Mitchell Peak – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Dog Tooth Peak & Mitchell Peak, Wind River Range, WY – Part 2: Dog Tooth Paradise to the Summits! (7-4-22)

Day 19 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

6:53 AM, base camp at Dog Tooth Paradise – A few raindrops had fallen on the tiny house at first light, but the morning was cool and fair now. Some high clouds, but they weren’t at all threatening as Lupe stood in a light SW breeze on the bedrock of the 10,200+ ft. ridge.

Behind her, the upper half of War Bonnet Peak (10,369 ft.) and tiptop of Sundance Pinnacle (11,054 ft.) were in sunshine. Beyond Jackass Pass in the distance, Pingora Peak (11,884 ft.), mighty guardian of the Cirque of the Towers, was bathed in sunlight, too.

**Sundance Pinnacle** (L), **War Bonnet Peak** (Center), **Pingora Peak** (R). Photo looks NW.

Wow! What a spectacular setting, and we haven’t even set out yet! We are in for one fabulous day sweet puppy!

I’ve been thinking, SPHP. Let’s climb Dog Tooth Peak (12,488 ft.) first. It’s closest, highest, and my top priority.

Don’t want to miss out on ol’ Dingo Fang, aye, Loopster? Consider this, though, Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.) is a mere 6 feet lower, and will have the grandest view of the Cirque of the Towers. Ought to be able to see Lonesome Lake, too. Furthermore, if things go well, provided we start with Mitchell, Dog Tooth and Big Sandy Mountain (12,416 ft.) might both be possible. Since it’s in the middle, climbing Dog Tooth first means an either/or choice from there.

Still quite a few clouds around, SPHP. I’d rather not take a chance on the weather deteriorating and not make it to Dog Tooth Peak. Since Mitchell is your highest priority, we can do that next.

And it doesn’t bother you to forfeit any chance at Big Sandy, Loop?

SPHP, yesterday you said yourself that we probably couldn’t get to all 3 in a single day. So, let’s not bite off more than we can chew, and focus on what’s most important to us.

Alrighty, then! Sounds like a plan. Onward! Puppy, ho!

About to set out for **Dog Tooth Peak** (R) and **Mitchell Peak** (L). Photo looks NE.

Leaving the 10,200+ ft. ridge, Lupe headed NE down into the heart of Dog Tooth Paradise. After leaping over the tributary of North Creek flowing through the center of this incredibly beautiful valley, Loopster began her ascent of Dog Tooth Peak (12,488 ft.) from a little S of Dog Tooth Waterslide, which she’d visited yesterday evening.

Starting up **Dog Tooth Peak**. Photo looks NE.

Nearly 2,300 feet to the top, up every step of the way! Although steepish, the initial climb was very enjoyable, and really not hard at all. Looper traveled along exposed bedrock, winding her way higher through a thin, scattered forest that had sprung up wherever a bit of soil presented an opportunity. In some places, small streams ran through green meadows below big shelves of rock.

By the time the Carolina Dog was 400 feet above Dog Tooth Paradise, she was above most of the trees. The views were already tremendous! To the S, Temple Peak (12,972 ft.), Scheistler Peak (12, 640 ft.), and much of Big Sandy Lake were in sight. Continuing to climb, Lupe roamed at will over huge slabs of bedrock. Watered by snow melt trickling down the rocks, a fair amount of low vegetation remained.

Above the forest. **Mitchell Peak** (Center). Photo looks N.

**Temple Peak** (L), **Schiestler Peak** (Center), and **Big Sandy Lake** (R). Photo looks S.

Continuing up the slabs. **Mitchell Peak** (Center). Photo looks N.

Wandering a series of small ledges. **Dog Tooth Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

The rate of climb steepened. SPHP was forced to stop to gasp for air more and more often. Lupe relaxed or sniffed about as she saw fit. To the NW, Pylon Peak (12,378 ft.), Watch Tower (12,326 ft.), Sharks Nose (12,229 ft.), Overhanging Tower (12,164 ft.), and Wolfs Head (12,160 ft.) all came into sight strung out along the Cirque of the Towers beyond Jackass Pass.

**War Bonnet Peak** (L), **Mitchell Peak** (R). At Center in the gap from L to R: **Pylon Peak**, **Watch Tower**, **Sharks Nose**, **Overhanging Tower**, and **Wolfs Head**. Photo looks NW.

The slabs went on and on, but finally did come to an end. Lupe entered a region of rougher terrain. Fortunately, lanes of vegetation provided relatively easy routes higher. Although these lanes never completely disappeared, they became scarcer and scarcer.

Entering rougher terrain above the slabs. **Dog Tooth Peak** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

The rocks grew bigger. For a long way, Loopster leapt from boulder to boulder on steep fields of large talus. SPHP was terrible at this. Progress was dreadfully slow. Some scrambling was required, none of it too scary with a little caution.

Near the top, the rate of climb diminished. Suddenly there was much more greenery again. An easy stroll led to a football field size plain strewn with boulders, many of which laid conveniently flat.

Getting close to the top. Photo looks S.

SPHP was initially disappointed to see that the high point a little to the S that Lupe had been climbing toward wasn’t actually the true summit. A bouldery 60 foot high ridge NE of it was clearly higher. Almost a vertical wall, getting up there looked problematic, maybe impossible. Happily, an even higher ridge was a little farther N.

Although similar in appearance, this N ridge wasn’t quite as daunting.

Arriving at **Dog Tooth Peak’s summit plain**. **S high point** that Lupe had been climbing toward (L of Center). Photo looks S.

The daunting **NE ridge**. Photo looks ENE.

That’s it, SPHP! Dog Tooth Peak’s true summit! Look toward the L, I see a cairn up there.

Oh, yeah! You’re right, Looper! I see it too now. Hoo-girl, not sure if we can get up there or not. Looks dicey near the top.

Well, someone must have done it, SPHP, or there wouldn’t be a cairn.

Yeah, yeah, I know. That doesn’t mean we can. Before we break our necks trying, why don’t we have a look from those rocks over by the S edge. A lot easier to get to, and I bet there’s a splendid view.

Wandering over that way among the boulders, only a little super easy scramble was required to reach some nice flat perches along the S edge. Spread out before Lupe was a magnificent scene. Big Sandy Mountain (12,416 ft.), the mountain she wasn’t going to get to visit, was only a mile SSE. Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.), East Temple Peak (12,600 ft.), and Temple Peak (12.972 ft.) were all beautifully arrayed beyond it. Part of Deep Lake was in sight, too.

**Big Sandy Mountain** (L of Center) in the foreground. **Wind River Peak** (L), **East Temple Peak** (Center), **Temple Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

After a leisurely look at this fabulous scene, it was time to take on that N ridge! Lupe headed back that way.

Bound for the **N ridge** (L). **NE ridge** (R) Photo looks NNE.

A scramble on big talus went slowly, but successfully to a near vertical wall near the top. Almost there, but getting spicey! Lupe couldn’t go any higher.

Hang on, Loopster! I’ll give you a boost!

Carefully, carefully, SPHP lifted the Carolina Dog as high as possible.

Now, Loop! Go!

Clawing her way forward, Lupe made it. Suddenly she was above SPHP, smiling back. Not from the summit, but it couldn’t be much higher.

*Come on up, SPHP! The mountain’s fine!* Photo looks ESE.

SPHP joined Lupe. That successful boost had been key. One last dicey scramble move was all it took. Child’s play to any real rock climber!

11:39 AM, 56ºF, Dog Tooth Peak (12,488 ft.) – Splendor was all around as the American Dingo stood next to the summit cairn in a 15 mph SW breeze. She’d made it. Lupe was here! A dream come true!

At **Dog Tooth Peak’s true summit**. **Wind River Peak** (L), **Big Sandy Mountain** (L of Center), **East Temple Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSE.

Oh, and what a dream it was!

SPHP, look at where we are! Really, truly on Dog Tooth Peak!

Yes, we are! Can you believe it? Congratulations, Loopster!

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw. She started to grin.

On **Dog Tooth Peak**. **East Temple Peak** (far L), **Temple Peak** (L). Photo looks S.

It’s a 4th of July to remember, SPHP!

Indeed it is! And we haven’t even gotten to Mitchell Peak, yet.

Oh, we will, SPHP! Just you wait and see. First, though, we’re spending some time right here.

