Clear Creek
to
Crooked Creek
Overview
Distance | 5.18 mi |
Elevation Gain | 803 ft |
Elevation Loss | 1,748 ft |
Hiking Time | 2:31 |
Starting Elevation | 10,305 ft |
Ending Elevation | 9,360 ft |
Min Elevation | 9,341 ft |
Max Elevation | 10,733 ft |
Description
There are two, equally good, routes to choose going from Clear Creek to Crooked Creek. The recommended route matches the official Philmont itinerary guide and goes high — skirting to the east of Garcia Peak and passing through Wild Horse camp. The alternative goes down Rayado Creek on an easy trail that is shaded for most of the way — it's almost the same distance, but has less elevation gain and loss.
On the Way
Enjoy the views from Wild Horse or the creek along the Rayado Creek valley.
Water
Potable water is available at Clear Creek. Crooked Creek has a slow-flowing spring to support the entire camp. There is a spring at Wild Horse on the recommended route. The alternate route follows Rayado Creek and water is readily available.
Alternate Route
This is a case where the alternate route is as good as the recommended route — do you want to go high or follow the valley?
Distance | 5.16 mi |
Elevation Gain | 285 ft |
Elevation Loss | 1,230 ft |
Hiking Time | 2:12 |
Min Elevation | 9,199 ft |
Max Elevation | 10,305 ft |
Itineraries
Itinerary 2 - day 7
Itinerary 21 - day 8
Camps
Clear Creek: staffed camp with black powder rifle shooting, tomahawk throwing, and Rocky Mountain Fur Company.
Crooked Creek: staffed camp with homesteading.