West Tensleep Lake Trailhead – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Mather Peaks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 1: On & Off the Lost Twin Lakes Trail to Base Camp (9-26-21)

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 4th Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!

9-25-21, morning – Emerging from the store, SPHP was suddenly struck by a change. For the first time in 2.5 months, a crystal blue sky was over the Black Hills. No smoke! The forecast was for highs in the low 90’s ºF the next few days, and, as usual, not a drop of rain. Returning to the RAV4 where Lupe was waiting, a spur of the moment decision.

Loopster, it’s on!

Oh, that’s fabulous, SPHP! Great news! Mind telling me what on earth you’re babbling about? What’s on?

Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.), SE of Florence Pass, way up along the spine of the Bighorns, was what was suddenly on. Summer of 2021’s unexpected last gasp! The rest of the morning and better part of the afternoon were spent furiously packing. The sun was down, but it was still light out, by the time Lupe hopped out of the RAV4 for a look at the mountains.

Approaching the **Bighorns**. Photo looks W from I-90 near Buffalo.

9-26-21, 6:22 AM, at a big paved pullout N of Hwy 16 –

You’re awake, Loopster? Good! I’ve been looking at the map. Would sure love to camp at Gunboat Lake tonight, and come at Mather Peaks from the NW tomorrow, or the next day. Think that’s doable based on what we saw up at Florence Pass back when we went to Bomber Mountain in 2018. Not entirely sure that route will go, though, and it’s definitely the long way around. Quite a bit shorter, and probably wiser, to come up from the S off Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065. Anyway, how are you feeling? Ready for some glorious Bighorn Mountains action?

Ears drooping, sad hazel eyes stared back at SPHP. A moment later, Lupe puked all over the RAV4’s dash.

Feeling that marvelous, aye? Don’t worry about it, Loop. I’ll clean it up!

9-26-21, 8:12 AM, 37ºF, West Tensleep Lake trailhead – Nothing quite like puking your guts out for a good holistic cleansing to get your day off on the right paw! By the time SPHP was ready, the American Dingo was feeling much better as she set off on Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065.

About to leave the West Tensleep trailhead.

Loop searched for squirrels as the trail headed NNE through the forest for 0.75 mile before turning E, and descending to a clearing along Middle Tensleep Creek. The creek was very low this time of year, but cold, clear, and invigorating.

Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065. Photo looks NNE.

The first small clearing after the trail turns E. Photo looks ESE.

Entering the **Middle Tensleep Creek valley**. Photo looks ESE.

Checking out **Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks SW.

After crossing a tiny tributary, Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 followed Middle Tensleep Creek upstream only a short distance. Almost as soon as the trail reached the forest again, there was a nice waterfall off to the R. Would have been a great place for a picnic, but it was still way too early for that.

Following **Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks E.

After visiting the waterfall, Loopster returned to the trail, which now left Middle Tensleep Creek behind as it turned NE, climbing steadily through the forest. 0.75 mile got the American Dingo up to a clearing on the side of a hilltop. A high stony mountain was visible roughly 4 miles away.

Is that Mather Peaks, SPHP?

Not sure, Loop. Hard to tell from here, but that’s the right vicinity. Might be Mather’s W summit, which isn’t quite as high as the E one.

**Mather Peaks W summit** (Center)? Photo looks NE.

From this initial viewpoint, the trail jogged SE before turning NE again. Near this turn there was a view of Lost Twin Lakes Peak (12,015 ft.). Other mountains were in sight, too, as the trail descended toward a big open section of the Middle Tensleep Creek valley.

**Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

Near **Middle Tensleep Creek** (Center) again. **Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (L). Photo looks SE.

The trail flattened out. Remaining well N of Middle Tensleep Creek, it went no farther into the valley. Lupe was soon climbing back up into the forest again. After a relatively short stint N, the trail curved SE, crossing a larger tributary of Middle Tensleep Creek. Happily, an easy rock hop this time of year!

Along a flat stretch paralleling **Middle Tensleep Creek** (R). Photo looks E.

Crossing the large, low-running **tributary of** **Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks SE.

Immediately after crossing the tributary, a short climb led to a minor high point featuring another clearing, and yet another view NE. Mirror Lake wasn’t far from here. Leaving the trail, Lupe soon caught glimpses of it beyond the trees.

Off-trail near **Mirror Lake** (R). Photo looks NE.

Continuing on down to the lake, Lupe explored much of its SW shore. The pristine lake lived up to its name. A fried chicken break was taken more to justify prolonging Lupe’s stay than out of hunger.

Even a big chunk of fried chicken didn’t last long. Loop was soon back on Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065, which passed close to Mirror Lake’s S cove, but never actually went to it. Instead, the trail by-passed the lake, continuing NE up the Middle Tensleep Creek valley.

Returning to Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065. **Middle Tensleep Creek** **valley** (Center) ahead. Photo looks E.

In a flat area not far from Mirror Lake, the trail again got quite close to Middle Tensleep Creek. Naturally, Lupe sauntered over for a look.

**Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks S.

By scenic **Middle Tensleep Creek**, Photo looks W.

The easy flat stretch only went so far before the valley narrowed. Lupe was soon climbing fairly steeply up the side of a V-shaped section where she got nearly 100 feet above the stream.

Well above the creek now. Photo looks ENE.

Lugging a heavy pack, SPHP was glad when the trail flattened out as the valley widened again.

Hey, SPHP! Look off to the R. Isn’t that Darton Peak? We were there less than a year ago, remember?

Yup, you’re right, Loop! How could I forget Darton? So many humongous boulders near the summit, I wasn’t sure we would find a way up.

We made it, though, SPHP!

We did, Loop, but still worries me a bit. Wouldn’t be surprised if we run into a similar situation at Mathers. Might get a little dicey! The rocks we see don’t look all that impressive from way down here, but there’s so much talus along the spine of the Bighorns.

The trail flattens out again. **Darton Peak** (far R). Photo looks E.

By the time the trail got close to Middle Tensleep Creek again, Miss Hot Paws was ready for a drink.

Near **Middle Tensleep Creek** again. **Peak 12080** (L), **Darton Peak** (R). Photo looks ESE.

By beautiful **Middle Tensleep Creek**. **Peak 12080** (L), **Darton Peak** (R).