SPHP sat on the huge rock supporting the cairn. Consisting mostly of flat-lying boulders and a few patches of dirt, the summit region was plenty big to move around on easily enough, but comfy spots were in short supply. Lupe decided curling up on SPHP’s lap was her best bet.

Seems to be chocolate coconut bar time, Looper! What do you think?

Thought you’d never ask, SPHP! Bring it on!

So many awesome views from up here, it was hard to know even where to start, but Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.), monarch of the SE end of the Wind River Range, was certainly high on the list. It was the 4th highest mountain Lupe had ever climbed, nearly 5 years ago now.

**Wind River Peak** (R of Center), **Big Sandy Mountain** (R), **East Temple Peak** (far R). Photo looks SE.

**Wind River Peak** (Center). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

Naturally, that same glorious view of Big Sandy Mountain (12,416 ft.) with Wind River Peak, East Temple Peak (12,600 ft.), and Temple Peak (12,972 ft.) on display beyond it that Lupe had seen from down along the S edge was even better now.

**Wind River Peak** (L), **Big Sandy Mountain** (Center), **East Temple Peak** (R of Center), and **Temple Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

From way up here, Peak 11930 and Schiestler Peak (11,640 ft.) more to the SSW looked small in comparison. Nearly 3,000 feet lower than Dog Tooth, Big Sandy Lake was in sight, too. Bunion Mountain (11,905 ft.) and Laturio Mountain (11,342 ft.) were SW, along with that pipsqueak Sundance Pinnacle (11,054 ft.).

**East Temple Peak** (far L), **Temple Peak** (L), **Peak 11930** (Center), **Schiestler Peak** (R), **Big Sandy Lake** (far R). Photo looks SSW.

**Laturio Mountain** (far L), **Sundance Pinnacle** (lower L), **Bunion Mountain** (L), **War Bonnet Peak** (Center), **Warrior Peaks** (R of Center). Photo looks W.

Perhaps the grandest scene, and one of intense interest, was to the NW where War Bonnet Peak (12,369 ft.) and Warrior Peaks (12,406 ft.) on the L, together with Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.) on the R, framed Pylon Peak (12,378 ft.), Watch Tower (12,326 ft.), and several other pinnacles of the Cirque of the Towers.

**War Bonnet Peak** (far L), **Warrior Peaks** (L), **Pylon Peak** (L of Center), **Watch Tower** (R of Center), **Mitchell Peak** (far R). Photo looks NW.

Looking NW between Mitchell Peak and Lizard Head Peak (12,842 ft.), a sea of partially snow-clad mountains extended beyond vision along the spine of the Wind River Range. Real giants were on the horizon, but too far away to identify.

Looking NW along the **spine of the Wind River Range**. **Mitchell Peak** (L).

Only 2 miles away, Lizard Head Peak, had a fearsome appearance.

**Lizard Head Peak**. Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.

Holy cow, Loopster! And to think that at one time I thought we might be able to climb Lizard Head. That ain’t gonna happen!

We could climb it with a helicopter, SPHP!

Across the gigantic canyon of the North Popo Agie River, both Bear Lake and another smaller lake were visible E of Lizard Head. An enormous ridge was beyond them, with many minor summits along it. Peak 12,539 was the highest point. Cathedral Peak (12,326 ft.) was somewhere way out toward the N end.

**Lizard Head** (L edge), **Bear Lake** (L), and **Peak 12539** (R). Photo looks N.

The North Popo Agie River canyon extended E more than 6 miles to a big bend where it curved NE. Mount Chevo (11,423 ft.) was in sight beyond the bend.

**Mount Chevo** (R of Center) beyond the **North Popo Agie River canyon**. Photo looks E.

12:41 PM – Mitchell Peak was calling! Lupe’s wonderful, precious hour on Dog Tooth Peak was drawing to a close. The American Dingo stood next to the summit cairn for the last time with the fabulous panorama to the S beyond her.

Hate to go, but are you ready, Loop?

As ready as I’ll ever be, SPHP. I wish it wasn’t over, but I feel blessed to have ever been here. Thanks for agreeing to come here first.

Dingo Fang is a splendid summit, Looper. Glad we came!

Me too, but the adventure continues, SPHP!

Indeed it did! A very cautious initial descent succeeded in getting past the tricky, assistance-required spot. Returning to the football field size plain, the Carolina Dog turned NW toward Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.).

Setting out for **Mitchell Peak** (far R). **Bunion Peak** (far L), **War Bonnet Peak** & **Warrior Peaks** (L), **Cirque of the Towers** (Center). Photo looks NW.

It was a slow go. Gradually losing elevation, Lupe leapt from boulder to boulder across an endless mountainside of big talus. Far ahead, a rock formation extending SW down from the ridge leading to Mitchell Peak appeared to present an insurmountable barrier.

See that gap toward the lower end of the long wall of rock, Looper? Head for it. Let’s try to get through there.

The cool SW wind had been strengthening all day. As the Carolina Dog finally reached the wall of rock, it roared 50 mph through the gap. A bit of scrambling was required to even get up to the gap, a task the gale made even more of a challenge.

Lupe made it, though. Soon she was standing in the wild wind on large, flat rocks N of the gap. Mitchell Peak was now directly ahead.

**Mitchell Peak** (Center) from near the gap. **Lizard Head Peak** (R). Photo looks NW.

A short descent on more big talus got Lupe down to much easier terrain. Only scattered rocks were here on a sloping plain of low vegetation. The wind wasn’t nearly as bad, either. Staying well below the giant saddle way up along the ridge to the NE, Loop continued NW toward the slope SW of Mitchell’s cliffy summit block.

Approaching **Mitchell Peak**. Lupe aimed for that highest blip (L) on the W ridge. Photo looks NW.

The climb got steep pretty fast, but lanes of vegetation made it fairly easy for quite a long way. Eventually, Lupe had to scramble up some big talus again, but not too far. It was clear that being any farther E toward Mitchell’s summit block would have been much worse.

Above the largest talus, the route wasn’t quite as steep. Life got easier. Loopster was thrilled when she came to a couple of snowfields melting away in the July sun, but they were too soft to cross without post-holing. Going around them was a bit of a pain. 150 feet above the uppermost snowbank, Lupe reached a broad plain 300 or 400 feet E of a big knob of rock along Mitchell Peak’s upper W ridge.

High on **Mitchell Peak’s SW slope**. Photo looks NE.

On the upper W ridge. **War Bonnet Peak** (L), **Pylon Peak** (R). Photo looks WSW.

Covered with large, flat-lying rocks, and a fair amount of low vegetation, the plain sloped gradually down to the N toward sheer, unseen cliffs. To the E, it rose toward the summit.

Heading for the **summit**. Photo looks ENE.

The hard part was over! Sweeping around the N side of the summit block, Lupe went virtually unimpeded all the way to the top.

4:38 PM, 55ºF, Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.) – The wind was 25 mph, still out of the SW, when Lupe reached a summit region of massive boulders. A puny 3 rock cairn sat on the tremendous rock that supported the very highest one, which hung partly out into space toward the S.

**True summit** (Center), piddly cairn (R), **War Bonnet Peak** (far R). Photo looks SW.

On **Mitchell Peak’s true summit**. **East Temple Peak** (far L), **Temple Peak** (L), **Peak 11930** (Center). Photo looks S.

What can be said? The amazing 360º panorama from Mitchell Peak was in many ways similar to the one from Dog Tooth Peak only a mile SE. Even so, if anything, the views were even more superb here. One view in particular had made an ascent of Mitchell Peak a goal for years.

Oh, my gosh, Loopster! Look at that! The entire Cirque of the Towers!

Wow, this must be the best vantage point possible, SPHP! We’re looking down on all of them!

Yup, just by a little bit, though. The only thing that might be better would to be right on top of one of those towers so close to the rest.

I’d choose Pingora Peak (11,884 ft.), SPHP, it’s so cool looking.

An excellent choice, Looper! Wolfs Head (12,160 ft.) appears so narrow and sharp it would slice us in two.

No reason to worry about that. Neither Lupe nor SPHP would ever be on any of them. They were all there, though, Warrior Peaks (12,406 ft.), Pylon Peak (12,378 ft.), Block Tower (12,210 ft.), Sharks Nose (12,229 ft.) , Overhanging Tower (12,164 ft.), and Bollinger Peak (12,232 ft.).

The famous **Cirque of the Towers** (L) from Mitchell Peak. **Pingora Peak** (Center). Photo looks NW.

