Cypher Mine
to
Mt Phillips Camp
Overview
Distance | 6.15 mi |
Elevation Gain | 3,071 ft |
Elevation Loss | 735 ft |
Hiking Time | 4:28 |
Starting Elevation | 9,367 ft |
Ending Elevation | 11,703 ft |
Min Elevation | 9,367 ft |
Max Elevation | 11,703 ft |
Description
This is a dry hike to a dry camp. Unless you choose to make the side hike to Red Hills Camp just past Comanche Peak, you should plan dinner at Cyphers Mine before you leave and take enough water for two days. The good news is this route is the easier direction to summit Mt Phillips.
Climb steadily, west, then north out of Cyphers Mine toward Thunder Ridge Camp (about 2-1/2 miles from Cyphers), past Comanche Peak Camp and over Comanche Peak itself near the 5-mile mark. Just past Comanche Peak is the side trail down to Red Hills — the nearest source of water to Mt Phillips.
Continue past the trail to Red Hills Camp and on up to Mt Phillips Camp — just short of Mt Phillips summit.
On the Way
There are no staffed camps along the route after you leave Cyphers Mine. There are, however, great views from Mt Phillips.
Alternate Routes
If you don't cook your evening meal at Cyphers Mine, or if you need water before you get to Mt Phillips, make the side hike from just west of Comanche Peak down to Red Hills Camp and return. This will add about 2-1/2 miles, 900 feet of elevation gain and loss, and about 2 hours to your hike.
Itineraries
Itinerary 1 - day 5
Camps
Cyphers Mine: blacksmithing, gold panning, mine tour, and Stomp
Mt Phillips: DRY trail camp