Beyond this next flat stretch along the stream, the trail climbed again. However, it soon topped out, as it turned SE. The headwall toward the region where the Lost Twin Lakes are hidden away at the upper end of the valley was now in sight.

Hey, Loop! Let’s take a break. I need to check the map.

Leaving the trail, Lupe was quite happy to relax in the shade of nearby pines for a few minutes. Her appetite recovering now after her early morning queasiness, the Carolina Dog even enjoyed some of the fried chicken that SPHP had taken to munching on again.

At the minor high point where Lupe left the trail. The Lost Twin Lakes lie hidden beyond the forested headwall seen R of Center. Photo looks SE.

Alrighty! Think we need to abandon Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 here, Loop, to head N. In fact, we could have turned N a little earlier. If we wait any longer, we’ll go up the wrong valley.

Sounds great, SPHP! Exploring new territory – my favorite thing! Other than squirrels, of course.

Abandoning Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 for good, the American Dingo started N through a rumpled region that was mostly forested. She was climbing most of the time, but not at any great pace, since the idea was just to intercept the floor of a side valley that went N to two small lakes.

Although there were some rocky spots, this was all easy terrain. For quite a long way, Lupe enjoyed roaming in and out of the forest, and all seemed to be going according to plan.

Ready to abandon Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 to head N. Photo looks N.

Heading up a rocky shelf. Photo looks N.

Looking good! About to cross a flat region. Photo looks N.

Angling higher over exposed bedrock. Photo looks NE.

A beautiful, easy slope ahead. Photo looks NNE.

The forest began thinning out, and the terrain was getting rockier, when Lupe first caught sight of the valley she was supposed to be going up.

A little above the intended valley route seen below. Photo looks WNW.

Rather than having intercepted the valley, Lupe was already somewhat above it. Would have been easy to simply head down to it, and actually looked like the thing to do. The broad valley floor appeared to be gently sloping terrain. Going up it ought to be cake!

Yet, as usual, SPHP was reluctant to surrender elevation already gained. Urging Lupe onward, progress continued as the terrain kept steepening. She soon had a splendid view of Lost Twin Lakes Peak (12,015 ft.) back to the S.

**Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

For a while, staying high seemed to be working. However, inevitably, the American Dingo encountered more and more rock. Lupe was now so high above the valley floor that going down to it would have been much trickier, and involved lots more elevation loss.

Way above the valley now. Photo looks WNW.

Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.) was visible above and beyond the upper end of the valley, although it wasn’t clear if the true summit was in sight yet. An awful lot of rock was between here and there!

**Mather Peaks** (Center). **True summit region** (R of Center). Photo looks N.

Checking the topo map again, a steep, but feasible slope to the E must have led up to the region near HP10827. Unfortunately, that meant it was too soon to turn E.

Guess we’re committed now, Loop. Gotta keep going N!

Never learn, do you, SPHP?

Nope, but so what? C’mon! Puppy ho!

The route up to **HP10827**, which SPHP vetoed. Photo looks E.

Scrambling past a bit of a bulge W, Lupe got a better look at the territory ahead. The branch of the valley following a creek NE that she should have been taking was now in sight, tantalizingly sweeping obstacle-free toward her destination farther N. Meanwhile, up where the American Dingo was, the slope ahead was nothing but a giant jumble of rock.

Should have been down by the trees at lower L following the valley up to the R. Photo looks N.

A slow, deliberate, rock-hopping slog N through the talus ensued. At least the rocks weren’t so huge that progress was impossible, forcing a retreat, and the scenery was magnificent! Looper had plenty of time to enjoy it, while SPHP stumbled onward.

Looking up the bulge that Lupe had to skirt. Photo looks E.

Encountering a minor ledge. Photo looks N.

The incredible view! **Mather Peaks W summit** (R). Photo looks NNW.

Losing considerable elevation was unavoidable, or the rock hop would have gone on much longer. SPHP finally got past the worst of the talus. A tawny grassy area was now not too far ahead, where the lovely valley route and SPHP’s ludicrous rock tour route would converge.

Relief ahead! Bound for the upper grassy area (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Looking back. SPHP’s rock tour route (Center), versus the pleasant valley route (far R). Photo looks SSW.

The situation improved steadily. Oh, yeah! This was what the route was supposed to be like, grassy and smooth, with scattered boulders merely for scenic enhancement rather than an endless obstacle course.

More like it! **Mather Peaks** (L). Photo looks NNE.

Upon reaching the main grassy region, it encompassed a large area that sloped gradually up to the NE. With virtually no snow remaining on the peaks at this time of year, given the dry appearance of the vegetation, Lupe was delighted to find a spring bubbling out of a hillside.

With cold, clear water, soft grass, and splendid surroundings at paw, plus a growing weariness to contend with, a rest break was in order. Easily conning SPHP out of a chocolate coconut bar, the Carolina Dog took advantage of the opportunity.

By the wonderful water fountain. Photo looks NNE.

*Oh, yeah! We’re in Dingo territory now!* Photo looks SW.

*Doesn’t get much better than this, does it?* Photo looks W.

Enjoying a Dingo nap near the spring. Photo looks NNW.

What a great spot, SPHP! Why not camp right here?

Tempting indeed, Loopster! But I think we should gain as much elevation as we can today. Expecting an awful lot of rock to contend with tomorrow, so even though we aren’t that far from Mather Peaks, let’s keep going.

Nearly an hour slipped away before the Carolina Dog bid the cheerful spring a fond farewell. Avoiding rivers of rock as much as possible, Lupe continued NE up a broad slope.

The broad slope went on and on, the rate of climb gradually decreasing as Loop roamed higher. At long last, SPHP was weary enough to call it good in a grassy region that didn’t extend as luxuriously much farther anyway. Lupe relaxed, while SPHP assembled the tiny house.

Taking it easy while SPHP sets up the tiny house. Photo looks SW.

**Mirror Lake** (Center) from **Mather Peaks base camp**. Photo looks SW.

**Mather Peaks W summit** (R of Center). Photo looks NW.

Loopster inside, checking out the tiny house. Photo looks NNE.

9-26-21, 6:33 PM, Mather Peaks base camp – Nearly 2 hours after arriving at base camp, Lupe emerged from the tiny house. After a bite to eat and that nice long break, even SPHP felt somewhat revived. Late September now, though, so the long days of summer were no more. The sun would remain above the horizon only another half an hour, if that.