**Warrior Peaks** (L), **Cirque of the Towers** (Center), **Pingora Peak** (R). Photo looks WNW.

**Pylon Peak** (L), **Watch Tower** (L of Center), **Block Tower** and **Sharks Nose** (Center), **Overhanging Tower** (R of Center), **Pingora Peak** (far R) with **Wolfs Head** (slightly L), **Bollinger Peak** and **Mount Geikie** (R) beyond. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.

While the Cirque of the Towers was spell-binding, there was so much else to see, too! Lizard Head Peak (12,842 ft.) was only 1.5 miles N. Lupe could see little Skunk Knob (11,099 ft.) SE of it, where she had once been years ago. E of Lizard Head was Peak 12539‘s giant ridge.

**Lizard Head Peak** (R), **Skunk Knob** (lower L). Photo looks NNW.

**Lizard Head Peak** (Center). Photo looks N.

**Peak 12539** (R of Center), **Lizard Head Peak** (far L). Photo looks NE.

Of course, the view of Dog Tooth Peak (12,488 ft.) was spectacular with both Big Sandy Mountain (12,416 ft.) and Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.) in the background.

**Dog Tooth Peak** (Center), **Big Sandy Mountain** (R) with **Wind River Peak** beyond. Photo looks SE.

**Dog Tooth Peak** (L), **Big Sandy Mountain** and **Wind River Peak** (Center), **East Temple Peak** (R). Photo looks SE.

East Temple Peak (12,600 ft.), Temple Peak (12,972 ft.), Peak 11930, and Schiestler Peak (11,640 ft.) were naturally all a little farther away now, but the angle was such from Mitchell Peak that more lakes were visible. In addition to Big Sandy Lake, all of Deep Lake was in sight. Most of Temple Lake was, too, but it was a little hard to distinguish still almost entirely covered in snow and ice. Part of Clear Lake, and a few others could be seen as well.

**Big Sandy Mountain** & **Wind River Peak** (far L), **East Temple Peak** (L), Temple Peak (Center), **Schiestler Peak** (R) with **Peak 11930** beyond. **Big Sandy Lake** (far R). Photo looks SSE.

**East Temple Peak** (L), **Temple Peak** (Center), **Schiestler Peak** (R) with **Peak 11930** beyond. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

**East Temple Peak** (L) with **Deep Lake** below it. **Temple Peak** (R) with frozen **Temple Lake** below it. Part of **Clear Lake** (foreground). Photo looks SSE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Despite Mitchell Peak’s summit region consisting of a ridge of large talus, it was actually fairly easy to move around, with plenty of space to do so. After Lupe got up on the true summit, SPHP shook her paw, showering her with profuse praise and congratulations. What an incredible couple of big mountains she’d climbed today! A second and final celebratory chocolate coconut bar of the day was shared.

Surprisingly, no sign of a registry. Hadn’t been one on Dog Tooth, either. No registry wasn’t what mattered here, though. After searching around, only a couple of feet W of the little cairn, SPHP saw the white outline of a rectangle on the upper surface of the massive flat rock supporting the true summit boulder.

Oh, no! It’s gone, Loop! It must have been attached right there.

What’s gone, SPHP?

The plaque commemorating Finis Mitchell!

The Finis Mitchell that Mitchell Peak is named after, SPHP?

Precisely, Looper! Finis and his wife ran a fishing camp for many years near Mud Lake back down at Big Sandy Opening. He’d been all over the Wind River Range during his life, and wrote Wind River Trails, a guide book that seems quaint these days. At the end of the book is a photo of the plaque commemorating Finis’ 11 ascents of Mitchell Peak. I really wanted to get a photo of you standing next to that plaque, but we’re too late! It’s not here anymore!

The missing plaque was the only real disappointment of this epic, joyful day. For more than an hour, Lupe and SPHP sat together, or wandered, gazing at the magnificent Wind River Range scenes in all directions.

**Wind River Range** from **Mitchell Peak**. Photo looks NW.

Same view with help from the telephoto lens. **Skunk Knob** (Center) near bottom. **Texas Pass** (far R). Photo looks NW.

5:47 PM, Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.) – 4th of July! One to remember! SPHP didn’t realize it until much later upon seeing that photo of the Finis Mitchell plaque in Wind River Trails again, but this was sort of a coincidence, too. Finis Mitchell’s first ascent of Mitchell Peak had been on the 4th of July back in 1923.

99 years later to the day, Lupe also stood alone on Mitchell Peak for the first time in a stiff SW breeze next to the little cairn only a foot or two from where both Finis Mitchell and his plaque had once been.

99 years later on **Mitchell Peak**. Photo looks SW.

The inevitable sad moment of departure had arrived, as it always does. While Lupe lingered at the summit, SPHP started down first.

Final moments on the summit. Photo looks S.

SPHP called. Lupe came running, bounding down the boulders.

One more thing we need to do before we completely leave the mountain, Loopster.

Oh, and what’s that, SPHP?

We should have a look at Lonesome Lake. Couldn’t see it from the summit, and I’d like to see it again.

From up here? That would be awesome, SPHP!

Then follow me, Loop.

After heading NW through the talus, SPHP led Lupe down to the cliffs along Mitchell Peak’s N edge. Sure enough, Lonesome Lake was there, nestled at the base of Pingora Peak (11,884 ft.), partly in its shadow.

**Cirque of the Towers** (L), **Pingora Peak** (Center), **Lonesome Lake** (R). Photo looks NW.

Lonesome Lake is as beautiful as ever, SPHP!

Remember when we were down there, Looper? We’d already been to the Cirque of the Towers, discovered that really cool waterfall, then came down to Lonesome Lake on our way to Skunk Knob (11,099 ft.).

I remember it was a sunny day, SPHP. Sunlight was sparkling on the waves with Mitchell Peak soaring skyward past the lake. Seems like a long, long time ago now.

That’s right, Loop! And it has been a while. That was back in 2015.

The SW wind blew constantly during nearly the entire descent. Staying even a little farther W on the steep part below Mitchell Peak’s upper W ridge, Lupe was able to avoid nearly all the big talus she’d run into on the way up. Once down to the much easier terrain SW of the big saddle on the ridge between Mitchell and Dog Tooth, the Carolina Dog ran free, displaying great energy as she led the way, roaming and sniffing at will, while marmots whistled warnings of her approach.

Incredibly beautiful, the long descent was interesting and somewhat more complicated than SPHP expected. Lupe traveled S down slabs of bedrock past snowbanks, ledges, and a multitude of small streams.

The American Dingo was in the forest, almost all the way down to Dog Tooth Paradise when the wind finally quit. Not much farther now.

Near sunset, base camp at Dog Tooth Paradise – SPHP was tired, but Lupe was still animated, sniffing around a while before finally entering the tiny house.

Big Sandy Mountain (12,416 ft.) tomorrow, SPHP?

I’d love to, but afraid not, Loop. We’re completely out of food. I didn’t bring enough.

That wasn’t entirely true. A couple handfuls of peanuts remained. Not for long, though! Peanuts for dinner. Even Lupe ate them, and when the last one was gone, still running on empty, on the magnificent day she’d been to 2 splendid Wind River Range peaks, it was time for goodnight.

On **Mitchell Peak**, Wind River Range, Wyoming 7-4-22

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Dog Tooth Peak & Mitchell Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: Big Sandy Opening to Dog Tooth Paradise (7-3-22)

East Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: Big Sandy Opening to Clear Lake (7-18-20)

East Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Deep Lake to the Summit (7-19-20)

Big Sandy to Jackass Pass & Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range, WY (9-1-15)

Cirque of the Towers, Lonesome Lake, Skunk Knob & Jackass Pass, Wind River Range, WY (9-2-15)

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Dog Tooth Peak & Mitchell Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: Big Sandy Opening to Dog Tooth Paradise (7-3-22)

Days 16-18 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

7-1-22, almost noon – July already! While SPHP moseyed about cleaning and organizing, Lupe had spent most of this beautiful morning relaxing on her pink blanket, displaying no sign of ambition.

C’mon, Looper! We’ll be moving on soon. Last chance for a sniff before we head out.

Rather reluctantly leaping out of the RAV4, Lupe joined SPHP on a short stroll along Road No. 10399 out to Greys River Road and back again. She then wandered down to Greys River for a drink.

This is a wonderful spot! I love it here, SPHP! You haven’t even caught up the trip journal yet. Why do we have to leave?

