be any snakes then.

Yeah, suddenly I’m thinking this place would look gorgeous with a couple inches of snow on the ground!

Yup, exactly, let’s skedaddle, but stay close till we’re down off this ridge.

The buzzing had lasted maybe 20 seconds before it stopped.  SPHP pitched 8 or 10 rocks back toward the source, but the buzzing didn’t start up again.  SPHP walked a little closer, but saw nothing.  Maybe the snake had slithered into some hole?  Didn’t matter, there wasn’t any doubt.  A rattler had been there.  Elk Knob wasn’t happening.  Not today.  No way!

Looking NW back up at the Twin Sisters Range High Point. This was as far as Lupe got on her way to Elk Knob due to the rattlesnake she’d heard only a few minutes ago.

Lupe didn’t go back up to the Twin Sisters Range summit.  She took a shortcut going SW down off the ridge.  This route was more direct and less steep than the way she’d come up.  She came to no more snakes.

The return trip to USFS Road No. 373 was uneventful.  SPHP did see the one and only cactus patch of the day, but it was easily avoided.  The most exciting thing Lupe encountered along the way was some sort of huge ant festival going on at a rotting log.

Lupe starts down the S side of the ridge. If you want a good idea of what prime rattlesnake territory looks like, this is it. Photo looks W.
Lupe saw no more snakes. The most exciting thing she saw coming down off the ridge was this big ant festival being held at a rotten log.

All’s well that ends well.  Loopster reached USFS Road No. 373.  At least she had made it to the top of the Twin Sister’s Range High Point!  Elk Knob could wait.

On the way back to the G6 along USFS Road No. 373. Photo looks WNW.

The stroll back to the G6 along the road was nice and relaxing.  The whole journey to the Twin Sisters Range High Point hadn’t taken long, only a little over an hour and a half (12:07 PM, 54°F).  There was oodles of time left in the day.

That was OK!  SPHP had a backup plan.  There was another Twin Sisters on the maps Lupe could visit.

On the way back to Hwy 89 on Dog Song Road, SPHP stopped the G6 for this look back at the Twin Sisters Range High Point (L). Goodbye Rattler Ridge! Photo looks E.

Well, Loopster, that was it!  We are done with this low country stuff now until it gets cold again in the fall.  No more cactus.  No more snakes.  We are staying high.  If we manage not to fall off of anything and can avoid the barbed wire, we should be golden.  Of course, there’s always mountain lions, and hunters, but oh well, never mind.  We’ll be fine.

That sounds, great!  I can’t tell you how sick I was getting of cactus.

No doubt, but you were getting better at handling it, too.  We had fun!  Saw some great stuff.

Maybe, not nearly enough squirrels, though.  So where we going now?

Twin Sisters again.  Another Twin Sisters (5,920 ft.), a different one.  These next Twin Sisters are W of Custer.  They are nearly 1,000 feet higher than the ones we just left.  Should be plenty of trees, no cactus, no snakes, and maybe you will see some squirrels.

I hope you’re right.  Strange that both places have the same name.

Yeah, actually, there is a third set of Twin Sisters (5,244 ft.) in the Black Hills, too.  It’s even farther N, between Pactola and Sheridan Lakes, practically right off the Centennial Trail.  You’ve already been there, but it was a long time ago.  You weren’t even 14 months old yet.  So after this next set, you will have visited 3 different Twin Sisters in the Black Hills.

Like a whole litter of sisters!

You could say that.

When Lupe jumped out of the G6 again at Comanche Park campground off Hwy 16, she knew instantly this place was more to her liking (12:59 PM, 52°F).  She sniffed the air briefly, then took off running in circles.  It was true!  No more cactus!  One of the first trees she checked even had a squirrel in it!  Things were definitely looking up.

The new Twin Sisters were less than 2 miles away.  Lupe and SPHP headed S through Comanche Park campground.  A little beyond it, a few houses were around, part of some subdivision, but the private property wasn’t hard to avoid.  Most of the area was national forest land.