Emerging from the tiny house. **Mather Peaks W summit** (L of Center), **E (true) summit** (R of Center). Photo looks NW.

How high are we here, SPHP?

Hmm. Not sure, Looper. I’d guess around 11,300 or 11,400. Still a good 1,000+ feet to go tomorrow.

1,000 isn’t that much, SPHP! We did way more than that already today.

Oh, yeah! Close to 3 times as much, counting all the ups and downs.

Weren’t that many downs, SPHP, but you’re probably right. Sure looks like we’re high in the Bighorns now. Look at how tiny Mirror Lake is!

Yes, a splendid view isn’t it? Want to see another one, Loop? Bet we can see Darton Peak (12,275 ft.), if we go another 0.25 to 0.50 mile E.

Sure, if you think you’ve got it in you, SPHP!

I do. Not all that steep up here, and not having to lug the pack will make a huge difference.

A pleasant romp E up a gentle alpenglow lit slope ensued. Before long, a tall dark figure, wide at the shoulders, could be seen ahead.

What is that, SPHP? A vampire?

Sort of looks like one, doesn’t it, Loop? Must be a shadow, though. What would a vampire be doing way up here?

What vampires do everywhere, SPHP! Sucking blood!

Oh, poo! No blood up here, Loopster! Haven’t seen any wildlife at all.

There’s our blood, SPHP! Tonight, while we snoozing in the tiny house!

Well then, let’s go beat the crap out of that vampire right now while the sun is still up, Loop! No sense waiting until it’s pitch dark to take it on. Vampires are stronger at night!

The ferocious American Dingo charged ahead, intent upon tearing into the vampire! Meanwhile, SPHP’s distance estimate proved accurate. Darton Peak, and even the top of Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.), soon came into view off to the S.

**Darton Peak** (Center), **Bighorn Peak** (R) in the distance. Photo looks S.

As Lupe approached, the vampire changed, glimmering at first, then starting to glow!

Hah! Did you see that, SPHP? This wimpy vampire is terrified of Carolina Dogs! Transformed itself into just another rock before I could get at him.

Might say he’s petrified, Loop! Hope he stays that way.

By **Vampire Rock**. **Peak 12080** (far L), **Darton Peak** (L), **Bighorn Peak** (Center), and **Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (far R). Photo looks S.

Another 0.25 mile E might have gotten Lupe to a view of Angeline Lake, but Vampire Rock was as far as she went. Darton Peak, Bighorn Peak, and Lost Twin Lakes Peak were all splendid from right here. Besides, the sun was already almost on the horizon. By the time Loop made it back to base camp, it was gone.

Big day tomorrow! At least the American Dingo could snooze peacefully without having to worry about any wayward vampires!

Sunset **near Mathers Peak base camp**, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 9-26-21

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Mather Peaks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 2: Base Camp to the Summit & Beyond!

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To the Lost Twin Lakes & Beyond, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (7-11-20)

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 2nd summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Utah!

7-10-20, 4:15 PM, 82ºF, I-90 just E of the Black Hills of South Dakota – Lupe’s 2nd Dingo Vacation of the summer of 2020 was 13 minutes old. Trouble already!

Maybe we better turn around, SPHP!

Looking that way, Loopster. We’ll get off at the next exit. Can’t be more than another mile or two.

Too late! A few huge raindrops splatted against the windshield. Sort of mushy like sleet. Moments later, I-90 all but disappeared. Cloudburst! The G6 was getting smacked around by wind, hail, and torrential rain. Wipers maxed out, and with the hazard lights on, (for all the good they would do), SPHP slowed the G6 to a crawl.

Upon reaching the exit, SPHP spied a huge Quonset hut. The entrance was wide open. It was full of stuff, but there was room enough to sneak the G6 inside. Hail made a tremendous racket as the metal building got pounded. The Quonset hut leaked a bit, but that was minor. SPHP got out of the G6 to watch the storm, leaving the door open for Lupe, but the Carolina Dog had no intention of abandoning the safe, dry comfort of her stack of pillows and blankets.

Outside the ground would have turned white, but it was raining so hard that everything became a flowing lake, dancing water sweeping the hail along in a muddy current.

Finding this Quonset hut was a lucky stroke, SPHP! Good job!

Thanks, Loop! All luck, though, as you say.

What now? Are we going to return home?

Maybe. Sort of a late start to be heading for the Bighorns, anyway, but I can’t imagine this torrent lasting much longer.

It didn’t. 20 minutes, and the G6 was back on I-90, the last raindrops sprinkling harmlessly as blue sky reappeared. 60ºF! A 22 degree drop, but by the time Loopster crossed the Wyoming border, the pavement was dry and the sun was warming things up again. Beautiful evening cruise ahead!

7-10-20, dusk, Bighorn Mountains a mile S of Powder River Pass – Friday night. Munkres Pass, a favorite spot, was occupied. This would have to do. SPHP stashed the G6 along USFS Road No. 29. Lupe hopped out, sniffing excitedly along the edge of the black forest, thrilled to be back in the Bighorns. Good things were going to happen!

Yes, but not tonight. Too late for that. In the morning, though. Better get a few winks. (10:19 PM, 50ºF)

7-11-20, 8:17 AM, 41ºF, West Tensleep trailhead – Ugh! The backpack was a beast, at least by SPHP’s wimpy standards. Finally ready. Lupe trotted happily along the dusty road leading back to the trailhead. Hadn’t been any room to park there. The whole place was packed. After all, it was a weekend in July.

SPHP paused briefly to register at the trailhead, and the enthusiastic American Dingo was on her way.

At the **West Tensleep trailhead** in the southern Bighorn Mountains.

Although Lupe had been to the West Tensleep trailhead before, she had never taken Trail No. 065 to the Lost Twin Lakes. The trail started out heading NNE in a lodgepole pine forest gaining elevation at a gradual, easy place. Mostly shady at first, but light began filtering through the trees as the sun got higher.

On the **Lost Twin Lakes trail**, No. 065. Photo looks NE.

After going a mile, the trail leveled out completely. The Carolina Dog soon came to a couple of switchbacks leading lower. At the bottom, the trail headed E through a little clearing providing an initial view.