Because you’ve climbed all the mountains we intended to around here on this Dingo Vacation, Loopster, and I’m not in a trip journal mood. So we might as well start getting into position for the next big thing. Besides, I’m kind of looking forward to a nice, long, scenic drive. You’ll enjoy it, too!

Will there be any cows and horses to bark at?

Can almost guarantee it, Loop!

And what is the next big thing, SPHP? Where are we going?

The Wind River Range, Looper! Ever since reading Wind River Trails by Finis Mitchell, I’ve always wanted to climb Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.).

7-2-22, 1:28 AM, pullout along Hwy 352 near the turn to New Fork Lake – The only thing wrong with the drive to Pinedale was that it wasn’t long enough. Lupe had arrived in plenty of time to enjoy not one, but two sniffs along Pine Creek. Not inclined to stray too far from civilization this evening, near sunset SPHP had driven W out of town, admittedly the wrong way as far as getting to the Big Sandy Opening, but this pullout was a quiet enough spot late at night.

Lupe had been happy in the RAV4 most of the day, but the Carolina Dog wanted out now. SPHP grabbed the flashlight.

OK, let’s go!

Moonless, the night was very dark, the Milky Way overhead but a faint glow. Enjoying the cool air, Lupe sniffed along the tall grass bordering the pullout. A surprisingly busy highway during the day, silence reigned now. 15 minutes of star-gazing pondering the universe sufficed.

7-2-22, predawn hours – Ugh! Awake again. Not due to the American Dingo this time, though. In fact, Lupe never even seemed to notice, but there’d been increasingly bold scurrying in the RAV4 every night since this Dingo Vacation started. About time to put an end to it, but how?

Grabbing the flashlight, SPHP shone it around. A set of beady black eyes stared back a moment, then vanished. Aha! Knew it! An idea formed. Might work! SPHP opened the door of the RAV4, and hopped out.

Where are you going, SPHP?

Stay put, Loop. I’m gonna catch that mouse!

Getting a big, clear plastic bag out of the back, SPHP put some of Lupe’s Taste of the Wild in it. Then placing it on the floor behind Lupe’s seat with the bag kept open, SPHP turned off the flashlight.

Didn’t take long. The scurrying recommenced, right into the trap!

Closing the bag suddenly, SPHP turned on the light. Got him! Trapped like a rat, a really small one. Moments later, SPHP released the mouse unharmed into the grass along the pullout before returning to the RAV4.

Hah! So easy! I should have thought of that sooner, Loop. Mouse must have been getting pretty hungry in here.

The words were scarcely out of SPHP’s mouth, when scurrying resumed. What? Two mice? Inconceivable! But front and back, here and there, bold scurrying commenced anytime the light was off.

The Taste of the Wild trap worked a second time. This time, just in case, SPHP released mouse 150 feet from the RAV4. Blissful silence reigned even after the light was turned out. Finally, that was that!

For 20 minutes, then the scurrying returned. 3 mice? No, not possible! That same dang mouse must know how to get back into the RAV4.

You’re no help at all, Loopster! Can’t you do something about this mouse?

Like what, SPHP? I’m a Carolina Dog, not the breed you need in a case like this.

Really? What does breed have to do with it? And what breed would you recommend?

A cat would be a good choice, SPHP.

A cat! Maybe so, but a cat isn’t technically a canine, Loop. Hate to break it to you, but cats are a different species entirely. Cats are felines.

No need to slander cats, SPHP, just because they aren’t very bright. Cats are canines, too, you know! Not their fault they’re too mentally deficient to be decent members of the pack. They’re loners by nature. And despite their obvious handicaps, you’ve got to admit they are excellent mousers.

Cats are canines, too? No, they aren’t silly Dingo! But whatever, we’re fresh out of cats in any case, and apparently you aren’t going to lift a paw to help me.

Well, here’s a thought, SPHP. Since you seem to be almost as good at catching mice as a cat, how about next time you play catch and release, run back to the RAV4 and drive away. Mouse will never catch us.

Hmm. Not a bad plan, Loopster! Might be the only thing that will work.

Except it didn’t. Mouse was wising up. This time it took a while before the mouse dared enter the plastic bag. SPHP snapped it shut.

Did you get him, SPHP?

Nope, doesn’t look like it. Shoot! Thought I had him.

SPHP reset the Taste of the Wild trap only to see the mouse scurry out of the bag before turning off the light.

Well, dang it! I did have him all along, and now I don’t!

Major fail, SPHP!

Bold, in-your-face scurrying continued whenever the flashlight was off the rest of the night, but mouse wasn’t falling for the Taste of the Wild in the plastic bag trick again.

7-2-22, 8:00 AM – What a night! The morning sun was already well above the Wind River Range when SPHP woke up. No scurrying now that it was light out, but the stowaway was almost certainly still on board as SPHP fired up the RAV4.

In Pinedale, Lupe enjoyed another long sniff along Pine Creek. By noon, SPHP had the trip journal fairly close to being caught up. An afternoon drive to Boulder, then along the Lander Cut-off was great fun and very scenic, with terrific views of the Wind River Range the whole way.

7-2-22, 2:30 PM, Big Sandy Opening – Actually a few parking spots left at the trailhead when Lupe arrived. SPHP was amazed, considering it was 4th of July weekend. Tucking the RAV4 neatly into a spot, work on the trip journal resumed despite all the activity outside. Meanwhile, the Carolina Dog was perfectly content snoozing on her pink blanket.

By 4:05 PM, the journal was caught up again.

What are you doing, SPHP?

Getting ready, Loop.

You aren’t seriously considering setting out now, are you? Late afternoon already, and it was kind of a short night last night with all the antics you and mouse went through. Why not stay here tonight, rest up, and hit the trail in the morning when we’re fresh?

Days are long this time of year, Looper. If we head out now, maybe we can shave enough distance off this evening to put us within striking distance of Mitchell Peak tomorrow?

7-2-22, 5:30 PM – Finally ready, but as SPHP registered near the start of Big Sandy Trail No. 099, someone was not amused. Lupe clearly didn’t want to go.

Took a good deal of pleading and persuasion, but Loop finally followed SPHP over a small rise into the forest. Almost immediately, a sign for the Meeks Lake Trail appeared.

A little beyond the sign, the broad, heavily-trafficked trail broke out of the forest, entering a flat meadow. Lupe remained unenthused. Even the sight of Laturio Mountain (11,342 ft.) ahead failed to lift her spirits.

**Laturio Mountain** (L & Center) from Big Sandy Trail No. 099. Photo looks NNE.

C’mon, Loop, cheer up! We aren’t going to do anything difficult today, just make some tracks. Going to be alright, you’ll see.

It became almost a contest of wills. SPHP led the way, while Lupe played an extreme version of her stalking game. The American Dingo wouldn’t budge an inch until SPHP was not only out of sight, but gone for a while. Forced to wait, SPHP had to resort to the whistle a few times.

Took way longer than it should have to cover the easy 0.75 mile to where Continental Divide Trail No. 096 split off from Trail No. 099 to Big Sandy Lake, but Lupe finally got there.

At the junction. Straight ahead to Big Sandy Lake, or L to Meeks Lake. **Big Sandy River** (R). Photo looks NE.

The Carolina Dog’s reluctance to continue on diminished after taking much less frequented Trail No. 96, but Loop still hung back playing her stalking game for a while. At least she was staying closer than before.

Playing the stalking game along Trail No. 096.

The trail wound gradually higher through a forested region. Mosquitoes had been bad back at the Big Sandy Opening trailhead, and were worse here. An enveloping cloud of the blood-thirsty little vampires whined in almost instantly during any pause. Lupe caught up when SPHP finally stopped to slather on some Eucalyptus cream, followed by a liberal spraying of Repel.

Hold still, Looper. I’ll put a little on you, too!

My, isn’t this fun, SPHP? So glad we’re getting to serve as local blood banks, and I’m not stuck in the RAV4 snoozing peacefully with a full tummy after a decent meal. Why, mouse might start scurrying around, and make me bat an eye! Wouldn’t that be awful?

Yeah, I know, the mosquitoes are horrid, Loop. I hate ’em too. If ever there was a species I’d be glad to cheer on to extinction, they fit the bill.

Reeking of Eucalyptus, the journey resumed. Poor Lupe! Mosquitoes still kept attacking her eyes, lips, and paws where SPHP hadn’t dared to apply any Repel or Eucalyptus. SPHP killed hundreds on her to no avail. Constant motion was the only real defense.

