Philmont Itinerary Descriptions
Scouts hiking near Baldy Town
This program intense trek follows rushing streams, discovers mountain meadows, and traverses lofty peaks across Philmont’s South and Central Country. You will start with a search and rescue mission that will require your crew to work together at Carson Meadows. You will then hike west to the “Notch,” overlooking both Rayado and Bonito Canyons. Stellar views of Rayado, Crater, and Lookout Peaks will be seen from the south side of Rayado Canyon. Enjoy Fish Camp just like Waite Phillips, as you fish the banks of the Rayado and Agua Fria Rivers. From there, your crew will spend two days in some of the most pristine country the southwest has to offer at Apache Springs. The hike to and stay at Wild Horse is guaranteed to be memorable, as it is one of our most beautiful trail camps. Booming .50 caliber black powder rifles await you at Clear Creek. Next, the trek up Mount Phillips will be challenging, but seeing the sunset over Wheeler Peak and the Moreno Valley will be an unparalleled reward. Enjoy gold mining, blacksmithing, and panning at Cypher’s Mine before climbing several new routes at Cimarroncito. Visit the Hunting Lodge, Demonstration Forest, and Clark’s Fork before ascending the Tooth of Time on your way into Base Camp.
This program packed itinerary will give you all sorts of exciting options as you navigate through Philmont’s illustrious Central and South Country. At Harlan, your crew will learn how to reload shotgun shells before practicing their marksmanship at our scenic shooting range. You will then be the first to try several new climbing routes at Cimarroncito before visiting Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge and hiking through Hidden Valley. Depending on the weather, your crew will then have an opportunity to side hike the Tooth of Time. From there, hike over Black Mountain for the view or hike the luscious North Fork Urraca Creek for its beauty and multiple stream crossings. Black powder rifles await your crew at Black Mountain Camp. There, post-Civil War Union Soldiers will welcome you and share their knowledge of living on the western frontier. Your crew will then head to Beaubien for horse rides, a chuck wagon dinner, and cowboy campfire. A side hike down to Fish Camp on your layover day will leave no questions unanswered as to why Waite loved to spend time on the banks of the Rayado and Agua Fria. Hike over Trail Peak to Crater Lake for spar pole climbing and top off your trek with a wonderful Mexican dinner at Abreu.
This itinerary is overflowing with wonderful program opportunities and will give your crew the option of hiking all of Philmont’s central mountains… if you’re up to the challenge! You begin with the opportunity to take a tour of the great western pioneer Kit Carson’s home. From there, you’ll hike along the Rayado River on your way to Abreu where you will learn about the Mexican homestead and eat a delicious Mexican dinner. Next, you will be one of the lucky crews to share time at Lookout Meadow with a small herd of elk that frequent the area. The hike down to Fish Camp on your way to Porcupine will leave no questions unanswered as to why Waite Phillips loved to spend time on the banks of the Rayado and Agua Fria. Next, the hike up Mount Phillips will be challenging, but views of Wheeler Peak, the Moreno Valley, and Baldy Mountain will be an unparalleled reward. Hike over rugged Big Red and gorgeous Bonito Peak to reach Black Mountain Camp where you will be greeted by post-Civil War soldiers and booming .58 caliber black powder rifles. You can then choose to hike over Black Mountain or enjoy a leisurely hike down luscious North Fork Urraca Creek on your way to Clark’s Fork where a chuck wagon dinner, boot branding, horse rides, and a cowboy campfire await! Check out the Demonstration Forest on your way to Cimarroncito where your crew will enjoy several new climbing routes this summer. Reflect on your Philmont experience at gorgeous Lost Gap camp before heading to Turkey Creek.
This program intense itinerary will give you a chance to see a sunset that few other crews will get to see at Philmont this summer … Backache Springs! Before reaching Backache, you’ll start by reloading and firing your own shotgun shells at Harlan’s picturesque shooting range. You will then be able to climb new rock routes at Cimarroncito before visiting Waite Phillips Hunting Lodge. Hike the Middle Fork to Lamberts Mine to rest up for the night; tomorrow will bring a mountain challenge. Climb up and over Big Red, Comanche Peak, and Mount Phillips before reaching Clear Creek for the night. There, the booming .50 caliber black powder rifles will be a great end to your day (or start to the next)! Follow the Rayado or hike over to Wild Horse for lunch before dropping down into one of our most remote staff camps at Crooked Creek. Enjoy relaxing under several enormous Douglas firs and learning how the old homesteaders survived in the mountains. You will then head to Beaubien to brand boots, test your roping skills, eat a chuck wagon dinner, enjoy a cowboy campfire, and ride horses down beautiful Bonito Canyon. Check out the B24 bomber wreckage on top of Trail Peak as you hike to Crater Lake where the Continental Tie and Lumber Company will greet you. There you will climb spar poles, cut railroad ties, and enjoy the loggers’ “Company Meeting” at a spectacular campfire bowl overlooking the Tooth of Time. Be mesmerized as the sun fades behind Rayado Peak, Crater Peak, and Rayado Canyon on the final day of your trek. This special moment will be something your crew never forgets.
