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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LV means Low Voice, which is Rollie.

Oh, so HV means High Voice, SPHP?

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

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

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

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

Where is Poppy, SPHP?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looks like you already went.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emerging crocuses.

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

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

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

Black Hills adventurer Poppy.

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

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

Oh, really?  What’s that Looper?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deal!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Nipple Butte. Photo looks SW.

Ta da!  Chocolate coconut bar time, SPHP!

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

HP6856 (R). Photo looks W.

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

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

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

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

I see it, SPHP.  Looks mighty small.

Well, it’s 5 miles away, Loop.

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

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

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

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

Final moments on Nipple Butte. Photo looks SSW.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then let’s go that way now, SPHP!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A long time, Loopster.  Nearly 8 years!

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

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

Without complaint, Lupe made this journey, too.

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

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

Satisfied, SPHP?

Yeah, I guess so, Loop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exploring the S valley. Photo looks SSW.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition               Prior Black Hills Expedition

Hat Mountain GPS Track

Nipple Butte GPS Track

Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 GPS Track

Peak 6962 GPS Track (Descent)

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 303 – Flag Mountain & Crows Nest Peak with Peakbagger Dennis Stewart (5-4-22)

5-3-22, 1:00 PM, home

Who was that on the phone, SPHP?  The fanatic again?

Yup!  He’s run into 3 feet of snow on the road to Crooks Tower (7,137 ft.), so he’s got a much longer hike ahead of him than expected.  Going to be running late.  Won’t arrive here until sometime this evening now.

The “fanatic” was Dennis Stewart, aka “Stewy”.  Neither Lupe nor SPHP knew Dennis, but that was about to change.  He was a man on a mission, many missions, actually.  Dennis’ purpose on this particular trip was to climb the 10 highest named peaks, plus the 10 highest named county high points, of both South Dakota and Nebraska.

Fanatic wasn’t an unfair label.  Dennis owned the tallest indoor climbing wall in the Midwest – 32 feet high, more than 500 square feet of surface area, with an 11 foot overhang – a feature incorporated into his private home!  At the tender age of 73, Dennis was still working on so many peakbagging lists that he knew there was no way he would ever come close to completing many of them.

No doubt about it, Loop.  Dennis is our kind of fanatic!

After reaching the Black Hills region earlier today, Dennis had already been to both Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) and White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.).  Tomorrow, Lupe and SPHP were going to join him on his quest.

At least, that was the plan.  Dennis was not only a prolific peakbagger, but a runner, too.  At one point in his life, Dennis had helped set a world record in the 2 mile relay as a member of the University of Kansas track team.  In 2019, Dennis had won the 800 meter in the Huntsman World Championship in his age category.

Worrisome, actually.

If Dennis takes off running up all the mountains tomorrow, feel free to run right along with him, Loopster.  You know me.  Not even going to try to keep up.

5-4-22, 9:24 AM, Flag Mountain – Dennis had reassuringly promised not to run up any mountains, although it would have been fine if he did.  SPHP had no intention of slowing him down.  Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) wasn’t going to be a problem in any case.  A simple drive up.  After SPHP parked the RAV4 at the end of USFS Road No. 416, a set of stone steps was all that had to be managed to reach what was left of the old fire lookout tower up top.

The only real issue was the weather.  Although Flag Mountain normally offered sweeping views of a huge swath of territory E of the edge of the limestone plateau country, Lupe wasn’t going to get to show off her Black Hills to Dennis here today.  Foggy and snowing!

Loop and Dennis arriving at the end of USFS Road No. 416.
Heading up the stone steps.
On the summit ridge near the remnant of the fire lookout station. Photo looks E.

While Dennis searched for the survey benchmark shown on the map out along the W end of the summit ridge, Lupe got up on what was left of the lookout tower foundation wall.  Unfortunately, no hint of the usual grand view was to be seen.

Dennis searching for the survey benchmark. Photo looks W.
Looper up on the wall.

Dennis found no sign of the survey benchmark.  Loopster had been to Flag Mountain on half a dozen prior occasions.  SPHP kind of thought that she actually had seen the benchmark somewhere up here before, but couldn’t find it, either.