Below the 2 switchbacks enjoying an initial mountain view. Photo looks ESE.

Beyond the small clearing, Lupe re-entered the forest, but not for long. She quickly arrived at a much larger meadow where the trail followed a short stretch of Middle Tensleep Creek, crossing only a minor tributary before entering the forest again.

Cooling off in **Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks E.

At this point, the trail turned NE, away from the stream. This would have been a great spot for a picnic, because a nice shaded waterfall was here, but it was still too early in the day for that.

Waterfall on **Middle Tensleep Creek** 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Photo looks SW.

Loop had lost most of the elevation she’d gained during the first mile by the time she’d reached Middle Tensleep Creek. However, upon leaving the waterfall, No. 065 climbed steadily again, this time at a faster clip. This region was all forested until Lupe got to where the trail leveled out again after gaining 400 feet.

Here, she came to a couple of clearings providing more mountain views.

A glimpse of the high country along the spine of the Bighorns from the N slopes of **HP9640**. Photo looks NE.

Looking SE from the upper SE slopes of **HP9640**.

Beyond these clearings, the trail continued NE back in the forest again, gradually losing 100 feet of elevation before leveling out. From the edge of a vast meadow dotted with boulders, Middle Tensleep Creek was once more in sight down in the valley to the SE.

In the forest NE of **HP9640**. Photo looks ENE.

**Middle Tensleep Creek** (R) comes back into view. Photo looks SE.

This meadow was where a major tributary, the outlet stream from Mirror Lake, flowed into Middle Tensleep Creek. The outlet stream was visible, too, but Lupe saw no sign of another feature shown on the topo map. Trail No. 031 to Elk Park was supposed to cross this meadow and both streams S of a junction with the Lost Twin Lakes trail. However, if No. 031 still existed, Lupe and SPHP passed by without noticing it.

The Lost Twin Lakes trail continued NE, beginning to climb again as it returned to the forest. A curve SE soon revealed a big stream ahead. This was the outlet stream from Mirror Lake, which Loop now had to ford. The American Dingo didn’t mind a bit, stopping to get a cold drink along the way. SPHP managed to rock hop it without difficulty.

Fording the **Mirror Lake outlet stream**. Photo looks SE.

Beyond the ford, the Lost Twin Lakes trail climbed a bit higher before reaching another clearing which provided an update on the progress Lupe was making toward the high country.

Spine of the Bighorns from the Lost Twin Lakes trail. Photo looks ESE.

Going downhill heading NE, Lupe was now very close to Mirror Lake, hidden somewhere among the pines off to the L (N). Naturally, the American Dingo and SPHP were both anxious to have a look at it, and left the trail to find it.

**Mirror Lake** from its S cove. Photo looks N.

Only 10:30 AM, but Mirror Lake was so beautiful, and SPHP was already so pooped from lugging the heavy backpack, that an early lunch break was appealing. Discovering the joyful presence of squirrels almost the moment she arrived, Lupe was totally in favor of staying, too.

Baked chicken and an apple. Lunch was a noisy affair with the shrill Dingo raising a ruckus, but it sure felt good to relax. The placid scene was one of deceptive tranquility. Loopster skipped lunch entirely, but that was her own choice.

Mirror Lake was a good 3 miles from the West Tensleep trailhead, a bit over halfway to Lost Twin Lakes. So far, Lupe had been making decent time. However, she was going to be gaining more elevation between here and Lost Twin Lakes. That meant SPHP would be slower the rest of the way. As pleasant as it was resting in the shade watching ripples on Mirror Lake, lunch shouldn’t get drug out for too long.

When SPHP strapped the pack back on, Loop finally had to tear herself away from her squirrel watching. Turned out that it was a good thing she had gone to see Mirror Lake right away. The Lost Twin Lakes trail never did go right to it, instead staying S of a ridge big enough to hide the lake.

Middle Tensleep Creek was again visible S of the trail as Lupe continued NE in an open valley. Ahead, the valley narrowed, and the trail began climbing faster as it traversed a steep slope just N of the stream. Loop was soon a good 50 or 60 feet above Middle Tensleep Creek.

Heading up the narrow section of the **Middle Tensleep Creek valley**. Photo looks ENE.

Even here, the trail itself was rarely more than moderately steep. Before long, it began to level off as the valley broadened out again. Scattered boulders were now seen strewn across an open hilly region overlooking Middle Tensleep Creek, which wound lazily through lush green grass and tightly packed bushes.

To the SE, Lupe could now see a forested granite headwall 150 feet high. Far beyond it were towering cliffs, part of the giant cirque where the Lost Twin Lakes were hidden.

Approaching the 150 foot high headwall (R). Photo looks SE.

Crossing the hilly region, the Lost Twin Lakes Trail curved gradually SE toward the headwall, eventually taking Lupe down to Middle Tensleep Creek. Although fairly wide, the stream wasn’t deep. Lupe easily waded across, and SPHP manage to find a spot where it could be rock-hopped.

Fording **Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks ESE.

After crossing Middle Tensleep Creek, Lupe was soon climbing among the forested granite formations of the headwall. Anticipation grew as the American Dingo reached the top. Any moment now, Loop might get her first look at the lower Lost Twin Lake.

Nope. The first view Lupe got was not of the lake, but of a bright green swampy region to the SW. A little farther on, a big slab of rock provided a look at what was ahead. No lake here, either. Instead, the trail could be seen crossing a meadow on its way to another headwall still 0.5 mile away.

The second headwall (Center) comes into view. Photo looks SE.

Gah! I was really hoping we’d see the lower lake here, Loopster! Getting mighty tired of lugging this pack.

It must be up past that next headwall, SPHP. Not that far. You can do it! We’re almost there!

Of course, Loop was right. It was all easy until the trail started climbing the second headwall. Nothing hard about that, either, except that SPHP was running out of gas. When the terrain finally leveled out again, sure enough, the lower Lost Twin Lake was in sight, nestled beneath steep rocky slopes and cliffs more than 1,000 feet high.

**Lower Lost Twin Lake** from the 2nd headwall. Photo looks S.

Even though SPHP had been taking lots of short breaks, it was only 1:45 PM. Not a cloud in the sky, and getting out of the intense July sun for a little while seemed like a great idea. Lupe was in favor of hiding out for a bit, too. Climbing the granite formations W of where the trail came up, she discovered a long 8 or 10 foot high boulder providing a nice big shady spot to hang out.