The terrain Lupe traveled through was rolling and forested.  Much of the forest had been thinned, so it was quite open and easy to see what was ahead.  Before long, the N Twin Sister (5,920 ft.) was in view.  It was the highest of the two.

The N Twin Sister comes into view S of Comanche Park campground. Photo looks S.

Lupe headed straight for the mountain.  As she got closer, it looked like it might be best to start up along the NW ridge.  The climb wasn’t difficult, although it became steeper as Lupe got higher up.

When she was already fairly high, Lupe reached a prominent point capped by some unusual looking rocks.  The rocks formed a couple of platforms, one large and one small.  Lupe got up on both to look around.  From the smaller platform, she had a decent view to the NNE.

Lupe on the small platform of cool rocks on her way up the N Twin Sister. She was already high enough to have a pretty decent view from here. Photo looks NNE.
A happy finally-out-of-cactus-country American Dingo on the smaller platform. Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.) is the distant ridge on the R. Photo looks NNE.

Trees blocked the views from the larger platform.  Still, it was fun climbing around on the interesting rocks.

Lupe below the highest rocks of the larger platform.

Lupe finished her climb following the N ridge.  The route was modestly steep, but not difficult.  Soon Looper was standing on a stump at the very top of the N Twin Sister.  Since this was the highest sister, she’d already accomplished her peakbagging goal here.  Easy, squeezy!

Ta da! Lupe stands on a stump at the summit of the N Twin Sister. Since this was the highest one, she was able to claim another Dingo peakbagging success! The S Twin Sister is in view beyond her. Photo looks S.

The summit area was plenty roomy.  Three prongs radiated out from the central high point.  One off to the N, one to the E.  The third and longest prong sloped down to the SW.  The views were best from the two shorter prongs, due to breaks in the forest.

Looking NNW from the N prong.
Lupe at the edge of the E prong. Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) (Center) is the high point on the horizon. Photo looks ESE.
The summit area on the N Twin Sister was plenty roomy. This photo looks W from the E prong, and shows more than half of the summit area.

Lupe and SPHP took a break near the summit.  Lupe had her Taste of the Wild and water.  SPHP consumed an apple.

A number of birds were flying around.  The Bluebird of Happiness showed up and hung around for quite a while.  Lupe was glad to see him!  She was certain now that her past few months of cactus ordeals were over.  The Bluebird of Happiness would never steer you wrong, would he?

The Bluebird of Happiness paid Lupe a visit up on the N Twin Sister. It had been a year since she’d last seen him up on Twin Buttes (4,949 ft.) during Expedition No. 166.  Maybe the Bluebird of Happiness had a thing for twins?

After the break, Lupe went down into the saddle leading to the S Twin Sister.  It was an easy jaunt down a modestly steep slope.  The climb up the S Twin Sister was steeper, but not bad.  A lot more rocks were over here.  Lupe went up along the NW side since there were cliffs on the N and NE sides.

Lupe got up on the cliffs for a look back at the N Twin Sister.

On top of the cliffs along the NE edge of the S Twin Sister. The N Twin Sister where she had just been is in view. Photo looks N.

The S Twin Sister had a much larger summit area than the N Twin Sister.  There were two high points, one to the N and one to the S.  The N one seemed to be a little higher than the S one, but Lupe found great viewpoints from both.  Trees always blocked the views to the NW, but it was possible to see in any other direction from some part of the mountain.

Lupe took a tour of the entire summit area.  She enjoyed lots of fabulous views.

Lupe at the edge of the S rim of the S Twin Sister. Parker Peak (4,848 ft.) (L) and Matias Peak (4,780 ft.) (Center) are barely in view in the haze on the horizon. Photo looks S.
Peak 5846 is the closest big ridge on the R. Photo looks SE.
Lupe stands at the SW end of the S Twin Sister. A lower rock platform seen on the R stuck out a little farther to the W. A small connecting saddle made it possible to get onto the lower platform. Photo looks SSW.
Looking down across a gap toward the lower platform. Photo looks SW.
The view through the gap between the platforms. Photo looks SSE.
Looper on the lower platform. Photo looks S.
Can I come down yet? …. Sure, that was great Loop, thank you!
Lupe at the S high point of the S Twin Sister. The topo maps give the elevation here as 5,889 ft. Photo looks NNE.