Stewy had a routine he went through at each mountain he visited.  It was interesting to see how he operated.  Verbal notes, some of which were based on his phone’s GPS, were taken by speaking into a portable recorder.  Date, time, distance traveled, elevation gain, exact location and elevation, weather and route conditions, what views were present, and anything else Dennis felt might be of interest were all mentioned.  This data would eventually serve as the basis of written records and a trip report which he would post online.

Since he usually traveled alone, Dennis also had a separate camera and tripod he could use to take a decent selfie at each summit.

Lupe and Stewy on Flag Mountain, their first Black Hills summit together.

Given the weather, there wasn’t much reason to linger.  As snowflakes continued to fall, everyone headed back down to the RAV4.

Down by the RAV4 again. Photo looks SW.

Since tomorrow’s forecast was much better, and Dennis had already spent the last 4 days since leaving home peakbagging, he was inclined to call it a day.  After all, why climb mountains in this soup, and not get to see much of anything?  In the meantime, he could relax in comfort while catching up on some of his record-keeping.

Made perfect sense, except for two things.  The next peak on Dennis’ list was Crows Nest Peak (7,048 ft.).  Although not all that far from Flag Mountain, Crows Nest wasn’t anywhere near the other Black Hills peaks Dennis still needed to tag.  A quick visit to Crows Nest while in the area made sense from the standpoint of efficiency alone.

Furthermore, Dennis wouldn’t miss out on a thing by making the jaunt up Crows Nest today.  At over 7,000 feet, Crows Nest Peak was certainly among the highest points of the entire Black Hills range, but incredibly misleadingly named.  The surrounding territory was gently rolling and mostly forested.  No distant views of, or from, the summit even on the best of days.

Lupe’s local expert advice was to climb Crows Nest today.  Stewy was willing to give it a shot.

5-4-22, 10:23 AM, Boles Canyon Road and USFS Road No. 117.5K – Lupe was happy!  She sniffed around while Dennis finished getting ready.  Although remote Crows Nest Peak was a favorite place, the Carolina Dog hadn’t been here since the day of her Mighty Dingo Missile Launch nearly 4 years ago.  This time, Loop was looking forward to an easy, and less painful, mile long romp up to the red dirt pond near the summit.

USFS Road 117.5K from Boles Canyon Road. Photo looks N.

A faint road took off to the SE through open territory from here.  Within just a few minutes, Dennis was ready to go.  Lupe, Stewy, and SPHP set off along the faint road, heading for the trees.

The faint road (Center beyond Lupe) serving as the start of the route to Crows Nest Peak. Photo looks SE.
Stewy and Lupe about to set out. Photo looks SE.

Upon reaching the forest, the faint road merged into USFS Road No. 266.  After passing through a gate in a barbed wire fence, the steepest part of the trek was ahead.  Nothing too difficult, culminating in a snowy stretch near the top.

On USFS Road No. 266, looking back toward Boles Canyon Road. Photo looks NW.
On the snowy stretch. Photo looks SE.
Getting near the top. Photo looks SE.

The snowy stretch ended and the road flattened out, becoming a sloppy mess as Lupe entered a clearing that had been logged off years ago.  No. 266 began angling E across the clearing.  Before long, it would lead to a side spur that went N up to the red dirt pond near the Crows Nest Peak summit, but there was little benefit to traipsing through the mud.

Abandoning the road, everyone headed NE, cutting across the clearing.  Lupe was soon in an aspen forest, hopping over deadfall and winding around bushes, as she worked her way up a slope.

In the clearing where No. 266 leveled out. Photo looks E.
Among the aspens.

As the terrain flattened out again, Lupe reached the spur that came up from No. 266.  The red dirt pond was just around the next bend.

Dennis and Loop across the red dirt pond. Photo looks SW.

The Crows Nest Peak survey benchmark was only 300 feet E of the pond, tucked away deeper into the forest.  Looper led Dennis right to it.  The surrounding terrain was so flat that, as far as could be determined, this really was the mighty true summit of Crows Nest Peak (7,048 ft.).