A few small trees were in this area, which was only a little E of the high point of this second headwall. SPHP ditched the pack, providing instant relief to sore feet and shoulders, while Lupe was happy to curl up in the shade. She eagerly made short work of her long delayed lunch of Taste of the Wild. Meanwhile, SPHP snacked on other supplies.

A pleasant lazy-day rest ensued, the only two disadvantages of this spot being that the lake wasn’t in sight, and that mosquitoes harassed both Lupe and SPHP. They weren’t too bad, though, and the less cautious of those evil insects paid with their lives for their bloodthirsty behavior.

45 minutes slipped by before anyone felt compelled to stir.

We came all this way to see the Lost Twin Lakes, SPHP. Maybe we ought to actually have a look at them?

Capital idea, Looper! And I’m glad you waited this long to suggest it. Feeling a bit peppier again. Let’s go have a look-see.

Getting to the top of the exposed rock formations at the headwall’s high point took only a couple of minutes. More of the lower Lost Twin Lake could be seen from here, and even a sliver of the upper one. The rugged setting was spectacular, and would be even more impressive over by the upper lake.

**Lower Lost Twin Lake** from the top of the second headwall. Photo looks SE.

The lower lake was round, but did have an arm that stuck out toward the W.

The **W arm of the lower Lost Twin Lake** is partially visible, but mostly hidden by the lower ridge beyond Lupe. Photo looks W.

The views were also impressive looking back down the valley that the Lost Twin Lakes trail had come up.

**S Fork of Middle Tensleep Creek** (L). The trail came up the R (NE) side of the valley. Photo looks NW.

**Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.)** (Center) from **Lost Twin Lakes**. Photo looks N.

While it would have been easy to go down to the shore of the lower Lost Twin Lake, near vertical rock formations along the E side blocked off any access to the upper Lost Twin Lake from the shoreline. However, it did look possible to get a view of the upper lake by going up and over those rock formations.

Returning to the Lost Twin Lakes trail, Lupe crossed it and headed E up a slope where a twin waterfall could be seen. This slope was full of bushes preventing easy maneuvering, but the American Dingo soon discovered a faint use trail. Unfortunately, the use trail did not take her to the spiffy twin waterfall, instead crossing the stream it was on well above it.

After crossing the stream, the use trail turned S and faded away once past the bushes. Lupe explored higher on a grassy slope dotted with boulders, and soon came to an important spot. A big snowbank and its little meltwater pond filled most of a small depression. Grass grew in the flat region next to the muddy shore of the pond. SPHP was ecstatic!

Yes! It’s really here, and even better than I hoped it would be, Loop. Luck of the Dingo, this is going to work out great!

You’re sure taking this snowbank and mucky 2 inch deep pond well, SPHP. Any particular reason? Care to let me in on the secret?

Oh, you’ll see soon enough, Loopster! Let’s go have a gander at the upper lake first, though, before all that. I’ll bet it’s fabulous!

SPHP ditched the backpack by a boulder not too far from the snowbank. Lupe continued sniffing S up to a high point a few hundred feet away. From here the Carolina Dog had a tremendous view of the upper Lost Twin Lake nestled in a giant cirque surrounded by towering cliffs. She could even see much of the W half of the lower lake.

W half of the lower Lost Twin Lake. Photo looks WSW.

Wow! This is a super scenic spot, SPHP!

Sure is, Loop! Let’s rest here a spell. I thought I was in better shape than this after your last Dingo Vacation, but I’m about worn out.

No worries, SPHP! I’m sort of tired, too. Wouldn’t want to leave a place like this as soon as we got here, anyway, would we?

The Lost Twin Lakes were gorgeous! Lupe and SPHP sat pondering the awesome scene for a long time. It was pretty rocky here, which wasn’t too comfortable for the Carolina Dog, but she could get on SPHP’s lap whenever she wanted to. Already above tree line, there was nothing to obstruct the views in any direction other than the massive magnificence of the mountains themselves.

Trying to relax on the not so cushiony granite. Photo looks NNW.

Spectacular **upper Lost Twin Lake**. Photo looks S.

Oh, my gosh, Looper! We’ve been here an hour and a half. Time sure flies in paradise! We better get going.

Where to, SPHP?

Remember that big melting snowbank in the depression?

Of course! Back there, what for? The pack?

The slope above the snowbank is our route higher. Until we actually got here, I wasn’t sure if it would be too steep or not, couldn’t tell from the topo map, but it’s fine.

How high are we going?

As high as we can get before we run out of oomph. Tomorrow, to the spine of the Bighorn Range!

The snowbank in the depression is seen L of Lupe. The route she would take higher is the green region that swooshes up and to the R (NE). Photo looks N.

Approaching the depression with the snowbank again, SPHP stopped to pick up the backpack. Then it was on down into the depression, and up the slope beyond it. Loopster frolicked in the snow to cool off before catching up to SPHP. The easily passable terrain narrowed considerably near the top of the steepest part of the slope, bordered by rocks to the SE and the stream that fed the twin waterfall to the NW, but the route never got completely pinched off.

The easy terrain soon widened out, still continuing higher at a good clip, though not as steeply as before. The Carolina Dog roamed at will, now heading up a wide, shallow valley, never getting too far from SPHP. This whole area was grassy, and full of pink and yellow wildflowers. Rocks were scattered throughout, with numerous unseen rivulets trickling away beneath them.

After a long trudge, a rocky high point appeared ahead, the first sign that Lupe actually was getting close to the spine of the Bighorns.

Heading for the spine of the Bighorns! Photo looks ENE.

The slope was gradually decreasing, when SPHP had finally had enough. Shedding the pack at a good spot to pitch Lupe’s tiny house, SPHP rested, studying the map before taking that task on. 4 miles to the NNW was a lovely view of the Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.) region, although SPHP couldn’t tell for sure if the true summit was actually in view or not.

**Mather Peaks** (Center) from where SPHP called a halt. Photo looks NNW.

Lupe became excited when SPHP started putting up her orange and gray Marmot tiny house, the new one SPHP had bought for her just last year before her adventures to Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) and Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.). She hadn’t seen the tiny house since then, but it was clear she remembered it.

