On Trail

• ▸Keep 8–10 feet between crew members — close enough to stay together, spread enough to see hazards and enjoy the views
• ▸Put slower crew members near the front so they can communicate directly with the navigator and pace-setter
• ▸Never step on the critical edge — the downhill (outside) edge of the trail. Stepping on it erodes the trail. Take breaks on the uphill side.
• ▸Uphill crew has the right of way — the crew hiking downhill steps off trail to let them pass
• ▸Pack animals and cavalcade crews always have the right of way — follow directions from the Horseman or Wrangler
• ▸Crew stays together at all junctions — a fragmented crew at a junction is how search-and-rescue operations start

Crew separation

Maintain separation between crews on trail. If you're closing on a crew ahead of you, slow down or take a break — do not push through.

• ▸Close on a crew ahead: take a 5-minute break and let the gap grow
• ▸Close on them a second time: take another 5-minute break
• ▸Close on them a third time: ask the Crew Leader of that crew for permission to pass
• ▸Once past: don't stop for at least 45 minutes — this prevents leapfrogging and frustration for both crews

• ▸If a crew asks to pass you, comply — they've likely approached twice already without saying anything
• ▸Once they've passed, take a 5-minute break to open up the gap

• ▸If you can see another crew ahead of you, you are too close — slow down or take an unscheduled break
• ▸Do not tailgate. Compressed crews create crowding at water sources, campsites, and program areas

• ▸Orient the map before leaving camp, at every junction, and any time you're unsure
• ▸Identify junctions on the map before you reach them — read ahead, not in the moment
• ▸Stop when confused. Never guess a junction.
• ▸Map lives in a hip belt pocket or top lid — not buried in the pack

When to use: When the crew starts to struggle or spread out on a steep ascent.

1. 1The lead hiker steps to the side of the trail when they start to struggle
2. 2The second hiker steps up, becomes the new leader, hikes 20–30 feet, then also steps aside
3. 3The rotation continues down the line
4. 4When the last person passes the original leader, that hiker rejoins at the back — cycle repeats

Why it works: Stopping and restarting builds lactic acid and costs more energy than continuous slow movement. The caterpillar gives each hiker a standing rest while the line passes, keeps the crew condensed on hard terrain, and prevents anyone from getting dropped or separated on a climb.

Before the trek

• ▸Boots or trail runners must be broken in before Philmont — new footwear is not ready
• ▸Toenails cut short and square, not rounded at corners — do this a week before departure, not the night before
• ▸Address existing foot issues (ingrown nails, calluses) before arrival

On trail

• ▸At any rest stop, if part of your foot feels hot or rubbing, stop and deal with it before it becomes a blister — a hot spot treated immediately takes 30 seconds
• ▸Change socks daily — wet socks cause blisters faster than anything else
• ▸Treatment: moleskin cut in a donut shape, surrounding the blister — do not place moleskin directly on the blister
• ▸Do not pop blisters unless under high pressure — once opened, they are prone to infection
• ▸If a blister has already formed, reduce friction and protect it

• ▸Cross streams and bridges one person at a time
• ▸Unbuckle your hip belt and sternum strap before crossing — if you fall in, you need to escape your pack quickly
• ▸Navigator continues 30 feet up the trail and waits; last person to cross calls 'All across'
• ▸Navigator asks 'Is anybody not ready?' before the crew moves on

• ▸Use rubber tip covers — exposed metal tips erode trails significantly faster
• ▸Trekking poles reduce knee impact by up to 25% on descent — worth it for anyone with knee concerns