Itinerary 32
Super Strenuous 85 miles
Hiking time 48:43
Day 6 Details
10.7 miles Time: 6:17
Gain: 3,090 ft Loss: 2,457 ft
This is a long day of hiking, so schedule your horse ride at Clarks Fork as early as possible. Note that Upper Bench (your destination) is a dry camp, so you'll want to plan ahead for your cooked meal — at either Deer Lake Mesa Camp (9-1/2 miles) or Ute Gulch (6-1/2 miles).
At 1-1/2 miles, the Demonstration Forest has some interesting displays and a picnic shelter overlooking Cimarroncito Reservoir and the plains beyond. Stop for a tour of Waite Phillip's Hunting Lodge 1/2-mile later. Then begin the 1-mile climb past Cathedral Rock to Window Rock and great views of the "back side" of the Tooth. Hidden Valley (between miles 4 and 5) is one of the most beautiful trails at Philmont.
The trail from Aspen Springs Camp (water is available) to Ute Gulch is pleasant — shaded and gently downhill. Pick up food and replenish fuel if needed. Water is available at Ute Gulch and you could decide to cook a meal here.
Hike on another 4 miles to your camp at Upper Bench. The last water available is at Deer Lake Mesa Camp, a short detour from your route around the 9-mile point.
Destination Info
Upper Bench is a dry trail camp. The nearest water is about 1-1/2 mile south at Deer Lake Mesa Camp.
Activities Enroute
Demonstration Forest has forestry displays and excellent views; a forester is often there to answer questions (worth stopping for a chat).
Waite Phillip's original Hunting Lodge offers tours of the cabin.
Ute Gulch is a food pick up stop with a trading post for incidentals.
Alternate Routes
At Hunting Lodge, you could choose to head north through Cimarroncito (rock climbing). That route does save about 1-1/2 miles on the day, but means you miss Window Rock and Hidden Valley. On balance, it's not recommended.