Is your crew looking for a program packed itinerary in addition to seeing the best sunset on the Ranch at Philmont’s highest camp? Look no further. This trek starts by hiking past Cathedral Rock and the picturesque Cimarroncito Reservoir. Be the first to climb several new routes at Cimarroncito. From there, the cool hike up Grouse and Sawmill Canyons will let you focus on the wildflowers and aspens instead of the heat! At Sawmill, our world class .30-06 reloading room and shooting range is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trek. Next, the trek up Mount Phillips will be challenging, but seeing the sunset over Wheeler Peak and the Moreno Valley will be an unparalleled reward. Shooting .50 caliber black powder rifles at Clear Creek, shooting 3-D archery targets at Apache Springs, fishing at Fish Camp, and eating a nice Mexican dinner at Abreu will prepare you for the final leg of your journey to the Tooth of Time!
This program intense trek follows rushing streams, discovers mountain meadows, and traverses lofty peaks across Philmont’s South and Central Country. You will start with a visit to pioneer Kit Carson’s home along the Santa Fe Trail. You will then hike along the gorgeous Rayado River to Rayado River Camp! You can then visit the cantina at Abreu and help our staff with a search and rescue mission that will require your crew to work together at Carson Meadows. Hike west to the “Notch,” overlooking both Rayado and Bonito Canyons. Stellar views of Rayado, Crater, and Lookout Peaks will be seen from the south side of Rayado Canyon. Enjoy Fish Camp just like Waite Phillips, as you fish the banks of the Rayado and Agua Fria Rivers. From there, your crew will spend two days in some of the most pristine country the southwest has to offer at Apache Springs. You will learn how to homestead at Crooked Creek before heading to Wild Horse, which is guaranteed to be memorable as it is one of our most beautiful trail camps. Tomahawks, mountain living, and booming .50 caliber black powder rifles await you at Clear Creek. Seeing Wheeler Peak, the Moreno Valley, and Baldy Mountain from the top of Mount Phillips will be something your crew will never forget. Head down to Beaubien for roping, boot branding, a chuck wagon dinner, and cowboy campfire. Hike Trail Peak on your way to visit the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Crater Lake. Enjoy the campfire and rest up for your hike to Lovers Leap and the Tooth of Time!
If your crew enjoys fishing cool and teaming mountain streams, this “Fishing Trek” will be a great choice! Feel free to bring your fishing equipment and purchase a license before fishing some of the best mountain streams you will come across. Start your trek by visiting famous pioneer Kit Carson’s home at Rayado along the Santa Fe Trail before following the river up to Olympia and Abreu. Enjoy the Mexican homestead, root beer at the cantina, and a delicious Mexican dinner as you listen to the waters of the Rayado flow by before resting for the evening. Your next stop at Fish Camp will leave no questions unanswered as to why Waite Phillips loved to spend time on the banks of the Rayado and Agua Fria. Tour Waite’s historic fishing lodge and fish the Agua Fria all day on your way to Bear Canyon Camp. From there, you’ll be able to fish the Rayado all the way from Phillips Junction to Porcupine, and on to Clear Creek, where you will hear booming .50 caliber black powder rifles as you come into camp. The trek up Mount Phillips will be challenging, but viewing Wheeler Peak, the Moreno Valley, and Baldy Mountain will be an unparalleled reward. Drop down into Cypher’s Mine for the evening “Stomp” with Charlie’s musician miners. From there, you’ll be able to fish the picturesque Cimarroncito Reservoir, hike to Window Rock, and wrap up your trek on the Cimarron River. Keep cool by the rushing water and enjoy leisurely casting while you wait for your ride into Base Camp.
