2015 description: 'If your crew is interested in a mountaintop experience, this trek will enable you to climb 11,230 ft. Ash Mountain South or
12,584 ft. Little Costilla Peak in the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest. They are two of New Mexico's finest peaks.
Start your trek at the Ponil Turnaround and hike to Dean Cutoff for the night. From there, take the new trail from Flume
Canyon over Wilson Mesa on your way to Rich Cabins, where you will learn to homestead and be entertained by the musically
talented Rich family. You will then have an opportunity to work with Philmont's Conservation Department on a road
restoration and erosion control project near Rich Cabins. Hike north to the Middle Ponil Leave No Trace Camping Area where
you will prepare for the biggest challenge of the trek. In June, climb Ash Mountain South, as Little Costilla is closed to the
public for elk calving season. In July and August, climb Little Costilla or Ash Mountain… or both! Continue your trek to Iris Park
and review your mountain ascent from Beatty Lakes. Test your crew skills on the challenge course at Dan Beard and reflect on
your trek before calling it a night. Enjoy the last hike to Ponil and reward yourself for all of the hard work with a nice cold root
beer. Next stop… Base Camp!'
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