Upper Clark's Fork is a small trail camp with a usually dependable
source of water in Bear Creek. The trail from here to Shaefers Pass
was built by campers to fulfill the conservation requirement for their
Arrowhead patch. While this camp is primitive, it gives you a head
start on the long hike into Headquarters via the Tooth of Time.
The climb up to Shaefers Pass from Clark's Fork is one of the more
difficult on Philmont. If you plan to side hike the Tooth of Time,
allow a full day. Also be sure to take plenty of water - dehydration
can be a problem on this route. Note the steady grade that hugs the
slope - the mark of a well constructed trail.
Schafers Pass is an exquisite trail camp located near a fragile,
expansive mountain meadow with campsites to the North and West. The
spring here is an excellent indicator of current ground moisture
conditions. In drought periods it dries up; in wet weather, it flows
well.
This is one of the most exhilarating hikes on Philmont - a grand
finale for your expedition. Unfortunately, in their haste to get to
Headquarters, may crews overlook the fascinating rock formations and
points of interest. Take time to enjoy this hike. An early start is
imperative to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Dynamite was used by
Waite Phillips in constructing this trail through the massive
boulders. He paved the way for hundreds of thousands of Scouts and
Explorers to traverse this awe inspiring ridge.
Although the Tooth is clearly visible from Shaefers Peak, it's
farther than it looks. Don't be discouraged when you don't find it
right around the next bend in the trail. Carry plenty of water with you
because there is none along the ridge and the blistering sun creates
an intolerable thirst.
A leader and a camper were struck and killed my lightning here in
1969. A plaque has been placed near the trail in remembrance of them.
The Tooth Ridge is no place to be during a thunderstorm. Rocks along
the sharp ridge show much evidence of strikes that touched down. If
you see a storm approaching, get off the ridge as best you can on the
leeward side. Then either continue down the ridge or wait until the
storm passes before re-ascending to the top.
No distinct path links the ridge trail with the Tooth. The easiest
and safest ascent is from the northeast side, however. If you are
burdened with packs, drop them near the trail and pick your way
through the boulders to the top of the Tooth - a sheer monolith of
dacite porphyry. At 9003 feet atop the Tooth, you have an unimpeded
view in all directions. Beneath you to the south are the Stockade and
Philmont Reservoirs. Camping Headquarters is at the end of the ridge
and a bit to the right. A short distance off the trail on the ridge
east of the Tooth, you can look through a natural "window"
in a massive rock wall that frames the Tooth. The Tooth was a landmark
on the Ante Fe Trail that ran along Philmont's eastern border, south
from Cimarron. Portions of the trail are still visible where wagon
wheels churned through mud.
Protected by high rocky ridges, the Tooth Ridge Camp is nestled
amongst a beautiful stand of Ponderosas. A bit farther along the
trail, you pass between two massive rock outcrops. Natural cliff
swelling on the left is rather high and not safe to attempt. The one on
the right can be reached with a boost from a friend.