This trek will let your crew hike, shoot, ride, and climb your way into Base Camp via the Tooth of Time! Not long after the start at Turkey Creek turnaround, your crew will shoot the lights out of clay pigeons with shotgun shells they learned to reload at Harlan. The cool hike up Grouse and Sawmill Canyons will let you focus on the wildflowers and aspens instead of the heat! At Sawmill, our world class .30-06 reloading room and shooting range is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trek. At Comanche Peak Camp, a sunrise unparalleled from anywhere on the ranch awaits you bright and early before tackling Mount Phillips. Once on top of Phillips, views of the Moreno Valley, Wheeler Peak, and Baldy Mountain will make you forget all of your worries. From there, you will be on your way to one of our most remote staff camps at Crooked Creek. The staff there will teach you how the old homesteaders and pioneers used to survive once they had settled in the west. Next, your crew will shoot 3-D archery targets at Apache Springs before heading to beautiful Lost Cabin for the night. Tie flies and fish the banks of the Agua Fria and Rayado, just as Waite Phillips did while at Fish Camp. From there, you will be heading to Beaubien to brand boots, test your roping skills, eat a chuck wagon dinner, enjoy a cowboy campfire, and ride horses down one of the most beautiful canyons the southwest has to offer. Hike Trail Peak to see the wreckage of a B24 Liberator that crashed while flying a mission in 1942 and head to Crater Lake where the Continental Tie and Lumber Company will welcome you with spar poles to climb and an evening “company meeting” in the most picturesque campfire bowl you have ever seen. Polish off your trek with rock climbing at Miners Park and scaling the rugged Tooth of Time on your way into Base Camp.
Beautiful peaks, luscious valleys, and exciting program fill this Central and South Country trek. At Harlan, your crew will learn how to reload shotgun shells before practicing their marksmanship at our scenic shooting range. Breathtaking views of Black Mountain and Cimarroncito Peak await you at Deer Lake Camp. From there, the cool hike up Grouse and Sawmill Canyons will let you focus on the wildflowers and aspens instead of the heat! At Sawmill, our world class .30-06 reloading room and shooting range is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trek. At Comanche Peak Camp, an unparalleled sunrise from anywhere on the ranch awaits you bright and early before tackling Mount Phillips. From Phillips, views of the Moreno Valley, Wheeler Peak, and Baldy Mountain will make you forget all of your worries. Next, you’ll shoot black powder rifles and follow Rayado Creek all the way to Phillips Junction. Horse rides, a chuck wagon dinner, and cowboy campfire await you at Beaubien. Hike Trail Peak, then head for Carson Meadows where you will assist our highly trained staff with a search and rescue mission. Cap off your trek with geocaching, a Dutch oven dessert, and the “Rededication to Scouting” ceremony at Zastrow.
This Valle Vidal itinerary will enable you to see an incredible assortment of wildlife, enormous grass filled vegas, healthy ponderosa pine stands, and rugged mountains to the north of Philmont. You will also have the opportunity to let pack burros carry a portion of your gear! Start your trek with thought provoking initiative games and challenge course events that will bring your crew together. From there, you will help our staff with a search and rescue at Seally Canyon, visit the historic Ring Ranch, and ride some of the best mountain biking trails in northern New Mexico. You will also have the unparalleled opportunity to preview your Baldy Mountain ascent from the meadow on the north end of McCrystal Creek. Make your way south back to Philmont in time to review all of the ground you have covered from Baldy’s northern ridgeline and peak! Visit French Henry and explore Lucien Maxwell’s best gold producing Aztec Mine and historic Baldy Town. Shoot booming .50 caliber black powder rifles and pick up burros at Miranda. Drop off your burros and cap off your trek with Cowboy Action Shooting, boot branding, roping, a chuck wagon dinner, cantina show, horse rides, and a cowboy breakfast at Ponil!
This program packed itinerary will give your crew a wonderful opportunity to experience all of Philmont’s beautiful Central and South Country. Start your trek by checking out the new climbing routes at Cimarroncito. From there, you will always remember the wind blowing through the aspens and the gorgeous meadow at Webster Parks trail camp. You will then explore Cypher’s Mine, pan for gold, and learn how to blacksmith before Charlie’s musician miners provide the evening entertainment at the “Stomp.” At Comanche Peak Camp, a sunrise unparalleled from anywhere on the ranch awaits you bright and early before tackling Mount Phillips. From the top of Phillips, views of the Moreno Valley, Wheeler Peak, and Baldy Mountain will give your crew the confidence to reach for the stars in all that you do! Enjoy learning to homestead at Crooked Creek, one of our most remote staff camps. Next, you will head to Beaubien to brand boots, test your roping skills, eat a chuck wagon dinner, ride horses, and kick back for a cowboy campfire. You will then be able to check out the B24 bomber that crashed in 1942 on top of Trail Peak. From there, you will hike to Carson Meadows to help our staff with a search and rescue mission that will encourage your crew to work together. Stop at Abreu for a cold root beer and to experience the Mexican homestead before making your way to Urraca for the night. There you will play initiative games and go through the challenge course events listening to music and some wild tales of Urraca’s haunted past. Hike down to Lovers Leap and up to the Tooth of Time before making your way into Base Camp.
