Doubletop Peak, Gros Ventre Range, WY – Part 2: Brewster Lake to the Summit! (7-4-21)

Days 13 & 14 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

7-4-21, Brewster Lake – A glorious morning!  Lupe was up early, but so were Dale and Shannon.  They were already disassembling their tents as Loop ran over to sniff with their dogs.  SPHP paused to chat with Dale.  Their plan was to head back down Dry Fork trail No. 98 to Lunch Lake where they would camp tonight after spending the day fishing.

Lupe headed the opposite direction, continuing W on the last section of trail N of Brewster Lake.  Almost immediately, a couple accompanied by two huge German shepherds wearing goggles appeared.  Neither the dogs, nor the humans, were friendly.  They gave the American Dingo a wide berth as they passed by, apparently on their way out.

Loop would see no one else the rest of the day.

At the NW end of Brewster Lake, the trail vanished as Lupe entered a maze of bushes in a low-lying area.  A large waterfall could be heard, sometimes seen, off to the NW.  Would be fun to check it out, but the Carolina Dog was already on a mission.  Doubletop Peak (11,720 ft.), high point of the entire Gros Ventre Range, was her destination.

2 miles away, Doubletop’s NW summit was already peeking around the W end of Triangle Peak (11,525 ft.).  A lot of incredibly scenic and unique territory was between here and there.

Sniffing her way through the lowland bushes, Lupe crossed 3 streams.  None were problematic.  The last stream had carved a deep channel, but it was so narrow that even SPHP could easily leap over it.

The plan had been to head up a valley visible beyond the SW shore of Brewster Lake, then strike out for Doubletop Peak’s W ridge.  However, as Lupe approached the W end of the lowlands, a wide ramp that sloped uniformly higher toward the SW was closer.  Looked like a great way to start gaining elevation.  Without bothering to consult the topo map, SPHP led Lupe toward it.

After gaining 200 feet of elevation, Looper reached the top of the ramp.  Ahead was a small, open depression.  Turning S, the Carolina Dog trotted along the edge of the forest without descending into the depression.  She soon came to the N rim of the valley she’d originally intended to go up.

Across the valley was a terrific view of a series of long ramps separated by minor, continuous cliff bands sloping up to the SW.  In the distance,  Doubletop Peak towered above them all.

At a glance, it was clear that Lupe was already well above the valley she should have gone up.  Obviously, she was going to have to cross it pretty soon, but SPHP wasn’t eager to toss away elevation so recently gained.  Rather than bite the bullet, and simply angle down into the main valley SW of Brewster Lake, there was another possibility.

Looking SW, a broad bench, partially green with vegetation, slanted higher on a course paralleling the NW side of the valley.  Ignoring a line of cliffs above it, and although the bench could be seen narrowing near the upper end, SPHP speculated that maybe it would gradually meld into the valley somewhere up there without much elevation loss.

Figuring it would all work out, SPHP again led Lupe higher.

Worked great, at first.  Easy to see that it would!  Lupe climbed and climbed.  Soon she had a tremendous view back toward Brewster Lake.  The depression she’d gone by, and the valley SW of the lake were both in sight, too.  SPHP was surprised to see that the lower valley was full of wetlands.

As Loop kept going, confidence shriveled along with the greenery.  The bench she was on was rapidly disappearing.  Ahead was a world of rock.

And so much for the bench somehow melding nicely into the valley!  The slope between what remained of the bench and the valley below was a rough jumble of huge talus that plunged steeply toward a wilderness of deep holes and fissures.  Forget that!

To the N, 60 to 80 feet higher, the line of small cliffs still rising toward the SW capped the increasingly steep slope Lupe was traversing.  Despite rapidly dwindling prospects for this route, the Carolina Dog pressed on.  SPHP hoped she could get far enough to see what was ahead beyond a bit of a corner.

Didn’t work.  Just too steep!  Not going to make it past that corner.  Only 2 realistic choices now.  Retreat, losing a ton of elevation, or find a way to get above the cliffs!

The entire slope ahead was very steep now, yet scanning the cliffs above, it appeared there might be some sort of a cleft or break in the cliff line only a little farther on.  The American Dingo scrambled toward it.