After 0.33 mile, Trail No. 096 crossed a stream. An easy rock-hop, this was the outlet stream from Meeks Lake.

Fording the **Meeks Lake outlet stream**.

Beyond the stream, the trail climbed another 100 feet before leveling out and turning NNW. Soon patches of blue could be glimpsed in the thick forest W of the trail, but a good view of Meeks Lake never materialized. Lupe was already beyond the lake when the trail forked again upon reaching a clearing.

**Meeks Lake Trail No. 096** continues toward the L. **Diamond Lake Trail No. 100** goes R. Photo looks N.

Lupe had been here before. Diamond Lake Trail No. 100 angling off to the R was the way to go. Combined with Trail No. 096, it was a slightly longer, but far more secluded route than Big Sandy Lake Trail No. 099, which it would eventually rejoin past Diamond Lake.

After crossing the flat clearing, No. 100 started to climb as it headed NE back into the trees. Before long, the surrounding forest was a complete shambles. Deadfall everywhere, some of it gigantic!

Re-entering the forest on **Diamond Lake Trail No. 100**. Photo looks NE.

Fortunately, the USFS service had made a valiant, and largely successful, effort to keep the trail deadfall-free. Still some deadfall to contend with, but not anywhere near the nightmare it might have been. After gaining 200 feet over 0.25 mile, Diamond Lake Trail No. 100 topped out going over a minor pass. A steady descent began, and the forest was soon looking much healthier again.

7-2-22, 7:03 PM – By the time Lupe made it to V Lake, the evening was drippy and gray. Scheistler Peak (11,640 ft.), Temple Peak (12,972 ft.), and Peak 11930 were only dimly in view. For a while, mist or light rain fell. Multiple blue tents were up on an open hillside NW of the lake, along with the only people seen since leaving Big Sandy Trail No. 099.

**Scheistler Peak** (far L), **Temple Peak** (Center), and **Peak 11930** (R of Center) from **V Lake**. Photo looks ESE.

Beyond V Lake, the trail was quite flat as Lupe continued NE through huge meadows, parts of which were swampy, and stretches of forest where the ground was firmer. Progress was rapid on this easy terrain. The Carolina Dog forded several small gravelly streams, none of which presented any difficulty.

**N end of V Lake** (R). **Scheistler Peak** (far L), **Temple Peak** (Center), and **Peak 11930** (R of Center). Photo looks ENE.

Reaching a big slab of exposed bedrock, 3 mountains were visible ahead for the first time.

**Mitchell Peak** (L), **Dog Tooth Peak** (Center) & **Big Sandy Mountain** (R). Photo looks NE.

Hey, hey, Loopster! Told ya this was a good idea. Looks like we’re starting to get somewhere. There’s Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.)!

Which one is Mitchell, SPHP?

The one on the L, Loop.

Do those other 2 peaks have names, too?

They most certainly do! That’s Dog Tooth Peak (12,488 ft.) in the middle, and Big Sandy Mountain (12,416 ft.) on the R.

Dog Tooth Peak! What an awesome name, although Dingo Fang Peak would have been even better. Let’s climb Dog Tooth Peak, too, SPHP! It’s the highest one. In fact, we could climb all 3.

Glad to see your enthusiasm returning, Looper! I’ve actually been hoping we can climb Dog Tooth in addition to Mitchell. I knew you’d like that name! Big Sandy is fine with me, too, of course, if we have time. Might be a bit much in one day, though, and I didn’t bring enough supplies to stay up here very long.

A mile past V Lake, Diamond Lake came into view. The trail passed through another semi-swampy big meadow NW of the lake.

**Temple Peak** (L) and **Peak 11930** (Center) from **Diamond Lake**. Photo looks SE.

Beyond the meadow, Lupe stuck with Diamond Lake Trail No. 100 a little farther as it went back into the forest. Light was soon starting to fade. SPHP marched off into the pines NW of the trail.

This ought to be about far enough for today, Looper. We don’t want to go so far that we reach Trail No. 099 again. Much more secluded here.

Fine, fine, but hurry, SPHP! Set up the tiny house. I’m getting eaten alive!

The mosquitoes were horrendous! Setting up the tiny house in record time, it was a tremendous relief to scramble inside, and zip that door shut! After a bite to eat before it got dark, pleased how it had all gone, SPHP drifted off to sleep thinking Lupe was well-positioned for an ascent of Mitchell Peak, and maybe even Dog Tooth Peak tomorrow.

7-3-22, black as pitch – No telling what time it was. Flashes of light so faint SPHP wasn’t even sure they were real soon brightened. Lightning! Before long, the pitter-patter of raindrops. Nothing too serious, probably just a shower. After pulling part of Lupe’s sleeping bag over her, SPHP rolled over and went back to sleep.

7-3-22, morning – Light out, but still raining. Lupe had slept long and hard. Even so, apparently she still felt listless, perfectly content to laze about on her red sleeping bag. Also lethargic, SPHP laid listening to the rain, trying to doze. Face it, getting soaking wet while facing a horde of vampires, wasn’t much of an incentive. None dared leave the tiny house.

7-3-22, 10:30 AM – It had finally quit raining. Slathered in Eucalyptus cream and coated with the last of the Repel spray, SPHP unzipped the door of the tiny house.

Going to try to do this fast! Just stay inside, Loop, until I’ve got the tiny house ready to roll up.

No worries there! The American Dingo hadn’t the slightest intention of disobeying that order. Clouds of mosquitoes enveloped SPHP. Happily, chemical warfare was working. Only got bit once before having to kick Loop out of the tiny house. Hoisting the pack as soon as possible, a hasty retreat back to Diamond Lake Trail No. 100 ensued.

Heading NE, it turned out Lupe had spent the night only a few minutes from the junction with Big Sandy Lake Trail No. 099.

Signage at the junction of Diamond Lake Trail No. 100 and Big Sandy Lake Trail No. 099.

For some grand, mysterious reason there were no mosquitoes to speak of along Big Sandy Lake Trail No. 099. The day was getting sunnier, and the trail was busy. Lots of people both coming and going. Plenty of dogs to sniff with, too!

Lupe had started out playing her stalking game again, but soon gave that up and trotted right along. The trail ran NE, climbing at an easy pace. By noon, the Carolina Dog was wading in the cold, shallow waters at the SW end of Big Sandy Lake.

**Big Sandy Lake**. **Dog Tooth Peak** (L) & **Big Sandy Mountain** (Center). Photo looks NE.

Continuing along Big Sandy Lake’s W shore on Trail No. 099, forest soon gave way to a big meadow. The scenery was magnificent, and it was lunch time, too!

Doesn’t get much better than this! Want to take a break, Loop? I brought beef jerky.

An offer too good to refuse! Heading W up a short grassy slope, a sunny perch was settled upon on some big rocks. Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.), Dog Tooth Peak (12,488 ft.), and Big Sandy Mountain (12,416 ft.) were all on display. Directly across the lake, Scheistler Peak (11,640 ft.) was most impressive.

**Mitchell Peak** (L), **Dog Tooth Peak** (R), **Big Sandy Mountain** (R edge). Photo looks NNE.

**Big Sandy Mountain** (Center). Photo looks NE.

**Scheistler Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSE.

See that gigantic wall of rock? That’s Haystack Mountain (11,978 ft.), Loop. The pointier peak to the R that looks like you’re walking a plank is East Temple Peak (12,600 ft.).

**Haystack Mountain** (Center), **East Temple Peak** (R). Photo looks SE.

East Temple Peak! Why we were there only a couple of years ago, SPHP! Remember how beautiful Deep Lake was, and how we couldn’t find the tiny house in the middle of the night?

Sure do, Loopster! How could I ever forget all that?

7-3-22, 1:21 PM, N end of Big Sandy Lake – A very pleasant hour in the warm sunshine had shot on by. The beef jerky had, of course, been a huge hit. After crossing the alluvial plain where Lost Creek spread out into various trickles only a few inches deep, Lupe was now at the next trail junction.

Junction of Trails No. 099 and No. 098 at the N end of Big Sandy Lake.

Which way, SPHP?

Go L, Loop, unless you want to climb East Temple Peak again!

Don’t tempt me, SPHP! I’d do it in a heartbeat.

For the first time, Big Sandy Trail No. 099 climbed aggressively, winding N through a forest. Loopster gained 400 feet of elevation before the trail flattened out. Ahead, a big gap was visible between two towering peaks.