After touring the whole area near the S high point, Lupe returned to the cliffs near the N high point for a final look around.

The N Sister (L) from the cliffs at the N end of the S Sister. The large gray rock formation sticking up out of the forest on the R is Castle Rock. Photo looks N.
Loop on top of the cliffs along the far NE edge of the S Sister. Peak 5846 (Center) is the first big ridge seen in the distance beyond her. Photo looks SE.
Looking S across the summit area of the S Twin Sister from near the N end.

Having completed her explorations of the S Twin Sister summit, Lupe went back down the NW slope and crossed the saddle over to the N Twin Sister.  Down in the saddle she found a pretty grouping of crocuses.

Crocuses (officially Pasque flowers) are the state flower of South Dakota. They bloom in early spring in the Black Hills.

Lupe returned briefly to the summit of the N Twin Sister before heading down the N ridge.

Lupe back at the summit of the N Twin Sister. Photo looks N.

On the way down the N ridge, Lupe could sometimes see a large, gray rock formation off in the forest to the NNE.  This was Castle Rock (5,600 ft.).  SPHP had also caught a glimpse of Castle Rock off to the E on Lupe’s way to the Twin Sisters.  It wasn’t terribly high, but the sides looked like nearly vertical walls – not anything a Dingo could climb.

Castle Rock as seen on Lupe’s way down the N ridge of the N Twin Sister. Photo looks NNE using the telephoto lens.

Despite not being any larger than hundreds, maybe thousands, of similar rock formations in the Black Hills, Castle Rock had its own name and was shown on the maps.  Since it was kind of on the way back to the G6, SPHP thought Lupe might as well go check it out.  Even if she couldn’t climb Castle Rock, she could say she’d been there.

Surprisingly, when Lupe arrived, it looked fairly easy to climb at least partway up from the S end.  Lupe began climbing.  She needed a boost at one scrambly spot, but to SPHP’s amazement, she made it all the way to the top of Castle Rock!

To SPHP’s amazement, Lupe made it all the way to the top of Castle Rock. Photo looks N.

Castle Rock wasn’t all that tall, but it jutted up high enough to be well above the surrounding forest.  Consequently, Lupe had views in every direction.  The true summit of Castle Rock was near the N end of the formation where several large boulders sat on the rest of the granite.  Lupe got up on one of these boulders.

Lupe on one of the huge boulders at the true summit near the N end of Castle Rock. Photo looks N.
Hah! And you thought I couldn’t do it, SPHP. Not a bad Dingo perch either, I can see for miles! Photo looks SSW.

After scanning the forest below for deer and squirrels from her lofty perch, Lupe got off the big boulder to explore the summit area some more.  It wasn’t very large, but was kind of dramatic with all the huge rocks around and cliffs to the E & W.

Lupe exploring the summit area. Twin Sisters are in view on the L. The highest boulder of all on Castle Rock is seen on the R. Photo looks SSW.

Of course, the Twin Sisters where Lupe had just been were in view to the SSW.

Twin Sisters (Center) from Castle Rock. Photo looks SSW.

After a brief summit area inspection, Lupe returned to the huge boulder.

Lupe returns to her lofty perch. Photo looks N.

After a few more minutes enjoying the views from her favorite lofty perch, it was time to go.  Retreating back down the S end the way she had come up was the only feasible route.  Soon Lupe was down and on her way back to the G6.

Looking back at Castle Rock from the W.

Expedition No. 199 should have been over now for all practical purposes, but by the time Lupe made it back to the G6 (5:34 PM, 52°F), SPHP had hatched a new plan.