Dicey in a couple of spots, but Lupe made it!  Above the cliffs, she found herself on a sloping surface of solid rock etched by the ages.  With SPHP still hoping to come to some easy, or at least feasible, route down into the valley to the S, she again turned SW, venturing higher.  Progress was rapid on this obstacle free terrain.

Somewhat surprisingly, this maneuver soon worked as well!  Loop didn’t have to climb much farther before coming to a place where the cliff line disintegrated.  Avoiding significant elevation loss wasn’t possible, but an easily manageable slope free of talus, deep fissures, or sudden drops led down into the valley to the S.  Still a rocky descent, but there was even some vegetation again among it all.

Once down in the valley, Lupe crossed several snowmelt streams as she continued working her way S.  It was easy going, and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous, but the American Dingo soon had to start regaining the elevation she’d lost.

Lupe had reached a fascinating region!  Crumbling layers of bedrock formed a maze of minor cliffs, long ramps, and benches.  The Carolina Dog wandered through a wilderness of zones separated by walls and sudden drops.  She crossed snowfields melting in the bright sunshine that fed streams gurgling unseen deep down in narrow cracks that were easily stepped or leapt over.

To the W, a high ridge of light-colored stone.  To the E, the dark pyramid of Triangle Peak loomed over Brewster Lake shimmering far below.

Climbing steadily, but at a deliberately slower pace this time, Loopster worked her way S.  As she started getting closer to Doubletop Peak, the rock formations began diminishing in size.  The ridge to the W was no longer as high, and appeared to have transformed itself into the edge of a precipice not all that far away.

A bit of vegetation began to appear.  Loop had reached a high plain that wasn’t so rocky.  Doubletop Peak was directly ahead now.  Easy terrain leading toward it, but SPHP called a halt at a couple of large rocks.

The plan all along had been to go up Doubletop Peak’s W ridge, which led to the lower NW summit, then proceed SE from there to the true summit.  However, a couple of cliff bands could now be seen along the W ridge.  They didn’t look all that big from way down here, but if either one proved continuous, it wouldn’t take much of a cliff to force a retreat.

As SPHP studied both the mountain and the topo map, it appeared that another, more certain approached existed.  Lupe could head for the NE side of the mountain, then climb SW up an enormous ramp directly to the true summit.  Part of the ramp was visible from here.  Although just as steep as the W ridge, it appeared to be a smoother approach.

The W ridge was much closer.  Lupe would have to lose a good 300 feet of elevation just to get to where she could start up the NE ramp.  On the other paw, climbing partway up the W ridge only to be denied, and then having to circle all the way back down around to the NE losing even more elevation seemed a dreadful prospect.

Taking a middle course for the moment, the American Dingo resumed her trek toward Doubletop Peak.  Meanwhile, SPHP dithered over which way to go as the mountain loomed closer and closer.

You can’t keep me in suspenders any longer, SPHP!  You’ve got to decide!  Which way?

W ridge, Loop!  We’re so close now, we’ve got to give it a go!

Angling higher, the Carolina Dog reached the top of the ridge to the W a little N of where Doubletop Peak’s W ridge began.  She was now along the edge of an enormous cliff with views to the W.  Following the edge S, she soon ran into a huge confidence booster.  A path headed directly for Doubletop’s W ridge.  Looked seldom used, but it was there!

Even before Lupe reached the ridgeline, the views of Peak 11626 and Darwin Peak (11,647 ft.) back to the N were amazing!  Once she got to the ridgeline, she gazed upon yet another incredible sight to the SSE.  Both Hodges Peak (11,180 ft.) and Tosi Peak (11,380 ft.) were strung out along a stunning long chain of connected peaks.

Upon reaching the lower end of Doubletop Peak’s W ridge, Lupe’s ascent began in earnest.  One thing was immediately clear.  She would have to go around the N side of any serious obstacles.  The S side of the ridge was dangerously steep.

Impassable, SPHP!  Might as well have been a cliff!

Yeah, that’s sort of what I was implying, Loop, but some people can do just about anything.

As Lupe turned E, the first cliff band wasn’t all that far away.  From this close, it looked more like a jumble of enormous talus than a continual wall of rock, which was probably a good thing.  Loop was soon at the base of it, looking for a way higher.