This action packed itinerary will encourage your crew to work together as you explore Philmont’s South and Central Country. Start off by trekking across Lovers Leap before heading to Urraca Mesa for initiative games and challenge course events that will aid your crew’s development throughout the rest of the trek. From there, you will visit a Mexican homestead at Abreu and help the staff at Carson Meadows with a search and rescue mission. You will then hike west to the “Notch,” overlooking both Rayado and Bonito Canyons. Stellar views of Rayado, Crater, and Lookout Peaks will be seen from the south side of Rayado Canyon as you make your way to Fish Camp. Enjoy Fish Camp just like Waite Phillips, as you fish the banks of the Rayado and Agua Fria Rivers. At Apache Springs, your crew will spend two days in some of the most pristine country the southwest has to offer. Make your way to Phillips Junction and enjoy the serene hike up to Porcupine for the night. Booming .50 caliber black powder rifles and tomahawks await you at Clear Creek. Next, the trek up Mount Phillips will be challenging, but seeing the sunset over Wheeler Peak and the Moreno Valley will be an unparalleled reward. Your crew will enjoy learning how to reload .30-06 rifle and shotgun shells before firing them at Sawmill and Harlan.
This program intense trek covers a lot of ground in Philmont’s rugged North and Central Country. Start off by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track in the North Ponil Valley. From there, watch a gorgeous sunset at House Canyon Camp and wake up to visit the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people at Indian Writings. Next, your crew will visit historic Ponil where Cowboy Action Shooting will make its Philmont programmatic debut this summer. Brand boots, test your roping skills, eat a chuck wagon dinner, and a cowboy breakfast before hiking to Dean Cow for rock climbing and rappelling. Go on to learn how to reload your own shotgun shells before you shoot them at our picturesque shooting range. The cool hike up Grouse and Sawmill Canyons will let you focus on the wildflowers and aspens instead of the heat! At Sawmill, our world class .30-06 reloading room and shooting range is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trek. Visit Cypher’s Mine, Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge, the Demonstration Forest, and Clark’s Fork before hiking into Base Camp via Tooth Ridge and the Tooth of Time!
This program filled trek will enable your crew to hike the Tooth of Time and visit some of the most pristine camps in Philmont’s Central and South Country. You will also be able to renew and orient your Scouting focus under the stars at Zastrow’s “Dedication to Scouting” program. Start your trek by walking over Lovers Leap and heading to Miners Park for rock climbing and rappelling. Next, you will be able to side hike the Tooth of Time from Schaefer’s Pass before hiking down to Clark’s Fork for the night. There you will be able to brand boots, test your roping skills, eat a chuck wagon dinner, enjoy a cowboy campfire, and ride horses if you didn't climb the Tooth of Time. Make your way to the Demonstration Forest, Window Rock, and Hidden Valley before settling down at Aspen Springs for the night. The cool hike up Grouse and Sawmill Canyons will let you focus on the wildflowers and aspens instead of the heat! At Sawmill, our world class .30-06 reloading room and shooting range is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trek. Next, the trek up Mount Phillips will be challenging, but viewing Wheeler Peak, the Moreno Valley, and Baldy Mountain will be an unparalleled reward. Booming .50 caliber black powder rifles and tomahawks will await you at Clear Creek. Enjoy the trek down the Rayado or visit one of Philmont’s most beautiful trail camps at Wild Horse before heading to homestead at Crooked Creek for the night. From there, archery at Apache Springs, fishing at Fish Camp, and a calm night under the stars at Lower Bonito will help you reflect on the journey you have made. Cap off your trek with an awesome geocache course and a Dutch oven dessert at Zastrow before touring famous pioneer Kit Carson’s home at Rayado.