Near Mount Rushmore is another mountain shown on the maps called Old Baldy Mountain (5,605 ft.).  Lupe had never been there, even though it was in the Peakbagger.com data base.  SPHP had always assumed based on its location near many other impossible-for-a-Dingo-to-climb soaring granite formations that Lupe wouldn’t be able to climb Old Baldy.

However, Loopster’s unexpected success reaching the top of Castle Rock made SPHP start thinking maybe she could also get to the summit of Old Baldy Mountain?  Time to check it out!

On the way home, Lupe dropped by the Wrinkled Rock Climbing Area (6:09 PM, 50°F).  A short walk along one of the paths brought Lupe to a view of Old Baldy Mountain.

Forget about this one, SPHP, unless you’re ready to spring for a helicopter ride! This one’s not happening! Old Baldy Mountain (Center). Photo looks ENE.

Directions:

Twin Sisters Range High Point: Dog Song Road (USFS Road No. 682.1) leaves Hwy 89 1.7 miles S of Pringle.  The junction with USFS Road No. 373 is 3 miles from the highway.

Twin Sisters (W of Custer): Comanche Park campground where Lupe started is 6 miles W of Custer on the S side of Hwy 16.  However, it may be possible (and necessary when the campground is open) to start much closer on an alternate route from the E.  Click here for details.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 133 – South Castle Rock, Castle Rock, Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 (6-13-15)

Lupe continued her peakbagging along the E edge of the limestone plateau country in the western Black Hills on Expedition No. 133, but somewhat farther N than on Expedition No. 132.  It was 9:57 AM and 69°F under mostly clear skies when SPHP parked the G6 at the first pullout along Castle Creek beyond the intersection of Deerfield and South Rochford roads.  Lupe immediately crossed the road and started heading NE up through forests and meadows toward the S end of South Castle Rock.

Lupe at the start of the day near Castle Creek.
Lupe at the start of the day near Castle Creek.

South Castle Rock (6,840 ft.) was Lupe’s first peakbagging goal of the day and the one that would require the most elevation gain since Lupe started from down by Castle Creek.  The other four peakbagging points were all at similar elevations along the E edge of the limestone plateau country.  Some elevation had to be lost between each of the peaks, but not nearly as much as Lupe would gain just getting to South Castle Rock.

Lupe approaches South Castle Rock from the SSW.

Lupe had done essentially this same peakbagging trek once before on Expedition No. 90 on 5-24-14, so SPHP knew pretty much what to expect.  The best views from South Castle Rock are not at the summit, but from the limestone cliffs at the SE end of the mountain.  Lupe stopped here first for some photos.  There were beautiful views of the E edge of the limestone plateau country to the S and Reynolds Prairie to the E.  Parts of Deerfield Lake were visible too.  Heading N through the forest, Lupe also got her picture taken on the highest boulder at a false summit a short distance S of the true summit.

Lupe at the cliffs at the S end of South Castle Rock. Green Mountain is the highest ridge in the distance above her head. The lower ridge just to the left is Copper Mountain where Lupe was on Expedition No. 132.
Lupe at the cliffs at the S end of South Castle Rock. Green Mountain (7,164 ft.) is the highest ridge in the distance above her head. The lower ridge just to the left is Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.) where Lupe was on Expedition No. 132.  A small section of Deerfield Lake is visible.
Another view of Lupe at the cliffs at the S end of South Castle Rock.
Another view of Lupe at the cliffs at the S end of South Castle Rock.  She hasn’t moved from where she was in the previous photo.
Lupe still near the S end of South Castle Rock. This photo looks N towards the ridge that is Castle Rock.
Lupe still near the S end of South Castle Rock. This photo looks N towards the ridge that is Castle Rock.
This photo shows some of the S end of Reynolds Prairie and a bit more of Deerfield Lake.
This photo shows some of the S end of Reynolds Prairie and a bit more of Deerfield Lake.
At the false summit S of the true summit of South Castle Rock.