Dennis and Lupe on the death-defying summit of Crows Nest Peak! Survey benchmark in front of Lupe. Photo looks ESE.
The “Crow 1912” survey benchmark.

While Dennis set about documenting the ascent, SPHP noticed a wooden post roughly 50 feet E of the survey marker.  Going over to check it out, Lupe discovered directional survey marker No. 2 only a few feet away.

Stewy setting up for a selfie.
Photographing the survey benchmark.
The “Crow No. 2 1912” directional marker.

Having found the No. 2 directional marker, before departing an effort was made to locate the No. 1 marker.  Lupe, Stewy, and SPHP fanned out through the forest.  However, a 5 or 10 minute search yielded no results.

Well, Dennis was satisfied.  He’d done what he needed to do here.  Soon everyone was traipsing back past the red dirt pond again.

This was it for the day.  Not much effort had been required, but it had been a pleasant introductory outing with Stewy.  Lupe and SPHP had very much enjoyed being back in the limestone plateau country again.

About to head down USFS Road No. 266. Photo looks NW.
Near the end, with the RAV4 in sight. Photo looks NNW.

And the good news, of course, was that Expedition No. 303 was merely a warm-up for more ambitious adventures with Stewy tomorrow!

With Dennis “Stewy” Stewart on Crows Nest Peak, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-4-22

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 232 – Flag Mountain & the Dragon Caves with Cousin Dusty & Uncle Joe (5-26-18)

Bright and early Lupe was all corked up.  The lucky American Dingo’s enthusiasm soared higher yet when she realized another outing with Cousin Dusty and Uncle Joe was in the works.  Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) along the E edge of the western Black Hills limestone plateau country was today’s destination.

By 9:00 AM, Joe was parking the G6 at the start of a spur road off USFS Road No. 189.  The spur road gains nearly 400 feet of elevation in a little less than a mile before ending near the summit of Flag Mountain.  Lupe and Dusty could get a good romp in on the way to the top while Joe and SPHP chatted.

Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.) from the spur road leading up Flag Mountain. Photo looks S.

The trek up the spur road went by quickly.  Before long the end was in sight.  Leading the way, Dusty and Joe followed an old rock stairway to the top of Flag Mountain.

Approaching the end of the spur road. Photo looks NE.
A short flight of stairs at the end of the road winds up to the summit.
Dusty and Joe on top of Flag Mountain. Photo looks W.
This was Lupe’s 6th ascent, but Dusty & Joe had never been to Flag Mountain before.

Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.) used to sport a fire lookout tower at the E end of the summit ridge.  Part of the old rock foundation wall still exists.  Lupe got up on the wall for a look around.  Off to the W, the limestone plateau country was about as high as Flag Mountain, but the views to the N, E and S were fabulous.

Loop up on the old lookout tower foundation. The ridge on the L is Peak 6962. The more distant ridge beyond Lupe is White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.). Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) is even farther away at far R. Photo looks N.
Looking S now. Castle Rock (6,783 ft.), South Castle Rock (6,840 ft.) and Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.) appear clustered together on the L.

No one else was around when Dusty, Joe, Lupe and SPHP first arrived, but that didn’t last long at all.  This was the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.  Within a few minutes the roar of engines could be heard.  ATV’s appeared.  People started coming and going.  Dusty, Joe, Lupe and SPHP moved to the W end of the summit ridge to let others enjoy the views from the lookout point at the E end.

While a steady stream of people came and went, Joe began setting up his portable Ham radio.  A small pine tree provided good support for a 16.5 foot long antenna.

The Flag survey benchmark is located on the limestone summit ridge W of the old fire lookout tower foundation.
Numerous ATV’s came and went. Several are seen below at the end of the spur road. Parts of Deerfield Reservoir are in sight beyond Reynolds Prairie. Photo looks SSE.

The original plan had been for Joe to “activate” Flag Mountain using the Summits on the Air (SOTA) website.  On prior trips to the Black Hills, Joe had activated Custer Peak, Boulder Hill and Silver Mountain.  Joe had gotten a huge, essentially overwhelming response each time.  Summits on the Air had been a blast!

