Beautiful Treks / Places to see at Philmont



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 crew members will 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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 - About a quarter of a mile north of the radio tower, there is an unmarked side trail that leads 100 meters to 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.

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 back side 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.
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.

p. The new trail from Baldy Skyline to Head of Dean provides some exceptional views west to Baldy and Touch Me Not Mountain.