If your crew is interested in rock climbing, this “Climbing Trek” will be their first choice! This trek will give you an opportunity to climb at both Dean Cow and Cimarroncito. Your two day stay at Cimarroncito will give you a chance to climb the participant routes, but also give you a “hands on” learning experience and an opportunity to climb several new advanced routes previously not used at Philmont. Start your trek with a cool root beer at the Ponil cantina before spending a day with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano. You will climb spar poles, cut cross ties, and enjoy an evening of music/stories at the logger’s “Company Meeting” campfire. From there, shoot booming .50 caliber black powder rifles at Miranda and use a two day stay at Ute Meadows to climb Baldy Mountain, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and visit historic Baldy Town. You will then hike to Head of Dean for initiative games and challenge events that will bring your crew together. Continue your journey to Dean Cow for the first round of rock climbing and an “Anchor Rodeo” to teach/test knot skills. Practice those knots on your way to Harlan where you will learn to reload your own shotgun shells before firing them at our scenic range. Make your way to Devil’s Wash Basin before heading to Cimarroncito for your second day of rock climbing. See if you can make it around “The Wall” before testing your knots again with the Cimarroncito staff. Put those knot skills to use with some advanced instruction on your second day, climbing several new routes near Cimarroncito. Cap off your trek with a tour of Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge and a hike to Window Rock where your crew can reflect on their journey together.
ITINERARY 16 - Rugged
This trek is full of wonderful program experiences and will give you a chance to bag rugged Baldy Mountain. You will start by hiking past Cathedral Rock and the picturesque Cimarroncito Reservoir. Master the climbing gym and make it around “the wall” before being the first to climb several new routes at Cimarroncito. From there, your pilgrimage to the North Country will begin as you make your way to shoot booming .50 caliber black powder guns and experience the mountain man rendezvous at Miranda. Next, create your own mountaintop experience by summiting Baldy Mountain, checking out Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and visiting historic Baldy Town. Hike one of the beautiful drainages on your way to Pueblano Ruins and climb spar poles at the neighboring Continental Tie and Lumber Company. You will then have the chance to hike over gorgeous Wilson Mesa and then on to Dan Beard for initiative games and challenge events that will solidify your crew’s cohesiveness as you journey back home. Check out the fascinating Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs at Indian Writings before heading to Ponil for cowboy action shooting, boot branding, a chuck wagon dinner, cantina show, horse rides, and a cowboy breakfast on your last morning.
ITINERARY 17 - Rugged
This trek is overflowing with wonderful program opportunities, rugged mountains, and two days at one of our most popular camps … Miranda! You will also have the opportunity to let pack burros carry a portion of your gear! Listen to the cool soothing sound of the Rayado River as you fall asleep on the first night of your trek. From there, check out the cantina and Mexican homestead at Abreu before camping at Aguila for the night. Wake up early and watch the Rayado valley change colors as the sun comes up. You will then make your way to Miners Park for challenging rock climbing and a great traverse wall. Side hike the Tooth of Time if you are up for the rugged Tooth Ridge challenge. Otherwise, enjoy the western life, test your roping skills, brand your boots, enjoy a hot chuck wagon dinner, ride horses, and kick back for a cowboy campfire at Clark’s Fork. From there, visit the Demonstration Forest, Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge, Window Rock, and Hidden Valley before continuing your journey north to Visto Grande. Enjoy the scenic views of the Ute Valley and Baldy Mountain. Be sure to participate in initiative games and challenge course events that are certain to bring your crew together at Head of Dean. Listen to the sound of booming .50 caliber black powder rifles as you hike up the pristine meadow to Miranda. Spending two days at the site of the Mountain Man Rendezvous will give your crew an opportunity to side hike Baldy Mountain explore the Aztec Mine at French Henry, and visit historic Baldy Town. Pick up a couple burros to help carry some of your gear on the way to Ponil!
ITINERARY 18 - Rugged
Your crew will climb mountains, overcome challenges, and enjoy the serene wilderness on this program packed trek. You will also see Philmont’s South, Central, and North Country. Start by passing Lovers Leap and hiking over rugged Urraca Mesa on your way to initiative games and challenge course events that will help create a cohesive crew at the beginning of your trek. You will then be able to check out a Mexican homestead, drink root beer at the cantina, and enjoy a Mexican dinner at Abreu. On your way to Beaubien, be sure to check out the wreckage of a B24 bomber that crashed on top of Trail Peak in 1942. At Beaubien, enjoy branding your boots, eating a chuck wagon dinner, taking part in a cowboy campfire, and riding horses down one of the prettiest canyons you’ll ever see. Bag beautiful Bonito Peak and Big Red or hike through Porcupine on your way to Comanche Creek. Booming .50 caliber black powder rifles and tomahawks await you at Clear Creek. Next, the trek up Mount Phillips will be challenging, but seeing the sunset over Wheeler Peak and the Moreno Valley from 11,736 feet will be an unparalleled reward. You will then make your way to Sawmill for .30-06 rifle reloading and firing at our world class shooting range. Enjoy the hike to pristine Vaca before rock climbing and rappelling at Dean Cow.