The true summit of South Castle Rock is on top of a large section of limestone sitting mostly 10-20 feet above the surrounding area.  The best way up and down is from the SW.  The whole area is forested, including the summit.  Due to the trees, there really aren’t any great views from the summit of South Castle Rock. SPHP did take one photo of Lupe on the summit with nearby Castle Rock in the background.  Castle Rock (6,783 ft.) and South Castle Rock are all basically part of the same mountain.  South Castle Rock is actually the highest point on the mountain.  Lupe lost a little elevation on the way to Castle Rock.

Here Lupe is actually on the flat true summit area of South Castle Rock. Photo looks N at Castle Rock.
Lupe on the true summit of South Castle Rock. Photo looks N at Castle Rock.

The summit of Castle Rock is with 100 feet of the E end of the ridge.  The summit is forested, but there are some good views near the edges of the ridge.  Lupe posed for a few photos, including one looking N towards her next two objectives, Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.) and Flag Mountain.  After the photo session, Lupe headed back W along the Castle Rock ridge.  When she got to the main N/S ridge line coming from South Castle Rock, she turned N onto a ridge SPHP dubbed “Skinny Ridge”.

Lupe at the E end of Castle Rock less than 100' E of the actual summit. Photo looks E towards Reynolds Prairie.
Lupe at the E end of Castle Rock less than 100′ E of the actual summit. Photo looks SSE towards Reynolds Prairie and Deerfield Lake.
South Castle Rock from the N rim of Castle Rock. The true summit of South Castle Rock is toward the right of this photo. Better views are attainable, however, from the cliffs toward the left edge.
South Castle Rock from the S rim of Castle Rock. The true summit of South Castle Rock is seen at the right of this photo. Better views are attainable, however, from the cliffs toward the very left edge.
Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain beyond are Lupe's next peakbagging goals. Photo looks N from the N rim of Castle Rock.
Nipple Butte (left center) and Flag Mountain (center) beyond are Lupe’s next peakbagging goals. Photo looks N from the N rim of Castle Rock.  The road is USFS Road No. 189.

Skinny Ridge heads N from the main portion of Castle Rock.  It is not all that skinny until it reaches its N end, but is skinnier than the main E/W ridge of Castle Rock.  Skinny Ridge is actually broad and flat.  There will be some really great views of the huge valley to the W of Castle Rock from Skinny Ridge someday when the dead pine trees along the ridge finally fall over.  On Lupe’s prior adventure here on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 90, SPHP had learned that following Skinny Ridge to the N eventually leads to a dead end with cliffs on all sides.  The easiest way around Skinny Ridge is to descend to the E near the start (S end) of the ridge.

Lupe on Skinny Ridge which projects N from Castle Rock. Nipple Butte is seen in front of Flag Mountain.
Lupe on Skinny Ridge which projects N from Castle Rock. Nipple Butte is seen in front of Flag Mountain.

So Lupe headed N on the way to Nipple Butte below and to the E of Skinny Ridge.  Lupe started encountering some large yellow flowers in this area that were attracting bumblebees.  There was a fair amount of deadfall timber in this area, but it wasn’t too bad.  When Lupe got past the N end of Skinny Ridge, she went on up to the saddle between Castle Rock and Nipple Butte.  She gained some elevation approaching Nipple Butte from the S.  The easiest route to the summit, however, is on the WNW slope.  Lupe swung around to the W side of the mountain before making the final ascent.

Lupe among the pretty yellow flowers N of Castle Mountain.
Lupe among the pretty yellow flowers N of Castle Mountain and Skinny Ridge.
Don't sniff too closely - those flowers are full of bumblebees!
Don’t sniff too closely – those flowers are full of bumblebees!

A short steep scramble is required to get up to the summit of Nipple Butte.  No equipment at all is required to reach the top.  The platform at the top of Nipple Butte is not very large.  There was a small area Lupe and SPHP could walk around on, but cliffs were never more than a few feet away.  The cliffs aren’t all that tall, but they are still cliffs.  One limestone boulder at the very top with orange lichens growing on it is presumably the nipple of Nipple Butte.  There aren’t any trees up on top of Nipple Butte, so there were great views in every direction.

