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.