Re: [Philmont]: Trail down the tooth

Campers are supposed to use the long ridge trail when coming down off of the
Tooth. I don't know why people have to ask why, this is just how it is.

I agree that that trail is unecessarily long. I've had to hike it many
times. Overall, the Tooth Ridge trail is the safest trail to use. The grade
is decent. This is both good for footing while carrying a pack and also for
the durability of the trail for all the traffic it sees. Not to mention, so
many crews hike this, if you have someone go down, run out of water, etc.
there is plenty of traffic to ensure help.

The Stockade trail was always my trail of choice when I had to go up or down
the Tooth. I've done part of the Pasture trail. PTC used to use Pasture
trail for taking the kids on a day hike. Not sure if they still do or not.
Last time I did it, a while back, it was kinda over grown in spots.

To give you an idea of the steepness of the Stockade trail, my best time for
coming down it was 35 min. Going up was around an hour. That was from the
trail sign to the Stockade itself. This is opposed to the hours it takes
going on the ridge trail.

The down side of anyone considering coming down the Stockade trail is the
hike back to basecamp. Hiking from Lover's TA to base feels like a
deathmarch in the middle of the day.

I don't really see why anyone would be in such a hurry to finish their trek.
A few days later and most people will be wishing they were back out there.
Enjoy those last hours. This is a great crew bonding time. The Tooth Ridge
trail is easy and you can relive moments that you had on the trail. Great
for reflection!

--
Jason Cotting
Retired Ranger
><>
My Philmont gear advice:
http://anvilgear.com/jason/backpacking
Philring
http://anvilgear.com/jason/philmont/philring/
Resume: http://anvilgear.com/fire
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