RE: [Philmont]: Stream crossings

> A couple of you mentioned a trek that involved several stream
> crossings. Two mentioned crossing the stream(s) 50 to 75
> times. Assuming those numbers are slightly exaggerated,
> there are still probably quite a few crossings to deal with
> on that trek.

There are several trails at Philmont where the stream crossings are
legendary - the trail along the North Fork of Uracca Creek from Black
Mountain to North Fork Uracca Camp (or the other way as well) and either
route between Cypher's Mine and the Hunting Lodge along either the
Middle Fork or North Fork of the Cimarroncito Creek are noted for
numerous stream crossings. I also seem to recall the trail between Fish
Camp and Aqua Fria having a fair number of crossings as well.

> Besides the obvious method of trudging straight through, what
> precautions or techniques did you have to use in order to
> cross these streams? Were they ankle deep? Knee deep? Waist deep?

It varies by where you are on the ranch. The farther downstream you
are, the more volume and deeper. And of course this depends on how dry
the year is. Flash flooding can also occur following a rain event. But
some/many you can just splash through if you want, without topping your
boots. Many of the others you can probably cross on rocks or a
convenient log. Believe it or not, there are even bridges at some of
the crossings ;>) like the Cimarron and Rayado rivers. Anything more
that just a shallow wade-through, you will be advised to loosen your hip
belts so you can get out of your pack easily if you fall in, especially
if you land face down and it pushes you under. It can be quite
difficult to roll over with a pack on even when you aren't in panic
mode.

Trekking poles can help keep you balance and footing if you have them.
They kept me from taking an unplanned dip between Phillips Junction and
Fish Camp when I encountered some slippery rocks.

Hope this helps.

Happy Trails,

Roy Fisher

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Received on Mon Mar 14 23:37:28 2005