Lupe on the W side approach to the top of Nipple Butte.
Lupe on the W side approach to the top of Nipple Butte.
Lupe stands on the nipple at Nipple Butte.
Lupe stands on the nipple at Nipple Butte.
N end of Reynolds Prairie from Nipple Butte.
N end of Reynolds Prairie from Nipple Butte.
Happy Carolina Dog on Nipple Butte. Photo looks SW.
Happy Carolina Dog on Nipple Butte. Photo looks SW.
Looking S at Castle Rock from Nipple Butte.
Looking S at Castle Rock from Nipple Butte.
Looking N at Flag Mountain from Nipple Butte.
Looking N at Flag Mountain from Nipple Butte.  Flag Mountain was Lupe’s 4th and next peakbagging objective of the day.
Another look N at Flag Mountain from Nipple Butte.
Another look N at Flag Mountain from Nipple Butte.  The road is USFS Road No. 189.
Lupe and the nipple on Nipple Butte.
Lupe and the nipple on Nipple Butte.
"OK SPHP, so how do I get down, without having to trust you not to be a total klutz and dropping me over the cliff?" Lupe actually made it down just fine after some hesitation. She took a route down by the bushes in the center of the photo.
“OK SPHP, so how do I get down, without having to trust you not to be a total klutz and dropping me over the cliff?” Lupe actually made it down just fine after some hesitation. She took a route down by the bushes in the center of the photo.

Lupe and SPHP stayed on Nipple Butte for a while to enjoy the scenes.  Lupe had some Taste of the Wild and SPHP had an apple.  When it was time to leave, Lupe was a bit concerned about how to get down.  SPHP had lifted her up a 6 foot wall of rock so she could get up on top, but Lupe wouldn’t let SPHP help her down.  Lupe finally took an alternate route down through some bushes that worked just fine.  After a trek down the NW slope of Nipple Butte, Lupe came to a little side road leading to USFS Road No. 189.  There was a great mud puddle along the side road and Lupe made use of it.

Exiting the mud puddle NW of Nipple Butte after a big drink of mineral water and a mud bath.

From the mud puddle, Lupe followed the side road to USFS Road No. 189, which she simply crossed heading N.  Lupe climbed up the ridge continuing N through the forest towards Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.).  When she drew near the access road, she turned more to the NNE to stay in the forest.  (One can drive to the summit of Flag Mountain via an access road off USFS Road No. 189.)  Very near the top, Lupe got on the access road for the final stretch.

Flag Mountain features great views to the N, E and S, plus the remains of the foundation of an old lookout tower.  From Flag Mountain, Lupe could get her first glimpse of Peak 6962 and Whitetail Peak to the N.  Peak 6962 was Lupe’s 5th and final peakbagging goal of the day.  White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.) is also along the E edge of the limestone plateau country, but it was just too far away to be included in Expedition No. 133’s day hike.

Lupe on the ruins of the lookout tower at Flag Mountain. Photo looks N towards Peak 6962 (left ridge) and Whitetail Peak (center ridge).
Lupe on the ruins of the lookout tower at Flag Mountain. Photo looks N towards Peak 6962 (left ridge) and White Tail Peak (center ridge).  Peak 6962 was Lupe’s 5th and final peakbagging goal for Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 133.  The road seen below is USFS Road No. 599.
Nipple Butte & Castle Rock from Flag Mountain. Photo looks S.
Nipple Butte & Castle Rock from Flag Mountain. Photo looks S.
Lupe is almost camouflaged to blend in with the ruins of the Flag Mountain lookout tower foundation. She is on the wall just above the backpack.
Lupe is almost camouflaged to blend in with the ruins of the Flag Mountain lookout tower foundation. She is on the wall just above the backpack.
Whitetail Peak from Flag Mountain. Whitetail Peak will be a future peakbagging goal for Lupe. She has already been there twice before, but it has been over 2 years since she was last there.
White Tail Peak from Flag Mountain. White Tail Peak will be a future peakbagging goal for Lupe. She has already been there twice before, but it has been over 2 years since she was last there.
Instead of going down to the Flag Mountain access road (yes you can just drive here!), Lupe left headed W along this rocky ridge.
Instead of going down to the Flag Mountain access road (yes, you can just drive here!), Lupe left headed W along this rocky ridge.