Unfortunately, when Joe tried to schedule an activation alert for Flag Mountain on the SOTA website yesterday evening, there no longer seemed to be a way to do it.  Something had changed.  Despite best efforts, neither Joe nor SPHP could figure out the problem.  The system now seemed to require a second password and wouldn’t take anything Joe submitted.  Phooey!

Summits on the Air or not, Joe was planning on transmitting Morse Code from Flag Mountain.  Of course, without an activation alert scheduled, whether anyone would pick it up was uncertain.  Another potential problem was that the 11 year sunspot cycle is at its low point during 2018.  Conditions for transmitting radio waves tend to be poor.

Joe getting ready to transmit from Flag Mountain with American Dingo Lupe standing by ready for action! Photo looks NE.
A small pine tree provided support for a 16.5 foot antenna. The setup also included 4 lateral wires running out from the center.

Dusty relaxed in the shade of the pine tree supporting the antenna.  Lupe, however, stayed on alert near Joe.  She knew how this worked.  Her job was to bark a warning if anyone showed up and started getting too close to the thin lateral wires strung out from the antenna.

Lupe on the alert for intruders. Her job was to bark if anyone else showed up and got too close to any of the wires.
Dusty relaxing happily in the shade.

So he could hear better and wouldn’t get too many questions about what was going on, Joe waited until a quiet period when all the people and ATV’s had left before beginning to transmit.

Right away Joe had good news!  Some sort of amateur radio contest was going on.  Hundreds of people were on the airwaves!  And despite the unfavorable sunspot cycle, the atmospheric conditions were excellent.  Joe stayed busy making contacts from around the nation.  He could even hear stronger stations in Europe and South America.

Joe & Lupe broadcasting live from Flag Mountain!
Joe’s portable radio.
Despite not being able to set up a Summits on the Air alert this time, Joe stayed plenty busy making successful contacts with other Ham radio operators. Photo looks N toward White Tail Peak.

After a good half hour of Ham radio fun, Joe was satisfied.  Time to pack it all up, and think about heading back down the mountain.

Joe and lateral wire defender, Lupe, after the Ham radio fun was over. Defending the wires had been a cinch. No one had come along to threaten them. Photo looks ENE.
Lupe, Joe & Dusty ready to depart. Photo looks E.
Heading back down. Photo looks SW.

On the way back to the G6, there was some discussion about possibly climbing nearby Nipple Butte (6,800), too.  However, the day was warm beneath a cloudless sky.  Cooler activities sounded like more fun.  Joe drove while SPHP gave directions on how to get to the Dragon Caves.

About 3 miles SW of Deerfield Reservoir on USFS Road No. 291 is a turn to the W onto a bridge over Ditch Creek.  This is the start of USFS Road No. 385.  Immediately past the bridge a dusty side road goes straight on up a little hill.  The Dragon Caves are right around a bend to the R (N).

Apparently the Dragon Caves are no great secret.  Hordes of ATV’s were coming down the hill when Dusty, Joe, Lupe and SPHP arrived.  While the dust they stirred up settled, Dusty and Lupe gladly took advantage of this opportunity to cool off in Ditch Creek.

Lupe in Ditch Creek. Cooling off in the creek was way better than a hot climb up another mountain.
Dusty takes a turn in Ditch Creek, too.

When the last of the ATV’s left, everyone headed up to the Dragon Caves.  SPHP wasn’t sure what Joe was expecting of “Dragon Caves”, but he may have been surprised to see 3 huge horizontal shafts disappearing into the mountainside.  The openings really were large enough for dragons!

Dusty, Joe and Lupe arrive at the Dragon Caves.

No one else was around when Dusty, Joe, Lupe and SPHP walked into the middle cave.  The air was much cooler than out in the sunshine only a few feet away.  A vast dimly lit corridor led into the mountain.

Perhaps 100 feet in, the corridor met up with similar corridors coming from the other two cave openings.  Several more passages went off in other directions.  Despite the size of the openings, it was rather dark this far from the entrance.  SPHP brought out a small flashlight.  It helped, but the batteries were low.  The huge caverns remained dimly lit.