Turned out to be easy!  As expected, nothing to the S, but toward the N, Lupe discovered a lovely ramp.

Past the first cliff band already!  And it was the tallest one.  However, newfound enthusiasm faded as Lupe approached the second cliff band.  Although only a few tens of feet high, it looked problematic.  No talus, only scree, but the ridge was narrower and steeper here.  No chance of success either to the R or via a direct assault.  Getting around the N side would be key.

A wall of rock forced Lupe away from the ridgeline out onto the N slope.  Fortunately, the wall wasn’t very tall, and shrank steadily as Loopster followed a small ledge below it E.  The N slope was getting mighty steep by the time she could scramble higher.  Rocks clattered down, but the American Dingo managed to regain the ridgeline.

Still more to go, but no significant obstacles in sight.  Gonna make it!

11:32 AM, 70ºF, Doubletop Peak, NW summit – The NW summit was plenty roomy.  Covered with small rocks, it was an almost level platform that sloped gradually away to the SE.  Except for the W ridge, the edge seemed cliffy in other directions.  Lupe stood at the high point near the NW end where she’d come up, looking down not only on Brewster Lake where she’d started out this morning, but even mighty Triangle Peak (11,535 ft.), as well.

Stupendous sights were in virtually all other directions, too!  A little hazy to see the really distant stuff, but copious mountain eye candy existed between here and every horizon.

Perfect conditions!  Sunny, comfortably warm, no wind.  A short break was taken to recover from the climb and enjoy the glories of the Gros Ventre Range.  Soon, however, gnawing curiosity got the better of SPHP.

Off to the SE was the most important view of all.   Lupe still hadn’t made it to the true summit of Doubletop Peak (11,720 ft.) yet.  It was in sight, though, less than 0.2 mile away.  What could be seen from the high point of the NW summit was encouraging.  Lupe could climb that no sweat!

However, success wasn’t guaranteed.  Beyond a lip, the slope that went from the NW summit down to the saddle over to the true summit wasn’t in sight.  A hidden sudden drop might effectively strand Lupe right here.

Don’t sit here fretting any longer, SPHP!  I’m dying to know the truth, too!  Let’s go check it out! 

The possibility that the Carolina Dog was stranded on the NW summit wasn’t resolved one way or another until Lupe reached the lip.

Illusion, nothing more!  The slope heading down to the saddle was cake – absolutely nothing to worry about.  The trek was a joyful one!  Lupe was soon ascending the ridge leading to the true summit.

11:56 AM, 70ºF, true summit of Doubletop Peak – Two small flat chunks of crystal served as a summit cairn.  Although close to it, they weren’t even at the absolute high point, which was along the S edge.  No registry or survey benchmark in sight.  With a smile on her face, Lupe squinted in the bright sunshine surrounded by a field of broken off-white rocks.

Congratulations, Loopster!  This is it!  The true summit of Doubletop Peak!  May I shake your paw?

Absolutely, SPHP!  And good call on coming up the W ridge!

Every now and then, I guess right!  Sure glad we didn’t head for the NE ramp.  Wouldn’t get here for another hour.

Fourth of July!  The thrill of celebrating the holiday alone with Lupe on such a magnificent peak was indescribable.  A quick tour of the sights was in order before settling down to relax.  Hodges Peak (11,180 ft.) and more distant Tosi Peak (11,380 ft.) strung out along the miles long ridge fading away to the SSE was one of the most striking and unusual scenes.

Peak 11626 and Darwin Peak (11,647 ft.) were on display toward the N.  Triangle Peak (11,525 ft.) was considerably closer, but only a tiny sliver of Brewster Lake could still be seen beyond it from here.  Looking NE down the Clear Creek valley, two smaller lakes were in sight.

The Wind River Range dominated the E horizon.  Despite some haziness, it was possible to pick out Gannett Peak (13,804 ft.), Wyoming’s highest mountain.

Two mountains stood out among the others toward the W or NW.  One, almost directly W, consisted of curved striated light grey rock.  Probably the SE summit of Flying Buttress (11,095 ft.).  The other, more toward the NW and farther away, had a pointy summit and was clearly higher than anything else near it.  Antoinette Peak (11,407 ft.)?  Seemed likely, but SPHP wasn’t sure.

