From: Brian Gannon (bgannon@cox.rr.com)
Date: Fri Apr 05 2002 - 21:12:29 CST
While working as Ranger in 1997, I spent almost an entire trek with a
crew doing Trek 1 since one of their advisors was unable to continue on
the trail due to a knee injury. Even though it is #1, there are some
difficult hikes.
Some comments...
--Arrive at Philmont early on your arrival day. This way you will get a
morning bus the following morning to Turkey Creek Turnaround, from which
you hike to Vaca. It is a good hike to Vaca and the trail is very hot
and dry in the afternoon hours. There are only two buses to Turkey
Creek - 10am and 2pm. With the 2pm bus, you run the risk of hiking
during afternoon thunderstorms and you won't arrive at camp much earlier
than 5:00.
--Clark's Fork to Black Mountain. This will without a doubt be your
toughest day. One option for this hike is to hike up to Shaeffers Pass
then head west to the top of Black Mountain then down to Black Mountain
Camp. As has been noted, the trails in that area are difficult to
follow - this is becuase very few crews hike over Black Mountain and as
a result the trails are not well established. Your second option is to
hike over Shaffers Pass down to North Fork Urraca Camp then head west
along the creek to Black Mountain Camp. Be prepared to get your feet
wet - you have approximately 53 stream crossings to deal with! Either
way you go, get a very early start from Clark's Fork. If you are
determined on doing the Tooth, leave your packs at Shaffers Pass (hang
your bearbags!) and do the Tooth as a sidehike - give yourself 3 to 4
hours roundtrip, making an already long day even longer.
--When hiking from Black Mountain Camp to Buck Creek, you will stop at
Phillip's Junction for food. Take advantage of some well-deserved
showers (the ones at PJ are the nicest ones on the ranch in my
opinion). Choose your campsite carefully at Buck Creek - there are a
lot of cow pies in the meadow.
--The hike from Fish Camp to Abreu is one of your longer hikes, but you
should be ready for it. It is one of the most scenic hikes on the
ranch, so enjoy it!
Hope this helps.
-----
Brian Gannon
Philmont Ranger 1997-2000
ASM, T-1113 - Fairfax, VA
718G 2002 - Trek 32
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