Bothered by mosquitoes, and tired after today’s long trek, Loop circled the tiny house again and again, trying to nose her way in before it was even fully set up. SPHP tossed the sleeping bags inside and spread them out for maximum comfort, prior to letting her enter. A very happy American Dingo was soon curled up on the softest spot.

Looper spent most of what was left of a beautiful evening snoozing. Not a waste of time judging from her twitching paws and muzzle, since she was apparently quite busy having lots of exciting adventures in Dingo dreamland.

As near as SPHP could figure it, the tiny house was at about 11,100 feet. Lost Twin Lakes Peak (12,015 ft.) was in view to the SW, in addition to the nearby unidentified peak to the E along the spine of the Bighorn Range, and Mather Peaks off to the NNW.

An hour before sunset, the Carolina Dog emerged from her tiny house. So beautiful up here above and beyond the Lost Twin Lakes! For a little while she stood sniffing the W breeze.

Camped near the spine of the Bighorns. Photo looks ENE.

**Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (L). Photo looks SW.

Despite how incredible it all was, Lupe didn’t stay out too long. Ready for dinner, and still short on sleep, she retired early to prepare for her next big adventure along the spine of the Bighorns tomorrow.

Above and beyond the Lost Twin Lakes, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 7-11-20

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Cloud Peak, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (7-19-16) – Part 1: The Mistymoon Trail to Base Camp

Lupe! Stop that! Be quiet! You’re gonna get us in trouble. People are still asleep! Come on, it’s time to get going anyway! (7:27 AM, 47°F) Reluctantly, Lupe quit barking at the chipmunk, returning to SPHP with a huge smile on her face. SPHP had promised her this was going to be a great day. Lupe was already enthused, and she hadn’t even left the trailhead at West Tensleep Lake yet.

Lupe and SPHP headed N from the trailhead, quickly coming to a “Y” in the trail. SPHP led Looper to the left down toward the E shore of West Tensleep Lake. The day was starting off clear and cool. There was hardly a ripple on the lake.

Lupe on the E shore of West Tensleep Lake. Photo looks N, the direction Lupe would take along the Mistymoon Trail.

Looks like we’re going to have perfect conditions, Loop. We’ll reach base camp in plenty of time. You can dilly-dally barking at squirrels all you want when we get farther from the campground. This evening we might even have time to go take a look at Lake Solitude.

From the look on her face, it all sounded good to Lupe. She trotted N along the Mistymoon Trail (No. 063), sniffing everything and expectantly checking the trees for squirrels. It wasn’t long before she reached the N end of West Tensleep Lake.

Lupe quickly left West Tensleep Lake behind. Photo looks S.

A little N of the lake, Lupe suddenly growled, startling SPHP. Right over there, SPHP! A monstrous squirrel – taller than you! Can I go get it? Come and help me! It will be a squirrel feast! Hurry, hurry! Don’t let it get away!

SPHP looked. There was a monstrous squirrel, and it had heard Lupe growl! It had moved a few steps over toward a small tree where it’s head was hidden from view. Apparently the monstrous squirrel thought the rest of it couldn’t be seen either. It was standing stock still, pretending to be invisible. Lupe wasn’t deceived in the least.

Hang on, Loop! That’s no squirrel – it’s a moose! You’ve seen them a few times before, remember? And no, we can’t go chasing after it.

Moose or monstrous squirrel, it was mighty exciting to Lupe. It was very close, and far from any tree big enough for it to climb. Lupe stood quivering, hoping SPHP would let her go after it. SPHP let her watch it quietly for a couple of minutes, but that was all. Come on, Loopster, we have to let it be.

Are you serious!? You know, SPHP, there’s something really screwed up about your instincts. Sometimes I don’t think you know a darn thing about hunting or being in a pack! If we ever starve to death on one of these mountain adventures, it will be your fault.

Shush! I’m carrying your water and Taste of the Wild. You have nothing to complain about. Let’s carry on.

You’re a slow study, SPHP, a really slow study!

By now, the monstrous squirrel was ambling nonchalantly away, convinced that it really was invisible. Lupe consented to continuing N on the trail.

Looking S back at some of the monstrous squirrel habitat in the West Tensleep Creek valley.

Less than half a mile N of West Tensleep Lake was a ford across West Tensleep Creek. There wasn’t all that much water in the creek, this time of year. Lupe and SPHP had no problem getting across.

Lupe at the ford in West Tensleep Creek. Photo looks WSW.

On the W side of the creek, the Mistymoon Trail angled NNW across a meadow. Lupe followed the trail through the meadow and into the forest on the other side. She arrived at a sign marking the start of the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area.

From here on, the Mistymoon Trail stayed mostly in the forest for several miles. It headed N, roughly paralleling West Tensleep Creek, but well to the W and often considerably above it. Lupe seldom saw the creek, but she frequently heard it. She came to a few tiny trickling streams along the trail, but many more were dried up completely.

Lupe had some luck finding squirrels in the forest, and got to give a good barking to each one. Sadly, these were all quite ordinary squirrels. Lupe never saw another monstrous one or anything approaching it the rest of the day.

Most of the time, Lupe was gaining elevation at an easy to moderate pace. There were even occasional downhill sections. Eventually, though, she came to steeper areas where there were switchbacks.

When Lupe finally arrived at a junction with Trail No. 097 coming in from the SW, SPHP knew it wasn’t much farther to Lake Helen. Within just a few minutes, Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) came into view for the first time. Cloud Peak was Lupe’s ultimate peakbagging goal on this trek, but she wouldn’t attempt the ascent until tomorrow. Today all she had to do was get to base camp near Paint Rock Creek Falls.

Lupe’s first view of Cloud Peak (on the horizon L of Center) from the Mistymoon Trail. Photo looks NNE.

Once Lupe spotted Cloud Peak, it took her hardly any time at all to reach Lake Helen, the largest of three lakes she would come to along the Mistymoon Trail.

It was time for a break. SPHP took off the boots and socks that had gotten wet fording West Tensleep Creek and laid them out to dry in the sun. Lupe wasn’t too hungry yet, though she did nibble at some Taste of the Wild. It was a gorgeous July morning in the Bighorn Mountains. SPHP dangled feet in Lake Helen while sitting on a boulder. Lupe preferred curling up and dozing in the shade of a little spruce tree. Occasionally, she snapped at flies annoying her.