Joe at the end of the middle cave looking toward other passages.
Dusty and Joe head farther in.

Joe doesn’t really believe much in dragons.  As a geologist, he puzzled over why anyone would go to such expense as to mine out huge passages like this in sedimentary rock?  Lupe, however, wasn’t so sanguine.

SPHP, don’t you think we better get out of here before the dragons return? Those ATV’ers probably stole all the dragon’s treasures while they are away. The dragons are going to be mighty unhappy when they get back and find us here instead of their piles of loot!

None of the passages seemed to go much farther into the mountain.  A few looked like they had caved in.  The only clue to Joe’s question about why anyone would mine out a place like this was an odd discontinuity in the rock.  A smooth, vertical wall of rock of a different color completely blocked one passage.

Lupe immediately suspected a magical door, but didn’t say so to avoid unnerving everyone else.  What if the dragons were still actually at home just beyond it?  Joe wondered out loud about that apparent fault line, too, but the notion of a magical door isn’t the sort of conclusion an experienced geologist is apt to leap to at first blush.

Joe takes a picture while Dusty sniffs for clues.

Fortunately, the magical door never did open.  Although the outside world seemed very bright and hotter than ever, the American Dingo was relieved when the exploratory tour of the mysterious Dragon Caves was finally over.  Joe wanted to go up on top of the hill over the Dragon Caves to see if any clues about the local geology could be discovered.  Everyone made a brief foray up into the forest above the caves.

Disappointingly, nothing of geological note was really to be seen above, although stands of lovely wild irises were blooming on the way there.

Wild iris.

Back down below, Joe noticed a pile of big brown rocks some distance from the front of the Dragon Caves.  These large rocks showed signs of mineralization, but nothing significant enough to justify the amount of excavation evident here.  The Dragon Caves remained a mystery.

As far as the Carolina Dog was concerned, that was fine with her.  At least the dragons hadn’t returned to explain it all in fiery detail.

After visiting the Dragon Caves, enough time remained in the day for a couple more quick sightseeing excursions.  Ditch Creek campground was only a mile S of the Dragon Caves.  Maybe Dusty and Joe would like to see it?  The whole place was packed with people when Dusty, Joe, Lupe & SPHP arrived, but Loop and Dusty managed to sneak in another quick plunge into clear, cold Ditch Creek.

Looper and Dusty at Ditch Creek again, this time near the Ditch Creek campground a mile S of the Dragon Caves.

Staying cool had become a theme on this warm day.  The final stop was at Deerfield Reservoir.  Dusty and Joe had seen Deerfield Lake for the first time only yesterday during Expedition No. 231 to Hat Mountain (6,779 ft.).  The lake had been a hit then, and Cousin Dusty was looking forward to another refreshing swim while fetching sticks.

W end of Deerfield Reservoir. Photo looks W.
Oh, yeah! What a great way to end the day!
Dusty and her prized stick du jour.

The afternoon wore on.  The time came to return to Grandma’s house for dinner, and an evening of fun and relaxation.  Tomorrow, Cousin Dusty and Uncle Joe were going with Aunt Andrea down to David & Mush’s 40 acre ranch in the southern Black Hills.  Lupe wouldn’t see them again before they all left for home in Arvada, Colorado.

Lupe’s adventures with Cousin Dusty and Uncle Joe were over for now.  Dull days laying around resting up at home were ahead, but not too many of them.  June was almost here!  The Carolina Dog didn’t know it yet, but soon she would be setting off on her first big Summer of 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming and beyond!

Cousin Dusty & Uncle Joe in the Dragon Caves, Black Hills, SD 5-26-18

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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.

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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. 106 – Smith Mountain and Flag Mountain (11-28-14)

Black Friday.  The day after Thanksgiving.  The day everyone celebrates being totally over-stuffed with delicious turkey and all the trimmings by spending a fortune Christmas shopping online or at the mall.  Well, not quite everyone.  American Dingoes neglect their patriotic duty to keep the economy humming.  They prefer to go on adventures instead!