From Flag Mountain, Lupe headed W along the ridges.  She crossed the access road to Flag Mountain, but did not follow it.  Lupe and SPHP just went through the forest trying to stay on the high ground, while circling around the W end of the canyon between Flag Mountain and Peak 6962.  This involved some up and down as various high and low points along the way were reached.  Lupe did follow a very short section of USFS Road No. 189 just before heading N and then NE along the ridge to Peak 6962.

SPHP has no idea what kind of plant this is. It was full of bumblebees and looked like it was flourishing.
SPHP has no idea what kind of plant this is. It was full of bumblebees and looked like it was flourishing.  Lupe came across it W of Flag Mountain.

SPHP considers Peak 6962 the most annoying peakbagging mountain in the Black Hills.  It really shouldn’t be annoying at all.  It is up at the edge of the limestone plateau high country that SPHP finds so appealing.  The terrain undulates a bit, but there really isn’t much elevation gain or loss along the ridge extending out to the SW from the summit.  This ridge is only a little over a mile long from USFS Road No. 189.  There ought to be great views from Peak 6962 looking E and N towards Whitetail Peak.  What should be a pleasant easy stroll through the forest along a high ridge with some views to a summit with great views isn’t that way at all.

The main culprit is the mountain pine beetle, which has decimated the forest in the area of Peak 6962.  SPHP remembered that Lupe’s last trek to Peak 6962 back on Expedition No. 90 on 5-24-14 featured an annoying amount of deadfall timber.  Over a year’s time gone by had only made matters worse, as more dead trees have fallen.  It was a very slow march along the ridge on the way to Peak 6962 through all the deadfall timber.  Lupe could sometimes use the fallen tree trunks as highways, but the prevailing NW winds had pushed most of the trees over at a 90° angle to the direction Lupe and SPHP needed to go.

Just to make things more aggravating, for the first half of the way along the ridge, there is an utterly useless barbed wire fence that has been broken down in countless places as trees fell on it.  SPHP constantly worried that Lupe might get cut by the barbed wire.  The best route forward seemed to zigzag repeatedly across the fence line.  Despite the number of trees that have fallen, there are still enough dead and living trees still standing to block the views both on the way to Peak 6962 and at the summit.  Perhaps there are views at the cliffs at the very S end of the mountain back towards Flag Mountain, but SPHP didn’t consider it worth the struggle to get there.

Nipple Butte from W of Flag Mountain.

On Expedition No. 90, Lupe had come to an area along the ridge SW of Peak 6920 where there had been a large number of crocus flowers blooming.  They were in such gloriously beautiful condition, SPHP had named the area “Perfect Crocus Ridge”.  Sadly, there were no crocuses at all on this journey, although there were a few nice dark purple flowers here and there.  What was flourishing among all the deadfall timber were low-lying scratchy juniper bushes.

Lupe and SPHP finally reached the summit of Peak 6962.  The area was so flat, it was hard to tell where the exact summit might be.  It all looked pretty much the same.  Lupe and SPHP stopped here for a bit of a break after the battle with the deadfall timber, barbed wire fence and scratchy juniper bushes.  Lupe had some more Taste of the Wild.  SPHP ate the 2nd and final apple.  SPHP was certain the forest looked worse now than in May 2014.