The scenic tour wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a dimly seen crag.  Far, far to the NW lurked Wyoming’s most famous mountain – Grand Teton (13,770 ft.)!

Doubletop Peak’s true summit was nothing but rocks.  No comfortable spot for Lupe to lay down.  For a long time, she curled up on SPHP’s lap, facing toward Triangle Peak.  A couple of chocolate coconut bars were shared to celebrate the Carolina Dog’s successful ascent.  They vanished almost instantaneously.

12:51 PM, Doubletop Peak – Lupe’s precious summit hour took longer, but slipped away, too.  With only a few minutes left, the American Dingo stood alone at the true summit.  Soon time to go.

SPHP briefly wandered about taking it all in again.  Over in a flash.  Hate to, but:

Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Loopster left Doubletop Peak’s true summit bound for the NW summit.  She’d have to go over it again in order to head back down the W ridge.

A bit of caution required near the two cliff bands, but it all went well.  Soon Lupe was down off the W ridge.  The Carolina Dog headed NNE to roam once again the beautiful intricate maze of rocky ramps and sudden drops, crossing numerous snowfields and little streams in the process.

Trying to learn from the morning’s route mistake, once Lupe reached the big valley SW of Brewster Lake, SPHP had her go down it.  However, the lowlands near the bottom proved too wet, forcing a climb onto the ridge between it and the wide ramp Loopster had ascended in the morning.  Continuing lower, she then cliffed out, forcing a weary climb almost all the way back to the depression in order to get past a line of small cliffs preventing her from reaching the ramp again.

7-4-21, late afternoon, Brewster Lake –  Not a soul in sight when Lupe reached her tiny house 200 feet from the NE shore of Brewster Lake.  Tired, the Carolina Dog was anxious for a snooze.  SPHP joined her.

Later, as shadow crept up Triangle Peak, Loop journeyed down to the lakeshore near Dry Fork Creek’s outlet, then stood watching the rippled surface.  3 times, a big trout swam by all alone.  Sort of sad, but what a beautiful place!  And what an adventure Doubletop Peak had been!

It wasn’t until the last rays of sunlight vanished from Triangle Peak’s very summit that Lupe returned to the tiny house for the night.

7-5-21, early – Looper left Brewster Lake under gray skies.  Light rain seemed to energize her on the way down Dry Fork trail No. 98.  By the time she reached Lunch Lake, the rain had ended and the clouds were breaking up.  No sign of Dale and Shannon or their dogs.  They must have already broken camp and left.

Past Lunch Lake, Lupe saw another grouse.  Maybe the same one?  SPHP saw something that had been missed on the way in, a sign for Ouzel Falls on the Gros Ventre River.  This must be the real junction with Trail No. 96, not the fork farther on that Lupe had noticed 2 days ago.

Half an hour from Clear Creek, two young men coming up the ridge were surprised to see an American Dingo.  Traffic was terrible today!  They’d already seen one other party heading down.  Might have been Dale and Shannon.  SPHP assured them that no one else was still up at Brewster Lake where they were headed to do some fishing.

A young woman had just crossed Clear Creek as Lupe reached it.  Her black lab was still running around on the far bank.  His name was Floyd, like “Pink Floyd”, she said.  SPHP muttered something about looking more like “Black Floyd”, and Lupe went on.

7-5-21, 11:05 AM, New Kinky Creek trailhead – Her 3 day Doubletop Peak adventure wasn’t officially over until Lupe reached the RAV4.  During the drive out, she had a blast barking at gophers that kept dashing back and forth across the road, which was pretty rough in some sections prior to reaching the Green River.

The afternoon, and most of the evening were spent in Pinedale, but as the sun sank in the W, it was in Lupe’s bright eyes as SPHP drove out of town.  Tomorrow would be a rest day, but the Carolina Dog had faith that the next big adventure was likely somewhere just around the bend.

Links:

Next Adventure                          Prior Adventure

Doubletop Peak, Gros Ventre Range, Wyoming – Part 1: On the Dry Fork Trail to Brewster Lake (7-3-21)

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