[Philmont]: RE: Trail down the tooth

That was a great discussion of Tooth Ridge trails. Having done the Stockade trail several times myself, it certainly isn't recommended for crews going down - any perceived "time savings" would probably be eaten up by stopping for injuries or more time taken keeping the crew together since you have to pick your way down slowly. The trail follows the bottom of a dry wash for most of the way down. Then there is the death march from the stockade back to base camp. My first day's hike at Philmont was in 1974 where we hiked up the Stockade Trail and bushwacked down the other side of Tooth Ridge. First day of our KCM program.

Having hiked the "new" Tooth Ridge trail, I would swear that the switchbacks are not mapped accurately. Probably a good thing since an accurate depiction might encourage cutting switchbacks (A BIG NO NO!) and looking for alternatives. The biggest problem I've had on that section is keeping crews together. I've lectured my share of gazelles who come up behind us and want to pass, to beat the rest of their crew to the bottom. The new trail is so narrow towards the bottom that passing people is practically impossible.

The Tooth Ridge trail is something everyone should experience at least once. Don't let your "been there, done that" attitude spoil the experience for those who haven't yet had it.

A separate Phil-question: Early 90's maps marked a plane wreck on the ridge above Copper Park. It hasn't been depicted on more recent Phil-maps. Anyone know if there is anything left of it or what the story is? I'm NOT referring to the Trail Peak wreck or the other south country plane wreck.

Mike Meenehan
National Capital Area Council

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Received on Thu Dec 8 06:53:07 2005