At 10:06 AM (50°F), SPHP parked the G6 at the Newton Lake (a pond, really) trailhead a few miles NW of Hill City just off Deerfield Road.  Time to start working off a few zillion calories!  The N end of Smith Mountain (5,897 ft.) was immediately to the W.  Lupe couldn’t just go W, though, to get there.  The Newton Fork of Spring Creek, too big to simply leap across, was in the way.

Lupe and SPHP crossed Deerfield Road and got on the Mickelson Trail heading WNW.  The trail was covered with 6″ of snow.  Lupe and SPHP trudged along, burning calories already.  The trail soon crossed Newton Creek at a very nice bridge.  0.5 mile after Lupe got on the trail, she was a little N of the N end of Smith Mountain.  Lupe and SPHP left the Mickelson Trail, climbed up the embankment to Deerfield Road, and crossed over to the S side of the highway.

Smith Mountain was the first of 3 peakbagging objectives Lupe had for the day.  The other two, Flag Mountain (5,896 ft.) and Campaign Hill (5,800 ft.), were both S of Smith Mountain.  Smith Mountain is a nearly mile long ridge running N/S.  Lupe and SPHP started climbing the slope at the N end of the ridge.  There was quite a lot of deadfall timber to work past, and snow everywhere, too.  By the time Lupe reached the first little saddle where she could see over to the W side of the mountain, the sun was so warm SPHP had to stop and take off a jacket.

Lupe gained the top of the ridge close to the highest point at the very N end of Smith Mountain.  If there had been fewer trees blocking the view, she would have gone to the very top of the N high point to take a look at Lowden Mountain (6,055 ft.) a mile to the N.  Instead, Lupe headed S along the ridge looking for the true summit of Smith Mountain.  She came to a couple of high spots definitely higher than the N high point.  SPHP thought the second one she came to was likely the true summit.

Lupe at the 2nd high point S of the northernmost high point on Smith Mountain.
Lupe at the 2nd high point S of the northernmost high point on Smith Mountain.

Lupe continued S along the Smith Mountain ridge.  This part of the forest had been thinned before the pine bark beetle infestation started.  There was far less deadfall timber to contend with.  The remaining trees were healthier.  More sunlight could reach the ground between them, so there wasn’t nearly as much snow around.  It was far easier to move along, and Lupe and SPHP caught better glimpses of the views to E.

The ridge started angling a little more to the SSE.  After having lost some elevation, Lupe was climbing again.  As Lupe went higher and higher, SPHP began to realize that Lupe hadn’t actually reached the true summit of Smith Mountain yet; it was still ahead.

Lupe didn’t have very far to go to reach it.  Soon she was sniffing around much bigger rock formations at the true summit of Smith Mountain.  The highest rocks were so huge, she couldn’t actually get up on top of them, but she climbed up almost as high.  SPHP lifted her up so she could put her front paws on the highest rock, just a foot or two below the very highest point, which was out of reach to the W.

Lupe at the true summit of Smith Mountain. She climbed higher than shown here, and SPHP lifted her up so her paws could touch the big rocks within just a foot or two of the very top. That was close enough! The American Dingo was claiming a peakbagging success! Dingoes are practical, not purists. Photo looks W.
Lupe at the true summit of Smith Mountain. She climbed higher than shown here, and SPHP lifted her up so her paws could touch the big rocks within just a foot or two of the very top. That was close enough! The American Dingo was claiming a peakbagging success! Dingoes are practical, not purists. Photo looks W.

From the true summit, Lupe and SPHP continued only a little way farther SSE along the ridge before turning more to the SSW to start losing elevation.  Lupe stayed high enough on the mountain to avoid a couple of draws that drained W.  Eventually the terrain sloped more to the SSW.  Lupe and SPHP headed down.

Suddenly there was the sound of gunfire!  Hunters were about.  Lupe was instantly alarmed.  She insisted on stopping.  SPHP found a dry spot.  Lupe and SPHP took a break just sitting on the pine needles on the forest floor.  Lupe wasn’t hungry, but SPHP ate a tangerine and a few carrot sticks.  The gunfire had come from quite some distance to the S or SW.