Lupe reaches the SW shore of Lake Helen. Photo looks NNE toward Cloud Peak.

With the help of the telephoto lens, much of Lupe's eventual route up Cloud Peak is already in view beyond Lake Helen. The route starts below the high ridge on the L, and slopes up to the R above the biggest snow patch seen near Center, then follows the top of the near ridge the rest of the way R to the summit. Photo looks NNE. — With the help of the telephoto lens, much of Lupe’s eventual route up Cloud Peak is already in view beyond Lake Helen. The route starts below the high ridge on the L, and slopes up to the R above the biggest snow patch seen near Center, then follows the top of the near ridge the rest of the way R to the summit. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe had been making very good time along the Mistymoon Trail to Lake Helen, so SPHP took quite a long break there. By the time, SPHP was ready to press on, the weather had changed. The sky was clouding up. Fortunately, it didn’t look threatening. Lupe and SPHP hit the Mistymoon Trail again. It wound around up above the W side of Lake Helen before returning to the shore farther N.

Looking S back at Lake Helen as Lupe makes progress around the W shore on her way N.

The Mistymoon Trail passed through increasingly beautiful territory. Lupe reached two more lakes in rapid succession. Only 0.5 mile N of Lake Helen, she came to Lake Marion. Another 0.5 mile N of Lake Marion brought Lupe to Mistymoon Lake.

Lupe with a scenic view of a pond between Lake Helen and Lake Marion. Photo looks NE.

Lupe nears Lake Marion, the middle and smallest of the 3 lakes in succession. Two parts of Lake Marion are in view from here. Cloud Peak is in view on the L. Photo looks NE.

The S end of Lake Marion. Photo looks E.

The N end of Lake Marion. Photo looks NE.

Lupe reaches Mistymoon Lake near its SW shore. The Mistymoon Trail ended near this point at its junction with the Solitude Trail. The Solitude Trail leading N along the W shore of Mistymoon Lake is seen here. Photo looks NE.

It was still early afternoon when Lupe reached the end of the Mistymoon Trail at its junction with the Solitude Trail (No. 038) near the SW shore of Mistymoon Lake. Lupe only needed to go another mile or so N of Mistymoon Lake to reach her base camp near Paint Rock Creek Falls tonight. She had a ton of time to get there.

SPHP paused to consider an idea. Although the intention had been to press straight on to base camp, SPHP still felt full of energy. No doubt Lupe was in even better shape. Why not take the Solitude Trail E instead of N, just as a side excursion? Lupe would get to see the Fortress Lakes and Gunboat Lake. Sure, it was a bit of a climb, but even the more distant Gunboat Lake was less than 1.5 miles away.

Loopster, do you want to go see Fortress Lakes and Gunboat Lake? We have plenty of time to do that, and still come back and continue on to base camp.

Lupe was in favor! It did seem like a good idea. Sometimes SPHP is so clever! So instead of heading N on the Solitude Trail toward base camp, Lupe followed it E near the S shore of Mistymoon Lake on her way to Fortress Lakes and Gunboat Lake.

Lupe at Mistymoon Lake. Photo looks E along the S shore in the direction Lupe would follow the Solitude Trail to the Fortress Lakes and Gunboat Lake.

The climb on the Solitude Trail up to the largest of the Fortress Lakes was fairly steep, but adorned with lots of beautiful lupines. It didn’t take too long to get up to where the trail leveled out and Lupe had a good view of the lake.

Lupines along the Solitude Trail on the way to Fortress Lakes.

Lupe nears the largest of the Fortress Lakes from the W. The Solitude Trail continues on past the lake along the S (Right) shore. Photo looks E.

Lupe continued E on the Solitude Trail until she was S of the W end of the largest of the Fortress Lakes. Here, SPHP had another brilliant idea. The maps showed another smaller Fortress Lake a short distance up the grassy slope to the S. Why not go take a quick look at it? Lupe really likes going off trail, so this idea met with quick approval, too.

It didn’t take Lupe long to reach the smaller Fortress Lake, which was quite pretty, tucked away in a spot sheltered by small mountains on three sides.

Lupe got up on an interesting big rock near the smaller Fortress Lake S of the largest lake. Photo looks SSE.

Lupe on the same rock, but this photo looks W toward part of the smaller Fortress Lake.

Lupe and SPHP both liked the looks of this smaller Fortress Lake. Photo looks WSW.

The micro-side excursion to the smaller Fortress Lake was a success! Lupe and SPHP both liked the scenic little lake. After enjoying the view, Lupe and SPHP went NE back down to the Solitude Trail. Lupe continued E above the S shore of the largest Fortress Lake.

Lupe SE of the largest Fortress Lake. Photo looks back to the W the way Lupe had come here.

Lupe passed the Fortress Lakes, and started getting close to Gunboat Lake. There were some minor rocky hills at the NE end of Gunboat Lake. Lupe and SPHP climbed up on them to get a better view of Gunboat Lake. SPHP thought Gunboat Lake was really gorgeous!

Lupe reaches the top of a rocky hill NE of Gunboat Lake. Photo looks SW.

Lupe at Gunboat Lake. The small mountain on the R at the far end of the lake is Peak 10860. Photo looks SW.

A beautiful American Dingo near beautiful Gunboat Lake. Photo looks SSW.

The original plan for Lupe’s side excursion from Mistymoon Lake was fulfilled. Lupe had seen the Fortress Lakes and Gunboat Lake. It was time to turn back. However, Lupe was doing great, and SPHP was becoming ever more enthused about this beautiful territory!

SPHP checked the maps. Another mile or so NE along the Solitude Trail would take Lupe to Florence Pass and Florence Lake. Lupe probably would have gone on to Florence Pass, except for one thing. At the far SW end of Gunboat Lake, SPHP saw a small mountain. It was shown on the topo maps too, with an elevation of 10,860 feet. It looked easy to get over there, easy to climb, and was sort of on the way back toward Mistymoon Lake.

Why not have Lupe climb Peak 10,860? Lupe would love the off trail trek! SPHP couldn’t resist. Sorry, Florence Pass, Lupe is off to do a little peakbagging instead!