Wow, this view was worth more than a mile scrambling over and around deadfall timber, barbed wire and scratchy juniper bushes! Lupe at the summit of Peak 6962. Successful completion of her 5th peakbagging goal of the day!
Wow, this view was worth more than a mile scrambling over and around deadfall timber, barbed wire and scratchy juniper bushes! Lupe at the summit of Peak 6962. Successful completion of her 5th peakbagging goal of the day!

After the break, even though more than a year ago Lupe and SPHP had explored some distance to the N along the E edge of Peak 6962 and found no decent viewpoints towards White Tail Peak, SPHP decided to try it again.  The results were the same.  There were a few places along the E edge of Peak 6962 with partial views to the E, but no views at towards White Tail Peak.  On the way back to USFS Road No. 189, SPHP tried leading Lupe a bit to the N of the SW ridge to avoid the worst of the deadfall timber.  This helped some and also helped avoid the broken barbed wire fence.  It didn’t seem to take quite as long getting back to USFS Road No. 189 as the journey to Peak 6962.

Flag Mountain (L) from the high ridges SW of Peak 6962.
Flag Mountain (L) from the high ridges SW of Peak 6962.

Once back to USFS Road No. 189, Lupe and SPHP started following it back towards Flag Mountain.  The almost totally clear skies of the morning had given way to overcast conditions as the day wore on.  It began to rain.  It rained hard enough for Lupe and SPHP to take cover under a big pine tree.  It didn’t last long.  After 5 minutes the rain was almost over and Lupe continued on.  At a bend in the road, Lupe and SPHP left No. 189 to follow a high ridge to the SW and then S.  There was a fence along this area too, but there was little deadfall timber and the fence was in good condition.

Soon the ridge ended and Lupe and SPHP went down through the forest to reach USFS Road No. 239.  For a short distance No. 239 climbed and reached a high spot with a very nice view to the S.  From then on it lost elevation slowly and steadily.  Both Lupe and SPHP liked the secluded valley that No. 239 descended into.  There were lots of deer and some squirrels and chipmunks around.  Birds were singing and a hawk kept flying around screeching.  Everything was lush and green.

The view S from the high point along USFS Road No. 239.
The view S from the high point along USFS Road No. 239.

No. 239 went almost straight S for 2 miles and then curved to the E.  The road, which had been very good, deteriorated after reaching a wide, flat turn around spot.  The road did go on, however, and Lupe and SPHP continued to follow it.  The road  became a wide grassy trail and started heading NNE.  It looked like it might climb up a valley just W of Castle Rock. The road lost elevation though, so Lupe kept on.  Before long, the road became a mud hole at a spring.  Here Lupe and SPHP left the remnant of No. 239 to head E down to the floor of the valley.

At the bottom a small creek was flowing, which was probably Horsethief Creek.  There was a rock wall on the E side of the creek.  There was also a green grassy remnant of a road which followed the creek S again.  This road was marked by orange diamond-shaped signs on trees or posts.  In many places, the road was so close to the creek that it was rather boggy.  There wasn’t the least sign for a considerable distance that any vehicles ever actually use this grassy road.  Lupe and SPHP followed the creek and the orange diamond grassy road the rest of the way back to the road where the G6 was parked.  The G6 was in view as soon as the gravel road was reached.

Lupe along Horsethief Creek.
This part of the grassy orange diamond road was filled with wild irises.
Sunset back at the G6 near Castle Creek 6-13-15.

It was 8:22 PM and 60°F when Lupe reached the G6.  She hopped right in.  This time it was SPHP’s turn to linger outside.  There was some promise of a nice sunset developing up Castle Creek valley to the NW.  It was a gorgeous evening.  SPHP took a photo looking NW up Castle Creek valley.  The sunset hadn’t quite peaked yet.  SPHP drove to a high point not far away just off South Rochford Road, but the sunset couldn’t be seen from there.  So it was back to the original pullout along Castle Creek one more time for a final photo.  Then it was time to head home.   A happy dingo hung its head out the window sniffing the breeze for miles.

Black Hills, SD Expedition of 6-13-15 draws to a close.

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