ITINERARY 19 - Rugged
If your crew is up for the challenge… they will enjoy every second of a new “Challenge Course” trek! This trek will climb over Baldy Mt, participate at challenge course camps, be given an envelope of initiative games (and Leave No Trace games) to open at two trail camps, and daringly master our high ropes COPE Course to top off the experience! The trek will begin by visiting the Continental Tie and Lumber Company, where your crew will climb spar poles, cut railroad ties, and be entertained by the loggers at their “Company Meeting” campfire. Be amazed at your proximity to Baldy Mountain when you enter the wildflower filled meadow at Ewells Park (en route Baldy Town and Ute Meadows). Your two day stay at Ute Meadows will enable you to climb Baldy, shoot black powder rifles at Miranda, explore the Aztec Mine at French Henry, and tour historic Baldy Town. When all that is complete, you will hike to Head of Dean to complete the first part of your challenge course experience. Upon completion of the course, your Crew Leader and Wilderness Pledge Guia will each be given an envelope of initiative games to complete while you are en route to Miners Park. There you will overcome another challenge when you test your rock climbing skills. The next day you will hike to Urraca Mesa to participate in some advanced challenge course events and where you will guide the staff through an initiative game or two of your own. The staff there will prep you on high ropes hard skills, communication, and safety. Next you will hike over Lovers Leap to the Stockade. On the last morning, your final test will be to conquer the high ropes at our Cope Course before returning to Base Camp.
ITINERARY 20 - Rugged
Be one of the first crews to hike into beautiful Campos Canyon in the second year of our land use agreement with Ted Turner’s Vermejo Park Ranch. You will then hike through rugged country full of very cool and bizarre rock outcroppings on your way to rock climb at Dean Cow. Hike up Dean Canyon and then test your crew skills with initiative games and challenge course events at Head of Dean. From there, you will visit French Henry and explore Lucien Maxwell’s best gold producing Aztec Mine. You will be amazed to see Baldy Mountain so close when you enter the pristine meadow at Copper Park. A two day stay will enable you to climb Baldy and visit historic Baldy Town. The second half of this trek will take you into Greenwood Canyon and on to Rich Cabins where you will learn about homesteading in the Wild West. Head north into the Valle Vidal to incredible ponderosa pine forests and some of the most heavily populated elk habitat in the southwest. Be sure to watch the sunset illuminate the sky and Little Costilla with thousands of colors from Beatty Lakes. Keep an eye out for other wildlife while hiking down Abran Canyon. Cap off your trip by touring the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people at Indian Writings and by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track… its right here in the North Ponil Canyon!
ITINERARY 21 - Rugged
This program packed trek will give your crew a chance to sleep next to the waters of the Rayado River, climb Baldy Mountain, and shoot pistols at Ponil! You will also have the opportunity to let pack burros carry a portion of your gear! Start your trek with a tour of pioneer Kit Carson’s home at Rayado along the Santa Fe Trail and follow the river to Rayado River Camp. Drink a cool root beer at the cantina and visit the Mexican homestead at Abreu before hiking up to one of our most beautiful trail camps, Bear Caves. Test your rock climbing skills at Miners Park and side hike the Tooth of Time if you’re up for the challenge. Tour Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge and pass by Window Rock on your way to Visto Grande. Participating in initiative games and challenge events at Head of Dean will bring your crew together. A two day stay at Miranda will give you an opportunity to shoot booming .50 caliber black powder rifles, side hike Baldy Mountain, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and visit historic Baldy Town. Next, your crew will be able to spend the day with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano. There you will climb spar poles, cut cross ties, and be entertained with music/stories at the logger’s “Company Meeting” campfire. Cap off your trek with Cowboy Action Shooting, boot branding, roping, a chuck wagon dinner, cantina show, horse rides, and a cowboy breakfast at Ponil!