A little while after the gunfire ended, SPHP was ready to move on.  Reluctantly, Lupe tagged along close by.  Almost as soon as Lupe started off again, SPHP spotted a road ahead.  SPHP didn’t realize it at the time, but this was USFS Road No. 386.1B.  Lupe reached it at a bend at the NE corner of a big clearing.  She could follow the road W or S.  Lupe and SPHP headed S in the direction of Flag and Campaign mountains.  There was quite a bit of snow and ice gradually melting on the road.

Eventually, No. 386.1B began turning E to go around the S end of Smith Mountain.  Lupe left the road continuing S.  Before long, she reached a big field extending E/W down in the Patterson Creek valley.  Lupe crossed the field.  Patterson Creek meandered along the S side of the field.  It had plenty of water in it, and was flowing along quite nicely.  Fortunately, the creek was just small enough to leap over.  Both Lupe and SPHP made it across without difficulty.

Near the S side of Patterson Creek was a snowy road going E/W.  A quick check to the W revealed a dead end.  The road went farther E following the Patterson Creek valley downstream.  Lupe went just a little way E on the road, before turning S to start the climb up Flag Mountain.  There was quite a bit of snow on the ground here, and some deadfall timber, too.  Lupe succeeded in avoiding most of the snow and some of the deadfall timber by climbing up a little ridge approaching Flag Mountain from the NNE.

The last 200 feet of elevation gain up the N slope of Flag Mountain was different.  It was fairly steep, full of snow and choked with deadfall.  Lupe had lots of time to sniff around in the shattered forest while SPHP struggled up the mountain.  Meanwhile, the sunnier skies Lupe enjoyed earlier in the day disappeared.  A cold breeze started up out of the WNW.  The mood had turned a bit gloomy by the time Lupe and SPHP made it to the top of Flag Mountain.

The summit area was a little surprising.  It was as big as several houses, and mostly level.  The biggest part was toward the E where the ground was mostly grassy, with trees along the N and NE perimeters.  The very highest point was near the W end, where the summit was much rockier and narrower.  The rocks weren’t very large.  Lupe hopped up on top for a look around.  There were quite a few trees around, but she could see Harney Peak (7,242 ft.) to the SE.

Lupe reaches the summit of Flag Mountain. Photo looks SE toward Harney Peak.
Lupe reaches the summit of Flag Mountain. Photo looks SE toward Harney Peak.

Harney Peak (L) with a little help from the telephoto lens.

The most wide open views from Flag Mountain were toward the E and S from the larger E portion of the summit area.  There were a few bushes, but no trees along the SE perimeter to block the view.  The most impressive view was SE toward Harney Peak, but Lupe also had a pretty good view off to the ENE toward Five Points (6,221 ft.).

Harney Peak from Flag Mountain. Photo looks SE.
Harney Peak from Flag Mountain. Photo looks SE.
Five Points is the wavy ridge on the R. Privately named False North Point is the pointy peak on the L. Looking ENE from Flag Mountain.
Five Points is the wavy ridge on the R. Privately named False North Point is the pointy peak on the L. Looking ENE from Flag Mountain.

Lupe had now climbed 2 of her 3 peakbagging goals for the day, Smith and Flag Mountains.  Her 3rd goal, Campaign Hill was supposed to be just 0.5 mile S of Flag Mountain, but at first glance, SPHP did not see it.  After looking more carefully from the SE edge of the Flag Mountain summit, SPHP saw the E end of a low forested hill to the S.  It seemed too low to be Campaign Hill, but after consulting the maps again, that had to be it.

Campaign Hill wasn’t very far away, but the S slope of Flag Mountain was too steep to go directly down that way.  SPHP got cold feet.  No, really, truly cold feet.  SPHP’s old boots leaked badly.  After tramping around for hours in melting snow, SPHP’s feet were totally sopping wet.  They had been that way essentially the whole day.  Now, standing around on Flag Mountain in the cold breeze, SPHP’s feet felt like they were freezing up.

The sun was low in the sky, but there were still a couple of hours left before sunset.  Lupe and SPHP hadn’t gone all that far as the crow flies, but it had taken a long time to get to Flag Mountain with all the snow and deadfall timber along the way.  It might take quite a while to get back, too.  SPHP needed to start moving to get the circulation going again.  Decision time.

