Cathedral Rock
to
Cimarroncito
via Ute Gulch
Overview
Distance | 8.17 mi |
Elevation Gain | 2,571 ft |
Elevation Loss | 1,843 ft |
Hiking Time | 4:59 |
Starting Elevation | 7,428 ft |
Ending Elevation | 8,156 ft |
Min Elevation | 7,428 ft |
Max Elevation | 8,311 ft |
Description
While this is one of the longer early days at Philmont, it's not very difficult and is a beautiful route. Head south and west from Cathedral Rock Camp, circling Cathedral Rock above you and then, about 1/2 mile from camp, Cimarroncito Reservoir. Stop briefly at the west end of the reservoir to enjoy the view (the first of many today), then continue north along an easy trail through the Demonstration Forest. About 1-1/2 miles from camp, begin switchbacking up to Window Rock and enjoy another spectacular view.
From Window Rock descend for a refreshing hike through Hidden Valley, then curve west and, a little more than 4 miles from camp, pass through the rock formations of Aspen Springs Camp. Descend a long switchback with views across the valley to Deer Lake Mesa and follow a gently descending path about 2 miles to Ute Gulch. Pick up food there and turnaround to retrace your steps to Aspen Springs Camp.
When you get back to the intersection with the trail through Hidden Valley, about 7-1/2 miles from your start, take the right fork and continue up a gentle slope to Cimarroncito.
On the Way
Views from Cimarroncito Reservoir and Window Rock. Forestry information in the Demonstration Forest. Food pickup at Ute Gulch.
Alternate Routes
You could head north from Cathedral Rocks Camp directly toward Ute Gulch, passing below Windows Rock. This would cut about 3 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain and loss out of the day — but would also cut out one of the more scenic routes at Philmont: the view from Window Rock and the hike through Hidden Valley. We recommend against this route for that reason.
You could also bear left after the Demonstration Forest past Hunting Lodge and directly to Cimarroncito instead of climbing to Window Rock and Hidden Valley. This will again save you about 2 miles and a few hundred feet of climbing, but still misses those outstanding views.
Itineraries
Itinerary 1 - day 3
Camps
Cathedral Rock Camp: ranger training
Ute Gulch: commissary
Cimarroncito: rock climbing, rappelling, boudering, and showers