**War Bonnet Peak** (L), **Mitchell Peak** (R). Photo looks N.

That’s War Bonnet Peak (12,369 ft.) on the L, Looper. Part of Mitchell on the R. We’re only a couple of miles from Jackass Pass.

We’re going to Jackass Pass, SPHP? You mean we’ll be visiting the Cirque of the Towers and Lonesome Lake again? Been forever since we’ve been there, and so spectacular!

Sadly, no. We’ll have to leave the trail before we get to Jackass Pass, Loop, if we want climb Mitchell Peak.

And Dog Tooth Peak, too, SPHP! Don’t forget Dog Tooth. I’ll bite you, if you do!

That ought to remind me, Miss Dingo Fang!

7-3-22, 2:05 PM – As Lupe trotted N along the flat section, it was clear any attempt at an ascent today would mean she’d only get to one summit at best. Too late already, and to tell the truth, SPHP wasn’t feeling even that ambitious. Maybe better to pitch the tiny house somewhere, and rest? Might be possible to hit 2 summits tomorrow with an early start.

Seemed like a better plan. Checking out the grassy slopes W of the trail, the best place to camp was already taken, but there was another spot a bit farther on that might do.

Loop, leave the trail here! Let’s go up there and take a look around.

How come, SPHP?

We got off to too late a start due to the rain. Let’s find a place to camp. We’ll wait on mountains until tomorrow.

A short climb led to a great view from some big rocks, but the little patch of relatively level grassy ground next to the rocks proved too rocky.

**Haystack Mountain** (L), **East Temple Peak** (L of Center), **Temple Peak** (R of Center), and **Scheistler Peak** (R) from the viewpoint. Photo looks SSE.

Terrific view, but this isn’t going to work, Looper. We’re going to have to keep looking. Oh, that’s sad!

What’s sad, SPHP? Keeping looking?

No, I see a dead animal on top of a big rock 50 feet away. Poor thing!

What kind of a dead animal, SPHP?

Not sure, Loop. Let me take a look with the camera’s telephoto lens. Hmm, well, that’s surprising.

What’s surprising, SPHP? Don’t keep me in suspenders!

Suspense, not suspenders, Loop. Think it’s a marmot, or maybe a pika. What’s surprising is how lively it looks for a dead one.

Oh, I love marmots, SPHP! Pikas, too. Hope it’s not dead. Which is it, alive or dead?

Since I’ve seen it move now, and it’s eyes are open, I’m revising my earlier opinion, Loopster. Clearly alive.

As much as Lupe would have liked to play a game of hunter and prey with the marmot, that really wasn’t possible. The marmot’s lofty perch was eminently secure. Returning to Trail No. 099, the trek N continued, but not very far before the trail dropped down to cross North Creek.

North Creek was a fairly good-sized rushing stream, but SPHP managed to rock hop it while Lupe waded on through. Now on the E side of the stream, the trail immediately began winding higher. Lupe gained a good 100 feet of elevation before it leveled out again, heading N.

Let’s leave the trail here, Looper. The topo map shows sort of a big flat ridge not too much higher up this slope to the E, and a shallow valley on the other side where there’s a tributary of North Creek. Might be our best shot at finding some level ground.

Abandoning Trail No. 099 yet again, Lupe started up a thinly forested slope that didn’t look very promising. The topo map was right, though. Before long, the terrain began to level out. Soon the Carolina Dog was on top of a wide ridge of exposed bedrock. Scattered, scrawny trees grew wherever the bedrock harbored a bit of soil.

Oh, my gosh, Loop! This ridge is gorgeous, and the views are spectacular! We’ve got to find a place to pitch the tiny house up here.

Look over there, SPHP! Isn’t that the top of Pingora Peak (11,884 ft.) over by the Cirque of the Towers beyond Jackass Pass?

Oh yeah, you’re right, Looper. How awesome is that? We’re staying here!

7-3-22, 3:32 PM – A small, shallow patch of flat pine-needle covered soil was found that sufficed. Before long, SPHP had Lupe’s tiny house up.

**Base camp at10,200+ ft**. **Haystack Mountain** (L), **East Temple Peak** (L of Center), and **Temple Peak** behind trees (R). Photo looks SSE.

Despite an easy day, a certain weariness had set in for both human and Dingo. The sky was clouding up again, too, the weather a bit unsettled, although there hadn’t been any more precipitation. Occasional brief gusts of wind shook the tiny house.

Hate to say it, but I feel like a nap, Loop.

Me too, SPHP! Why don’t we take a snooze, and see what develops? If it’s nice out, we can emerge and do some exploring this evening. If not, we’re already as snug as a bug in a rug.

Great minds think alike, Looper!

7-3-22, 6:07 PM – A long nap had done wonders, even for the weather. Lupe emerged from the tiny house to mostly blue skies and sunshine. An evening of joy and beauty was in store as Lupe and SPHP explored this fascinating region together.

NW, War Bonnet Peak (12,369 ft.) and Sundance Pinnacle (11,054 ft.) dominated the W side of the North Creek valley. The distinctive, massive rounded spire of Pingora Peak (11,884 ft.) was visible in the distance.

**Warbonnet Peak** (Center), **Pingora Peak** (R) in the distance. Photo looks NW.

**War Bonnet Peak** (L), part of **Mitchell Peak** (R), **Pingora Peak** (L of Center) beyond **Jackass Pass**. Photo looks NNW.

The ridge of bedrock that Lupe’s tiny house was pitched on at 10,200+ feet extended S several hundred more feet. Venturing out that way, the Carolina Dog enjoyed superb views of Haystack Mountain (11,978 ft.), East Temple Peak (12,600 ft.), Temple Peak (12,972 ft.), and Schiestler Peak (11,640 ft.).

The **10,200+ foot ridge** (R) serving as base camp. **Schiestler Peak** (L). Photo looks S.

The grand panorama. **Haystack Mountain** (L), **East Temple Peak** (L of Center), **Temple Peak** (R of Center), **Schiestler Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

**Haystack Mountain** (L), **East Temple Peak** (Center), and **Temple Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

**Temple Peak** (L) and **Schiestler Peak** (R). Photo looks S with even more help from the telephoto lens.

**East Temple Peak** (L), **Temple Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

Fully zoomed in on **East Temple Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSE.

Back to the N was a tremendously encouraging view of Lupe’s two prime objectives, Dog Tooth Peak (12,488 ft.) and Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.).

**Mitch Peak** (L) and **Dog Tooth Peak** (R). Photo looks NE.

**Mitchell Peak** (Center). Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.

The shallow valley shown on the topo map just E of this ridge was in sight too. Lying at the base of Dog Tooth Peak’s gigantic SW slope, the valley looked exquisitely beautiful.

Look, SPHP, it’s Dog Tooth Paradise! Let’s go down there!

Toward the N end of the valley, a pond was fed by a crystal clear stream. Below the pond, the stream flowed S over bedrock, or next to meadows full of tiny wildflowers. Upstream from the pond, Lupe discovered Dog Tooth Waterslide.

Setting off to explore **Dog Tooth Paradise**. **Mitchell Peak** (L), **Dog Tooth Peak** (R). Photo looks NE.

**Sundance Pinnacle** (L) and **War Bonnet Peak** (R of Center) from **Dog Tooth Paradise**. Photo looks NW.

Down by the stream. **Sundance Pinnacle** (L), **War Bonnet Peak** (R). Photo looks NW.

**Dog Tooth Waterslide**. Photo looks NNE.

While the sun sank slowly in the NW, Lupe roamed and sniffed her way around Dog Tooth Paradise to her heart’s content. She came to a place where an enormous slab of bedrock supported scattered pieces of Dog Tooth Peak that had broken off and come tumbling down the mountain.

**Temple Peak** (L), **Scheistler Peak** (R). Photo looks S.

A sense of magic grew. Somehow, in an over-crowded world, this hidden valley only 10 minutes from the heavily trodden trail to Jackass Pass was an unknown gem, unvisited and unspoiled.

You’re right, Loopster! This is Dog Tooth Paradise! How lucky we are to have found it!