Well, no sense risking frostbite.  Campaign Hill would still be there another day.  Lupe and SPHP started slowly back down the N slope of Flag Mountain through the snow and deadfall timber again.  Lupe went all the way back down the mountain to the Patterson Creek valley again.

Looking W up the Patterson Creek valley on the way back to the G6.
Looking W up the Patterson Creek valley on the way back to the G6.

Lupe and SPHP crossed Patterson Creek and went over to the N side of the field.  Since there was no need to climb Smith Mountain again, Lupe and SPHP followed the fence along the edge of the field heading W up the valley to see what was there.  The field branched out into two even bigger fields, one to the SW and one to the NW.  Two big spruce trees stood near an old abandoned cabin where the fields met.  It was a pretty spot.

This old abandoned cabin is about 1 mile SSW of Smith Mountain. Photo looks SSW.
This old abandoned cabin is about 1 mile SSW of Smith Mountain. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe continued along the NE edge of the field heading N along the fence line.  The field soon divided again.  One arm of it went off to the W.  The other arm turned and went N a long way.  SPHP could see a home way up toward the far N end.  The fields were probably private property.  Lupe and SPHP decided to angle NNE through the forest, hoping to find USFS Road No. 386.1B again somewhere W of Smith Mountain.

Lupe did find No. 386.1B again near the big clearing where she had first reached it earlier in the day on the way to Flag Mountain.  This time, Lupe followed No. 386.1B going N.  The road wound around a little, but most of the time made steady progress to the N.  Along the way, Lupe was exploring new territory W of Smith Mountain.  She saw deer and squirrels in the forest, so she was having some fun.

After a little while, SPHP saw an intersection up ahead.  As Lupe got close to the intersection, her fun suddenly ended.  A shot rang out very close by.  Hunters again!  This time much, much closer.  Lupe wanted to hide near a big tree close to the intersection.  SPHP complied.  Several more shots rang out.  SPHP knew Lupe wasn’t going anywhere until they stopped.

Ten minutes of silence went by.  SPHP headed for the intersection.  Lupe didn’t want to go, but was scared to be left behind.  The side road was marked No. 386.1F.  It went NNE and looked like a shortcut back to the G6 compared to No. 386.1B, which would take a very long way around to the NW.  From the intersection, SPHP saw the hunter’s pickup truck parked not too far away along No. 386.1F.

Another shot rang out.  Lupe and SPHP retreated SW to a big rock.  SPHP sat and looked at maps, while Lupe huddled as close as she could get.  The maps showed it would have been faster to take No. 386.1B around the E side of Smith Mountain from Patterson Creek.  Too late for that!  No. 386.1F was definitely a shortcut back to the G6 from here.  It would save at least a mile compared to staying on No. 386.1B.

After it had been quiet for a while again, Lupe and SPHP returned to the intersection and started NNE on No. 386.1F.  Within a few minutes, Lupe was past the hunter’s pickup truck.  The road was snowy and icy.  There were lots of tracks in the snow.  There must have been quite a few hunters.  Lupe saw a couple of them to the E higher up on Smith Mountain.  One waved.  SPHP waved back, but did not stop.  No more shots were heard.

No. 386.1F led down into a big draw NNW of Smith Mountain.  Lower down, the road became so choked with deadfall timber, Lupe and SPHP left it.  The mountain slopes seemed easier going than the road.  The sun set.  For just a few minutes, there was a beautifully colored sky to the SW.

It was 4:59 PM (41°F), and getting pretty dark by the time Lupe and SPHP reached the G6 again.  SPHP’s feet were still cold, but moving on the long march back had helped.  They weren’t as cold as they had been standing around on top of Flag Mountain.  Carolina Dogs have great circulation.  SPHP felt Lupe’s paws.  They were practically burning hot!  It felt good just holding them!  Lupe just grinned.

Sunset from down in the draw along USFS Road No. 386.1F near the NW end of Smith Mountain.
Sunset from down in the draw along USFS Road No. 386.1F near the NW end of Smith Mountain.

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