The Tooth of Time is a large peak that rises 2,500 ft above the valley floor of the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch. Comprised of volcanic rock, Tooth of Time has a very high iron content and is a major lightning attractor. Few troops make the final scramble up to the summit of Tooth of Time, but those who do are rewarded with a beautiful view. Another fun reward for scouts who summit is to set a compass down on the rock to watch the needle dance.

In 1821, the Mexican War of Independence opened up the Southwest to foreign trade. Adventurous and enterprising traders could now travel directly to the Southwest via covered wagon. Located on the Cimarron route of the Santa Fe Trail, Tooth of Time earned its name, as it was a prominent and much-longed-to-see visual landmark for the overland traders. Tooth of Time marked that the overland travelers were in the final 3-week push of their journey on the Santa Fe Trail.