Trail Peak (NM)

Overview

Trail Peak is a summit located in the heart of Philmont Scout Ranch, part of the New Mexican Sangre de Cristo Mountains. At 10,250ft, Trail Peak is the 9th highest peak within Philmont with around 800ft of prominence. It is quite a popular peak and appears on many of the intineries of those backpacking within Philmont. Many will day hike it from nearby Beaubien or Crater Lake and then a small few will pass over it on their trek. Though not an overly striking peak, Trail Peak owes much of it's popularity to B-24d Liberator that crashed on the north ridge of the peak.

Trail Peak has commanding prominence over Philmont Camping Headquarters and over much of the southern portion of the ranch and beyond. However, the views from the summit are shrouded by trees. There is a tree right at the summit that if you climb it, you can have amazing views: Baldy Mountain, Mt. Phillips, Wheeler Peak, Agua Fria Peak and the Truchas Peaks can all be seen from here.

Route Info

This is an easy peak to hike. The trails are very well kept and marked. As said before, you can day hike this peak from Beaubien or from Crater Lake or even from the Lovers Leap Turnaround.

From Crater Lake- Head up to Fowler Pass. At the saddle at the top, head north across a meadow to a different trail leading up the south face to the summit (a sign marks the trail). The trail is a little hard to find on this side. It is quite rocky and real steep. Its about 3 miles from Crater Lake to Trail Peak.


From Beaubien- Head south towards Lookout Meadow. There will be a trail on the left in about a mile. Take that east towards the peak. the trail continues works its way up the north side of the peak. This trail is ALOT pretty and nicer physical then the route from Crater Lake. The trail goes through lush meadows, small streams, stands of quaking aspens and many views areas (compared to none on the south face). Also, the B-24 bomber is located along this side of the mountain

Red Tape

You are only allowed to hike this peak if you are on a trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, are part of the staff, or have special permission from Philmont to do so. To contact Philmont, you can reach them at:

Address: Philmont Scout Ranch
Attn: CHQ
17 Deer Run Road
Cimarron, NM 87714
Phone: (575) 376-2281
Fax: (575) 376-2602
Email: camping@philmontscoutranch.org

Winter hiking is a no go. Philmont does offer a winter program called Kanuk, however, the winter activities are most limited to things around Camping Head Quarters (unless your staff or have special permission). Essentially, this peak can only be hiked during the summer (May- August) when Philmont's summer program is in operation.

Camping

Camping can be down in a few places close by. Since this peak is on Philmont Scout Ranch, you have to camp at designated campsites. At Philmont, a staffed camp offers program (mostly western activities such as shooting, logging, homesteading, etc...) and has water. Trail camps are your basic back-country camp with a Philmont twist to it. Crater Lake (staffed camp) is located below just east of the peak. Beaubien (a staffed camp) is is located to the west of Trail Peak (many who hike this peak will day hike it from there). Lookout Meadow and Lower Bonito are two trail camps that are close by as well.

Getting There

Philmont is around a 4-5 hour drive from Denver or Albuquerque. It is located just a few miles south of Cimarron, New Mexico.

From Cimarron- Take Hwy 21 south for about five miles. Philmont Camping Head Quarters (CHQ) will be on the right side. This is where you will go if your a camper at Philmont. If your staff or if you have permission to hike Trail Peak, you can drive just a little past CHQ and take a right onto Lovers Leap Road. You can then park at Lover's Leap Turn around.

External Links

Philmont Scout Ranch
Lots of great information about Philmont.

Current Weather
Current Weather Conditions for Trail Peak

Misc

If you have any more additional information or photos, please contact me or add them to this page. Thank you!


Different Pictures from Trail Peak-

Images

View Trail Peak (NM) Image Gallery - 14 Images