**Haystack Mountain**, **East Temple Peak**, **Temple Peak** & **Schiestler Peak** from **Dog Tooth Paradise**, Wind River Range, Wyoming 7-3-22

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Dog Tooth Peak & Mitchell Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Dog Tooth Paradise to the Summits! (7-4-22)

East Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: Big Sandy Opening to Clear Lake (7-18-20)

East Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Deep Lake to the Summit (7-19-20)

Big Sandy to Jackass Pass & Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range, WY (9-1-15)

Cirque of the Towers, Lonesome Lake, Skunk Knob & Jackass Pass, Wind River Range, WY (9-2-15)

Cirque of the Towers, Lonesome Lake, Skunk Knob & Jackass Pass, Wind River Range, WY (9-2-15)

Lupe was gone. The bright-eyed, sharp-eared Wild Dingo of the Night had taken her place. Stars blazed above while the Wild Dingo of the Night sniffed eagerly around this way and that in the darkness. In and out of the tiny house, again and again. Finally the Wild Dingo of the Night was gone for good. Lupe snoozed on her red down sleeping bag. SPHP could finally pass out, too.

Morning came. Day 25 of Lupe’s great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation. Lupe was camped in the Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. She had come over Jackass Pass from Big Sandy Lake the previous day. There was lots to do and see! Lupe and SPHP began the day by climbing up the valley just SW of Pingora Peak (11,884 ft.) to see Cirque Lake.

Lupe climbs up the side valley SW of Pingora Peak on her way to see Cirque Lake. This photo looks S back toward **War Bonnet Peak (12,369 ft.)** (L) and **Warrior Peaks (12,406 ft.)** (R).

From L to R: Watch Tower, Block Tower, Sharks Nose & Overhanging Tower in the Cirque of the Towers. — From L to R: **Watch Tower** **(12,326 ft.)**, **Block Tower** **(12,210 ft.)**, **Sharks Nose** **(12,229 ft.)** & **Overhanging Tower** **(12,164 ft.)** in the Cirque of the Towers.

War Bonnet Peak (L) and Warrior Peaks (R). Photo looks S. — War Bonnet Peak (L) and Warrior Peaks (Center). Photo looks S.

Lupe reaches Cirque Lake. From L to R: Part of Watch Tower, Block Tower, Sharks Nose, & Overhanging Tower. Photo looks W.

Cirque Lake, Sharks Nose (L) & Overhanging Tower (R).

Looking S from near Cirque Lake in the Cirque of the Towers. Wind River Peak is the highest peak in the distance L of center. — Looking SSE from near Cirque Lake in the Cirque of the Towers. **Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.)** is the high most distant peak L of center.

Watch Tower (L) and Block Tower (R) from Cirque Lake.

Wind River Peak is seen far away to the SE from Cirque Lake. The top of War Bonnet Peak juts up over the ridge.

**Wolfs Head (12,160 ft.)** from Cirque Lake. As Lupe climbed up the valley to Cirque Lake, she saw mountain climbers who had risen before dawn already way up on top of the scary narrow ridge between Pingora Peak and Wolfs Head. Photo looks NNW.

Pingora Peak from near Cirque Lake. Pingora Peak and other peaks in the Cirque of the Towers are popular with mountain climbers. Lupe saw climbers on Pingora Peak and Wolfs Head this day. Mountain climbing can be dangerous, of course. Only 5 days earlier, on August 28, 2015, two experienced climbers had **fallen to their deaths** from Pingora Peak. Photo looks NE.

Lupe squints in the sunshine at Cirque Lake in the Cirque of the Towers. Overhanging Tower on L. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe and SPHP took a short break up at Cirque Lake. Lupe drank from the lake and had some Taste of the Wild. SPHP watched mountain climbers way up on the ridge between Pingora Peak and Wolf’s Head. They were shouting to each other, and apparently having a great time as they worked their way slowly toward Wolf’s Head.

Lupe and SPHP were quite content with the stunning views from Cirque Lake. American Dingoes don’t go in for any sports that require ropes, except Tug-‘O-War. SPHP feels the same way about it. It’s both fun and scary enough just watching those daring souls who enjoy clinging to the face of some precipice.

Only the day before, on her way up the trail from Big Sandy Lake to Jackass Pass, Lupe had seen a climber coming down the trail who had been injured in a fall. The climber had been limping along under his own power, but others in the party said he had a rather badly injured leg due to a 50 foot fall on Pingora Peak. In his case, ropes and equipment had prevented a more disastrous outcome.

After shouts of joy and triumph were heard from the climbers now on top of Wolf’s Head, Lupe and SPHP left Cirque Lake and started back down into the main part of the Cirque of the Towers where Lupe’s tiny house was still set up. Lupe’s next destination was the biggest waterfall in the Cirque of the Towers.

Lupe’s “tiny house” (tent) is seen here as the dark spot to the L of the big trees in the lower R part of this photo. Photo looks S.

Jackass Pass is the low ridge on the L. Wind River Peak is seen far in the distance beyond Haystack Mountain (Center). War Bonnet Peak (R). Lupe headed for the biggest waterfall in the Cirque of the Towers, which is not seen here, but is to the left of the small pond near the center of this photo. — Jackass Pass is the low ridge on the (L). Wind River Peak is seen far in the distance beyond **Haystack Mountain (11,978 ft.)** (Center). War Bonnet Peak (R). Lupe headed for the biggest waterfall in the Cirque of the Towers, which is not seen here, but is to the left of the small pond near the center of this photo.

Lupe reaches the largest waterfall in the Cirque of the Towers. Photo looks WSW.

Pylon Peak (R) in the Cirque of the Towers. Photo looks W. — **Pylon Peak** **(12,378 ft.)** (R) in the Cirque of the Towers. Photo looks W.

The waterfall was gorgeous. Lupe took a big refreshing drink, of course. No trip to the Cirque of the Towers is complete without a side excursion down to Lonesome Lake to the E. So Lonesome Lake was Lupe’s next destination. SPHP also had plans for Lupe to complete one peakbagging goal, too. After checking out Lonesome Lake, Lupe was going to climb up towering Skunk Knob (11,099 ft.)!

Looking NE from the waterfall at Lizard Head Peak. Skunk Knob, Lupe's peakbagging goal, is the high point of the rocky hill in the foreground on the (L). (Below the skyline) — Looking NE from the waterfall at **Lizard Head Peak (12,842 ft.)**. Skunk Knob, Lupe’s peakbagging goal, is the high point of the rocky hill in the foreground on the (L). (Below the skyline)

Approaching Lonesome Lake. The summit of mighty Skunk Knob is right at the center of this photo. Texas Pass is the low point of the skyline toward the (L). — Approaching Lonesome Lake. The summit of mighty Skunk Knob is right at the center of this photo. Texas Pass is at the low point of the skyline toward the (L).

Watch Tower (L) and Pingora Peak (R) from Lonesome Lake.

Watch Tower (L), Pingora Peak (Center) & Bollinger Peak (R) from Lonesome Lake. Photo looks W. — Watch Tower (L), Pingora Peak (Center) & **Bollinger Peak (12,232 ft.)** (R) from Lonesome Lake. Photo looks W.

Lupe certainly had one of the most gorgeous playgrounds a Carolina Dog ever had this day. She spent the entire day absolutely surrounded by spectacular peaks. She saw sparkling lakes and drank from cold, clear streams. She searched for squirrels in shady green forests. She explored long, twisting secret passages in jungles of tall bushes. She climbed up high rocky hills and ridges. All of the time she was busy having an epic wonderful day.

After reaching Lonesome Lake, Lupe crossed the North Popo Agie River where it leaves the E end of the lake. She then headed W on a trail in the forest. The trail paralleled the N shore of Lonesome Lake at some distance from it. SPHP thought this trail would ultimately lead up to Texas Pass. However, when the trail emerged from the forest out into some open ground close to Pingora Peak, it pretty much just disappeared.

There was still forested ground higher up. Not knowing where else to look for the trail, Lupe and SPHP began climbing higher and entered the forest again, heading toward Texas Pass.

The North Popo Agie River flows E out of Lonesome Lake.

Pingora Peak from N of Lonesome Lake. Photo looks W.

Lupe in the forest N of Lonesome Lake on the trail to Texas Pass. Photo looks WSW. Watch Tower is the high peak in the distance.

Mitchell Peak from Lonesome Lake. This mountain is named after Finis Mitchell, who climbed it 10 times. Photo looks SE.

Jackass Pass (ridge on L), War Bonnet Peak (Center L), and Warrior Peaks (R) from Lonesome Lake. Photo looks S.

War Bonnet Peak (L) and Warrior Peaks (Center) from Lonesome Lake. Lupe's tiny house where she spent 2 nights is out of sight beyond the forested ridge on the right. — War Bonnet Peak (L) and Warrior Peaks (Center) from Lonesome Lake. Lupe’s tiny house where she spent 2 nights is out of sight beyond the forested ridge on the right.