ITINERARY 22 - Rugged
This great itinerary will give you plenty of options for exciting program, bagging rugged mountains, and enjoying several of Philmont’s coolest canyons. Start by hiking over Lovers Leap on your way to visit the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Crater Lake. There, you will climb spar poles, cut railroad ties, and take part in the loggers’ “Company Meeting” at a most picturesque campfire bowl overlooking the Tooth of Time. From there, choose whether you want to hike up luscious North Fork Urraca Creek or if you are up for climbing Black Mountain on your way to Black Mountain Camp. Post-Civil War soldiers will welcome you to their outpost and show you how to shoot their booming .58 caliber black powder rifles. From there, swing by Beaubien to brand boots and test your roping skills on your way to Lookout Meadow. Be kind of quiet as you’re approaching the meadow so you can see the small herd of elk that often frequents the Lookout Meadow and the surrounding peaks. You’ll then head to Buck Creek before starting the uphill climb towards Mount Phillips. While the climb will be challenging, seeing the sunset over Wheeler Peak and the Moreno Valley will be something your crew never forgets. Drop down to Sawmill where our world class .30-06 reloading room and shooting range is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trek. You will then hike down luscious Sawmill and Grouse Canyon on the way to Cimarroncito where several new routes are waiting to be climbed and rappelled by your crew. Visit the Hunting Lodge, Demonstration Forest, and Clark’s Fork before climbing the Tooth of Time and hiking into Base Camp.
ITINERARY 23 - Rugged
This program intense trek covers a lot of ground in Philmont’s rugged North and Central Country. Start off by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track… it’s right here in the North Ponil Valley! You will then be able to see the fascinating petroglyphs, archaeological sites, and fossils left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people at Indian Writings. Participating in initiative games and challenge events at Dan Beard will bring your crew together before learning how the old homesteaders made a living in the mountains at Rich Cabins. Enjoy hiking over beautiful Wilson Mesa on your way to Pueblano to visit the Continental Tie and Lumber Company. You will climb spar poles, cut cross ties, and be treated to an evening of music/stories at the logger’s “Company Meeting” campfire before spending the night at Pueblano Ruins. Enjoy the hike up the South Ponil, learn to blacksmith at French Henry, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and be amazed when a beautiful view greets you as you walk into the meadow at Copper Park. Your two day stay will enable you to climb Baldy Mountain, visit historic Baldy Town, and enjoy the cool evenings at around 10,500 feet. In the following days, you will journey south to Santa Claus and Devil’s Wash Basin, before arriving at Cimarroncito. Check out two new rock climbing routes and test your climbing skills in the gym and on “The Wall.” Visit Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge and stop at the Demonstration Forest on your way to Tooth Ridge Camp. A hike to the top of the Tooth of Time will complete the journey of a lifetime!
ITINERARY 24 - Rugged
This Valle Vidal itinerary will enable you to camp where few other Philmont treks go, see an incredible assortment of wildlife, enjoy enormous grass filled vegas, hike through healthy ponderosa pine stands, and view the rugged mountains to the north of Philmont. You will also have the opportunity to let pack burros carry a portion of your gear! Start off by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track and tour the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people at Indian Writings. From there, you will help our staff with a search and rescue at Seally Canyon. You will then visit the historic Ring Ranch for some folk weather forecasting and head to Whiteman Vega to ride some of the best mountain biking trails in northern New Mexico. You will be the only crew that has a chance to camp alongside McCrystal Creek while you enjoy the unparalleled opportunity to preview Baldy Mountain from the northern meadow. Make your way south back to Dan Beard for initiative games and challenge events that will bring your crew together. Next, you will be off to enjoy Cowboy Action Shooting, boot branding, roping, a chuck wagon dinner, cantina show, horse rides, and a cowboy breakfast at Ponil! The Continental Tie and Lumber Company will then welcome you to their camp at Pueblano. You will climb spar poles, cut cross ties, and enjoy the music/stories at the “Company Meeting” campfire. From there, head to the Mountain Man Rendezvous at Miranda. You’ll shoot booming .50 caliber black powder rifles, side hike Baldy Mountain, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and visit historic Baldy Town. The last night at Santa Claus will give your crew special time to reflect on the journey and everything that they have accomplished together.
