Thu · Jun 25 · Philmont Day 10
Trail Day 9
Trail Day 9: VacaTrail
01
What to expect
One of the biggest hiking days after Baldy. 10.0 miles with 4,050 feet of gain. Vaca is a trail camp — the crew runs itself tonight. Eat more than you think you need. Drink more than you think you need.
02
Trail metrics
10 mi
DISTANCE
7,500
CAMP ELEV (FT)
+4,050
GAIN (FT)
−3,890
LOSS (FT)
Cumulative · 59.7 mi · +26,330 / −26,270 ft
03
Day schedule
4:30 AM
WAKE
5:30 AM
ON TRAIL
5:43 AM
SUNRISE
8:21 PM
SUNSET
First Light: 5:12 AMDark: 8:52 PM
04
Elevation profile
Elevation profile
6634 – 7858 ft · 8.4 mi
05
Day At A Glance
Activities
- ▸Hike to Vaca
- ▸Trail camp routine at Vaca
Scheduled Programs
- ▸Shotgun Program @ Harlan (passthrough)
Opportunities
- ▸Harlan pass-through — Shotgun Program if timing, staff, and safety allow. Expect supervised shotgun shooting with strict range rules.
06
Meals
Breakfast · B5Honey Pepper Turkey Bites, Whole Berry Blast Meal Bar, Darlington Granola Bites, Welch's Fruit Gummies, Trix Chewy Cereal Bar, Skratch Lemon-Lime Drink Mix
Lunch · L5Chicken In A Biskit Crackers, Sweet & Spicy Tuna, Raspberry and Lemon Energy Bar, Cheez-its, Sweet & Salty Trail Mix
Dinner · D5Chicken Curry, Cinnamon Graham Goldfish, Hot Buffalo Wings Pretzel Pieces
07
Crew notes
- ▸Harlan shotgun is a bonus, not a guarantee. If the timing does not work cleanly, keep moving.
- ▸This is a day to watch feet, knees, hydration, and attitude.
- ▸10.0 miles with 4,050 feet of gain. Eat more than you think you need. Drink more than you think you need.
08
Crew leader notes
Watch for
- ▸Harlan shotgun program temptation creating late arrival at Vaca
- ▸Long day fatigue
- ▸Trail camp chores after a hard day
Crew leader focus
Treat this as a major hiking day. Only take Harlan shotgun opportunity if it does not compromise safe arrival. Watch feet, knees, mood, and hydration.
09
Map
Route map
825 points · 8.4 mi
36.5111, -105.011136.5664, -104.9814