I am considering a 41 mile loop hike in the Valle Vidal after Labor Day and need advice from those that are familiar with the area. Since the VV has few designated trails, I was looking at utilizing old forest service roads and some cross country navigation.
Here’s my thinking:
- Begin and end the hike near Philmont’s Ponil Camp on Road 204.
- Follow 204 (which turns into FSR 1910 upon entering the Carson NF) northwest along Middle Ponil Creek to FSR 1914.
- Follow FSR 1914 4 miles, then cross country (some maps show an old road that has no NFS designation) through Ring Place to McCrystal Creek Campground.
- From McCrystal Creek CG, follow McCrystal Creek 2 miles northwest then cross country east to Philmont’s Whitman Vega Camp.
- Follow FSR 1920 south along North Ponil Creek out of Carson National Forest Land.
- Continue south along North Ponil Creek following an old road (no designation) to the mouth of Cook Canyon.
- Take the trail through Cook and Horse Canyons back to Philmont’s Ponil Camp completing the loop.
Here are my questions:
- Feasibility: Are there any parts of this route that you would not recommend?
- Permissions needed: This route crosses Philmont property and follows the boundary of Ted Turner’s Vermejo Park Ranch Greenwood Tract. What permissions will I need?
- Water: Are Middle and North Ponil Creeks reliable water sources? Some maps show them as perennial steams while others show them as seasonal. Is McCrystal Creek a reliable water source? What about the windmill and tank at Whitman Vega Camp?
Any advice is welcome. Is there a better loop to be had in the Valle Vidal?
Thanks for any and all recommendations.
