From: CoopWright@aol.com
Date: Tue Mar 19 2002 - 07:08:20 CST
Merrie
Both Wally and I had similar questions about how to select a trek. We both believe that while program is a factor to be considered, what is more important is selecting a trek that fits the capability of your crew. So we included this section in the Philm
ont Advisor's Guide.
Selecting Your Trek
We recognize the important role that program features play in your crew's trek selection process. However, we also understand that the maturity of your crew is another factor that must be considered in trek selection. You do not want to "overtrek" by doi
ng more miles than your crew can physically or emotionally handle, thereby missing planned program opportunities. On the other hand, you do not want to "undertrek" and wind up spending lots of time in camp when you could have had a chance to see more of
P
Before discussing possible trek selections with your crew, assess their abilities and maturity level. It is tough for a fourteen-year-old crewmember to perform his camp chores when he is tired after a long hike or immediately after he wakes up. It can ta
ke a young crew three to four hours from the time they wake up until they take their first step on the trail. Some crewmembers may suggest that if they wake up really early (4 am), they can leave camp by 8 am. This doesn't work because the more time a c
r
One final point about physical and emotional maturity. Both Wally and Coop have seen instances where the behavior of one crewmember ruined the entire Philmont experience for the rest of the crew simply because he was either not physically or emotionally r
eady to handle the trek. As an advisor, you may be faced with a similar situation early in your crew development process. Since it is your responsibility to ensure that the entire crew is completely prepared for Philmont, you may have to step in and tal
k
A second factor that should be considered in selecting a trek is scenery. Some areas of Philmont are simply spectacular. We have listed below some of our favorite places to hike:
a. Fish Camp to Abreu - The trail follows along the south side of the Rayado River canyon where the hiker has continual views of the river and the mountains to the north. Be sure and use the caterpillar method (see On The Trail) so that all crewmembers w
ill have a chance to view the canyon.
b. Ponil, Sioux, and Bent to Pueblano over Wilson Mesa. Several years ago, Wilson Mesa was devastated by a forest fire which destroyed its trees but provided for some exceptional views north into Colorado and west towards Baldy Mountain. The views from
Wilson are some of the best in the ranch.
c. Abreu to Crater Lake via Stonewall Pass - This hike has some special views of the Tooth of Time just outside of Bear Caves camp. Be sure to get out of camp early because this trail is very unsheltered and has no water.
d. Miners Park to Shaefers Pass - This trail offers a close up view of the "Grizzly" Tooth.
e. Shaefers Pass to the Tooth of Time - The view from Shaefers Peak is outstanding. The path along Tooth Ridge is exceptional, with huge rock outcroppings and great views. The trail between Shaefers Peak and the Tooth is very rocky and you can turn an a
nkle is you are not careful. Be sure to look to the north and pick out Baldy Mountain. Once past the Tooth, the trail becomes a hot, dusty walk into Base Camp that never seems to end – be sure to have plenty of water.
f. Hidden Valley, Window Rock and Cathedral Rock - Although the north and south trail heads to this trail are somewhat hard to find, it provides exceptional views of the Tooth of Time and base camp. Hidden Valley is a special place, soft and quiet. Rang
er Christian Braunlich says that “Hidden Valley is never the same every time he sees it”.
g. Cimarroncito to Sawmill - This path goes through Grouse Canyon and Sawmill Canyon. The views along the canyon walls are outstanding.
h. Sawmill to Thunder Ridge - There are some spectacular views of Baldy Mountain, Wheeler Peak (New Mexico's highest mountain), Eagle Nest Lake and Colorado. As you reach treeline at Thunder Ridge, look again to the west for some more great views.
i. Thunder Ridge to Comanche Peak - There are several overlooks that offer views of Baldy Mountain and Wheeler Peak to the west. Comanche Peak camp offers an incredible sunrise view.
j. Visto Grande to Harlan - This hike takes your crew through two beautiful meadows.
k. Harlan to Cimarroncito - Words cannot describe this trail with views of Cathedral Rock, Window Rock and the backside of the Tooth of Time.
l. Dan Beard to Bent via Bonita Canyon - The crew should use the caterpillar (more in the On The Trail section) technique to provide an opportunity to see the view of the canyon. As you get closer to Dan Beard, the tops of the mountains have been severel
y burned due to the recent fires.
m. Indian Writings to Dan Beard - Along the trail, there are several outstanding rock formations. The views north to Little Castilla Mountain are unique.
n. Ponil to Indian Writings - The views from Hart Peak are great, but the view from the top of the canyon leading to Indian Writings is exceptional.
o. The High Peaks - Baldy Mountain or Mount Phillips are tough, but the struggle up is well worth the view. The loop from Baldy Town over Baldy Mountain and through Copper Park is particularly impressive. The hikes up Phillips from the south and up Bald
y from the north are particularly tough.
p. Baldy Skyline to Head of Dean - The new trail provides some exceptional views west to Baldy and Touch Me Not Mountain.
q. Inspiration Point – Located at the top of Urraca Mesa, Inspiration Point makes another special sunrise spot.
A third factor to consider is whether your crew wants to hike over Baldy Mountain or not. Although we feel that the northern part of the ranch is not as scenic as the southern part, Baldy is a big attraction for many crews. It seems like no matter where
you hike, Baldy is always in the skyline, offering a constant challenge to those who would hike up its steep slopes. By seeing Baldy at every turn, those crews that are not scheduled to hike over it are constantly reminded of what they missed. Seventeen
When you receive the Treks Itinerary Guide in March, there is one final factor that you may want to consider. Hiking into base camp over the Tooth of Time can be pretty special. Nineteen of the thirty-five the treks come in over Tooth Ridge and the scene
ry is simply spectacular. You can't beat the feeling of pride and accomplishment that will be your crew's as they walk the final few miles back into civilization. However, the trail from the Tooth has recently been re-done and has become a long, hot, dr
y
It would be great if your crewmembers could decide on their trek by themselves. However, with thirty-five to choose from, this can be a very time consuming process. One method that has worked for both of us is to preselect five treks that are within the
physical and emotional abilities of the entire crew, including the advisors. These treks are then presented during a crew meeting and the entire crew has a chance to decide what program activities they want to do.
Remember, for most folks, Philmont will be a one time experience. Pick a trek that will give you as much of the ranch that you are personally capable of walking. We don't go to Philmont for the program. We go for the mountain top experiences and how the
y build confidence and character in the lives of the young people with us.
Cooper Wright
Advisor, Crew 1519
Co-author of the Philmont Advisor's Guide
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