Peak 10860 beyond Gunboat Lake. Photo looks SW.

It all went well. Lupe raced along ahead of SPHP sniffing and exploring. For SPHP, it was a lovely stroll in a gorgeous setting. The climb was fun and relaxing. The views were marvelously rewarding. Soon Lupe was at the top of Peak 10860.

Lupe partway up Peak 10860. Photo looks back to the NE toward Gunboat Lake and the Florence Pass area toward the L beyond it.

Piece of cake climb! Looking W up toward the summit of Peak 10860.

Lupe near the top of Peak 10860. A pretty unnamed lake is seen below on the L. Farther off in the distance on the R is Lake Helen. Photo looks SW.

Lake Helen from Peak 10860. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe at the very summit of **Peak 10860**!

Umm, SPHP, this Peak 10860 really isn't all that high. Are we going to do this other one, too? Sure thing, Loop. Just spread your wings and fly on up there. Remember to smile! I will stay here and take your picture. Photo looks ESE. — *Umm, SPHP, this Peak 10860 really isn’t all that high. Are we going to do this other one, too?* Sure thing, Loop. Just spread your wings and fly on up there. Remember to smile! I will stay here and take your picture. Photo looks ESE.

Looking NNE down on the largest Fortress Lake from Peak 10860.

It was great up on Peak 10860! SPHP became so enthralled, anything seemed possible. Looking back toward Florence Pass, it looked like there was a good route from that area up Bomber Mountain (12,840 ft.). Why, after climbing Cloud Peak tomorrow, maybe Lupe should come back here the next day and climb Bomber Mountain, too! The whole notion was exciting.

Looking NE back toward Bomber Mountain (L of Center) and the Florence Pass area (R of Center). Part of Gunboat Lake is on the lower R.

Well, Loopster, this side excursion has been a grand success, but time is moving on and we better, too. We’d best get started back to Mistymoon Lake, and on over to base camp!

The Carolina Dog was ready to go. SPHP decided to head NW off Peak 10860, in the general direction of Mistymoon Lake. Lupe led the way. Soon both Fortress Lakes were in view below off to the NNE.

Lupe started down Peak 10860 along a route that soon revealed both of the Fortress Lakes down below. SPHP should have headed down that way back to the Solitude Trail. Photo looks NNE.

SPHP now made a terrible decision. It would have been very simple to just let Lupe lead the way back down to the Fortress Lakes and the Solitude Trail. However, in the saddle between Peak 10860 and a lower peak to the NW, SPHP led Lupe around to the WNW instead.

At the time, it looked like there might be a more direct route to Mistymoon Lake going this way, but what initially appeared to be an easy way around to the NW side of the lower peak wasn’t.

The route Lupe ended up taking wasn’t awful, but it was sure a lot harder than the Fortress Lakes route would have been. It was steep, proved to be every bit as long, and there was no trail. The terrain forced Lupe to lose so much elevation, she was nearly back down to Lake Marion’s level before she could turn NW to start climbing back up toward the Mistymoon Trail and Mistymoon Lake again.

Lupe contemplates the silly route SPHP chose. Photo looks SW toward Lake Marion. The terrain forced Lupe almost all the way down to Lake Marion's level before she could turn NW to return to the Mistymoon Trail. She had to regain some of this lost elevation on the way back to Mistymoon Lake. — Lupe contemplates the silly route SPHP chose. Photo looks SW toward Lake Marion. The terrain forced Lupe almost all the way down to Lake Marion’s level before she could turn NW to return to the Mistymoon Trail. She had to regain some of this lost elevation on the way back to Mistymoon Lake.

Lake Marion again with the telephoto lens.

Well, the plucky American Dingo made her way back to Mistymoon Lake, of course, and in much better shape than SPHP. Lupe continued exploring while SPHP trudged N along the Solitude Trail. Beyond the lake, the trail gradually climbed NE toward the pass over to the Paint Rock Creek valley. Cloud Peak loomed above.

Cloud Peak looms in the sunlight above the pass N of Mistymoon Lake over to the Paint Rock Creek valley. The areas in shadow and sunlight look connected in this photo, but they aren't. Photo looks NE. — Cloud Peak looms in the sunlight above the pass N of Mistymoon Lake over to the Paint Rock Creek valley. The areas in shadow and sunlight look connected in this photo, but they aren’t. Photo looks NE.

All that surplus energy and enthusiasm SPHP had earlier was gone. Boy, I’ve done it again haven’t I, Looper? We could have been at base camp hours ago, and all rested up for Cloud Peak tomorrow. Right now, I feel like even a full night’s sleep isn’t going to revive me. I’m running on empty. Hah, Bomber Mountain the day after Cloud Peak! I’m surprised you didn’t laugh out loud up there on Peak 10860, dear Dingo!

The Carolina Dog was too polite to respond. SPHP made it over the pass. Paint Rock Creek valley was beautiful. There was the waterfall, and beyond it the ledge to the NW above the waterfall where Lupe’s base camp would be.

Paint Rock Creek valley. The waterfall isn't in view, but is toward the right edge of the photo near the cluster of stunted trees and bushes. Lupe's base camp would be set up on the grassy ledge just above that area. Photo looks NW. — Paint Rock Creek valley. The waterfall isn’t in view, but is toward the right edge of the photo near the cluster of stunted trees and bushes. Lupe’s base camp would be set up on the grassy ledge just above that area. Photo looks NW.

Lupe on the side trail off the Solitude Trail that leads over to the waterfall on Paint Rock Creek. Photo looks N.

Looking down Paint Rock Creek from near the base of the waterfall. Photo looks SW.

Lupe and SPHP crossed the valley and made it over to Paint Rock Creek Falls. Lupe had a drink of the clear, cold water. Then it was time to make the short, steep climb up to the grassy ledge above the falls.

Up on top, SPHP was surprised to find that there wasn’t another soul around. This was the closest and best place anywhere for a Cloud Peak base camp. Well that’s pretty awesome Loop, we have this glorious place all to ourselves! At least we are well positioned for tomorrow!

SPHP set up Lupe’s “tiny house”. There was still an hour and a half left before sunset, but even Lupe was ready to retire for the night. Your a smart Dingo, Lupe! Even though it would be fun to watch the sun go down, this time I’m following your lead!