Part way up through the forest, Lupe found a semblance of a trail heading up toward Texas Pass. Lupe and SPHP followed it above tree line. Once above tree line, Lupe left the trail and started climbing the open ground heading directly for Skunk Knob. When Lupe reached the top, SPHP was surprised to find two other people already there. They were quite friendly.

The two people were on a long backpacking trip and had come up from their camp down at Lizard Head Meadows. They planned on climbing Mitchell Peak the next day, which is supposed to be a relatively easy scramble. Lupe and SPHP wanted to climb Mitchell Peak, too, but there wasn’t going to be time. The two backpackers were busy watching climbers up on the ridge between Pingora Peak and Wolf’s Head through binoculars.

The climbers were not the same ones Lupe and SPHP had seen earlier in the day in the same location. The backpackers were concerned that these climbers were going rather slowly. They needed to get to Wolf’s Head pretty soon, so they would have time to get safely back down before storms or darkness.

Now and then the climber’s shouts to one another could be heard, but SPHP couldn’t make out what they were saying. No doubt with those big soft keen ears, Lupe knew, but she wasn’t providing any translations.

Success! Lupe reaches the top of Skunk Knob. Photo looks ESE toward Lizard Head meadows. Mitchell Peak on (R). — Success! Lupe reaches the top of Skunk Knob. Photo looks ESE toward Lizard Head Meadows. Mitchell Peak on (R).

Pingora Peak (Center), Wolf's Head (Center R in shadow) and Bollinger Peak (far R) from Skunk Knob. — Pingora Peak (Center), Wolf’s Head (Center R in shadow) and Bollinger Peak (far R) from Skunk Knob. Photo looks WSW.

Looking N at Texas Pass from Skunk Knob.

Mitchell Peak from Skunk Knob. Jackass Pass is on the (R). Photo looks SSE. — **Mitchell Peak (12,482 ft.)** from Skunk Knob. Jackass Pass is on the (R). Photo looks SSE.

The North Popo Agie River valley and Lizard Head meadows from Skunk Knob. Photo looks SE. — The North Popo Agie River valley and Lizard Head Meadows from Skunk Knob. Photo looks SE.

Don't even think about it, Loopster! Lupe astride Skunk Knob with Lizard Head Peak towering above. Photo looks NE. — Don’t even think about it, Loopster! Lupe astride Skunk Knob with Lizard Head Peak towering above. Skunk Knob was Lupe’s final peakbagging achievement of her great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation. Photo looks NE.

SPHP chatted with the two backpackers on Skunk Knob. They let SPHP look at the climbers nearing Wolf’s Head through their binoculars. Lupe rested happily among the boulders. Well, pretty happily, it was rather windy on Skunk Knob. Wind is not a favorite with Lupe. When SPHP finally finished the conversation with the backpackers, Lupe was ready to go.

Just NE of Skunk Knob is a deep cirque with an unnamed lake in it. The way down to it looked pretty easy, so Lupe and SPHP headed down toward it. Lupe didn’t get all the way down to the lake, but got pretty close to it before turning SSE and following the valley below the lake back down into the forest.

The unnamed lake in the cirque between Skunk Knob and Lizard Head Peak.

There was a stream in the valley that came down from the unnamed lake. Lupe crossed it several times. Eventually she left the stream to head through the forest. SPHP was looking for Lonesome Lake. Lupe was looking for squirrels. She found a few, too. There were even a few deer in the forest.

Lupe and SPHP emerged from the forest at the E end of Lonesome Lake right where the North Popo Agie River flows out of it. Lupe and SPHP crossed the stream (easy rock hopping this time of year, but no bridge), and followed the trail to Jackass Pass for a little way near the shore of Lonesome Lake.

It looked like autumn was arriving today. The fall colors looked stronger and brighter than they had just this morning. Before leaving Lonesome Lake, it was time to stop and appreciate this view for a while longer. SPHP and Lupe took a break near the shore. Soon the very busy American Dingo was conked out among the pretty leaves.

Fall colors near Lonesome Lake along the trail to Jackass Pass.

There was time left in the day to climb back up to Jackass Pass to see the Cirque of the Towers and Lonesome Lake from that splendid vantage point. SPHP lost the trail going up there, and didn’t run into it again until nearing the pass. Lupe didn’t care, she had fun in the forest.

Once again, it was quite windy up on Jackass Pass, but Lupe and SPHP had a stupendous view of nearly all the territory Lupe had explored on this fantastic day in the Wind River Range.

Wolf's Head (far L) and Pingora Peak (L) from Jackass Pass. It's easy to see from this photo that SPHP should have continued farther W (L)along the open area on the far side of Lonesome Lake before turning to climb up to Skunk Knob. Going farther W would have avoided the climb through the forest. Texas Pass and Skunk Knob are just to the right of this photo. — Wolf’s Head (far L) and Pingora Peak (L) from Jackass Pass. It’s easy to see from this photo that SPHP should have continued farther W (L)along the open area on the far side of Lonesome Lake before turning to climb up to Skunk Knob. Going a bit farther W would have avoided climbing through the forest. Texas Pass and Skunk Knob are just off to the right of this photo.

Looking W from Jackass Pass. — Looking NW from Jackass Pass.

Lupe braves the wind on Jackass Pass. Skunk Knob, which she had just climbed earlier in the day, is lined up to appear just under Texas Pass on the R side of this photo.

East Temple Peak (L) and Temple Peak (R) using the telephoto lens from Jackass Pass. Photo looks SSE.

Cirque of the Towers from Jackass Pass. Lupe would spend one more night here.

Evening was coming on. It was time to leave Jackass Pass and head once more down into the Cirque of the Towers to Lupe’s tiny house. Her big day of exploring the Cirque of the Towers, Lonesome Lake, mighty Skunk Knob, and Jackass Pass was almost over. So was her great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation.

Heading back to the tiny house in the Cirque of the Towers.

There was still a surprising amount of daylight left when Lupe got back to her tiny house. She rested a little bit, but not for long. She spent the evening racing up and down the mountainsides. It was simply amazing.

SPHP wasn’t racing up and down anything. Instead, SPHP watched the sunlight retreat higher and higher up the mountain slopes. For dramatic effect, every 20 or 30 minutes big boulders were sliding off long melting snowbanks on Warrior Peaks. SPHP saw them go, and heard them crashing down on the rocks below.

Lupe returns to her tiny house in the Cirque of the Towers for a 2nd night.

"Well, that was a fun day! What we doing tonight, SPHP? Feel like running up and down mountainsides barking happily? No? Well, I do. Be back in a bit." — “Well, that was a fun day! What we doing tonight, SPHP? Feel like running up and down mountainsides barking happily? No? Well, I do. Be back in a bit.”

The last of the sunlight on War Bonnet and Warrior Peaks.

Even for high-spirited, fun-loving American Dingoes, all good things must come to an end. Lupe’s first little backpacking trip enabling her to spend a whole day up at the Cirque of the Towers, Lonesome Lake, and Skunk Knob was a huge success, but except for the trip back, it was over. Essentially, so was her great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation.

Lupe spent another restless, excited night in the Cirque of the Towers. She and SPHP were up before dawn the next day (Day 26 of her 2015 Dingo Vacation) to head back out over Jackass Pass, down to Big Sandy Lake, and on to the G6. The road trip back home (involving a lot of hard barking at hundreds, maybe thousands, of cows and horses along the way) began shortly after reaching the G6. Lupe spent that evening at Guille’s in Casper, WY.

About 2:30 PM on 9-4-15 (Day 27 of her 2015 Dingo Vacation), Lupe arrived back home in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She ran over to Dog Heaven at the neighbor’s, and was welcomed back with a big Milk Bone. She raced back home with it to show SPHP what a smart, lucky and beloved Dingo she is.

This photo taken early on the morning of 9-3-15 as Lupe and SPHP were leaving the Cirque of the Towers to head home was the last photo SPHP took on Lupe's 2015 Dingo Vacation. What's in store for 2016? Lupe and SPHP are still working on that! — This photo, taken early on the morning of 9-3-15 as Lupe and SPHP were leaving the Cirque of the Towers to head home, was the last photo SPHP took on Lupe’s 2015 Dingo Vacation. What’s in store for 2016? Rest assured Lupe and SPHP are cooking up something great! Subscribe now for more (Mostly) True Dingo Adventures with Lupe in your future!

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