This program filled itinerary will give you an opportunity to visit some of Philmont’s finest meadows while you hike over Wilson Mesa, Baldy Mountain, Black Mountain, and Urraca Mesa! Start your trek off with a cool root beer at Ponil before hiking up the Middle Ponil to Bent for the night. From there, you’ll enjoy the hike to the top of Wilson Mesa which has some of the best views of Baldy Mountain and the Valle Vidal to the north. Make your way down to Pueblano to visit the Continental Tie and Lumber Company where you will climb spar poles and cut cross ties as you relive the life of a logger in the 1920’s. Enjoy the hike up to Baldy Skyline where you will enjoy the cool crisp air at 9,000 feet for the night. Check out the gorgeous view and beautiful wildflowers at Ewells Park before trekking to Baldy Town. A two day stay at Baldy Town will give you the chance to climb Baldy Mountain, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and tour historic French Henry. Next, you will hike to Miranda where tomahawks and the booming sound of .50 caliber black powder rifles are sure to interest your crew. Enjoy hiking down the pristine meadow on your way to participate in initiative games and challenge events at Head of Dean. From HOD, you will continue your journey south to Visto Grande, where you will be able to review your Baldy ascent from one of several campsites with beautiful views of the Ute Park valley. You will then enjoy the hike across Deer Lake Mesa on your way to Webster Parks. There, you will rest easy as the wind blows through the aspen leaves. Tour Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge, visit the Demonstration Forest, and brand your boots at Clark’s Fork before heading over Shaefer’s Pass to Miners Park. Challenge yourself and test your rock climbing skills before making your way to Aguila for the night. Your crew will be able to reflect on the journey as you look out into the Rayado River valley. Be sure to wake up early and watch the colors change as first light hits the plains. Enjoy the hike to Zastrow where your crew will test their land navigation skills on a great geocache course. Cap off your trek with a Dutch oven dessert, the “Rededication to Scouting” program, and a tour of pioneer Kit Carson’s former home!
This program filled trek hikes through all of the North Country, climb Baldy Mountain, and hike in to Base Camp via the Tooth of Time! You will also let pack burros carry a portion of your gear! Start off by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track… it’s right here in the North Ponil Valley. Watch a gorgeous sunset at House Canyon Camp and visit the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people around 1300 AD at Indian Writings. You will stay at Old Camp before heading to historic Ponil where Cowboy Action Shooting will make its Philmont programmatic debut this summer. Ride horses, brand boots, test your roping skills, and eat a chuck wagon dinner and a cowboy breakfast before picking up burros and making your way to visit the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano. There, you will climb spar poles, cut cross ties, and enjoy the logger’s stories/music at their “Company Meeting” campfire. You will shoot booming .50 caliber black powder rifles on your way to Black Horse where your two day stay will enable you to climb Baldy Mountain, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and visit historic Baldy Town. Hike to Head of Dean to participate in initiative games and challenge events that will bring your crew together as you continue your journey to New Dean. Enjoy camping at the site of an old sawmill, check out Black Jack’s Hideout, and head to Harlan to learn to reload your own shotgun shells before firing them at our scenic shooting range. Enjoy the hike to Cimarroncito, where you will be some of the first crews to rock climb several new routes this season. Test your climbing skills in the rock gym and see if you will be one of the few to make it all the way around “the wall.” Swing by Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge, Demonstration Forest, and Clark’s Fork before your last night of camping at Upper Clark’s Fork. You will enjoy hiking rugged Tooth Ridge and climbing the Tooth of Time before making your way to Base Camp.
This program packed trek will enable you to climb Baldy Mountain, hike up Sawmill Canyon, and hike into Base Camp via the Tooth of Time! You will also have the opportunity to let pack burros carry a portion of your gear! Start your trek with a cool glass of root beer at the Ponil cantina before making your way to visit the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano. There, you will climb spar poles and be treated to an evening campfire or, as the loggers like to call it… their “company meeting.” Enjoy the hike to Miranda be delighted with the view that you encounter as you enter the wildflower filled meadow… Baldy Mountain is getting closer! A two day stay at Ute Meadows will give you time to shoot booming black powder rifles at Miranda, climb rugged Baldy, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and visit historic Baldy Town. Next, you will make your way to one of our new camps, Martinez Springs, before you reload and shoot your own your own shotgun shells at Harlan. The cool hike up Grouse and Sawmill Canyons will let you focus on the wildflowers and aspens instead of the heat! At Sawmill, our world class .30-06 reloading room and shooting range is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trek. Your stay at Cypher’s will be complete after an evening “Stomp” with Charlie Cypher’s mining crew. Make your way to the Hunting Lodge, Demonstration Forest, Clark’s Fork, and the Tooth of Time on your way to Base Camp.
This wonderful trek will give your crew the chance to see the majority of Philmont as you do program in all three… the South, Central, and North Country! Enjoy the beginning of your trek as you venture along the rushing Rayado River. Stay at rugged Rimrock Park and drink a cool root beer at the Abreu cantina before making your way to Urraca. Once there, initiative games and challenge events will bring your crew together for the journey. That evening, you will be treated to music and some wild tales of Urraca’s haunted past at a campfire. Wake up early and take a 10 minute walk to Inspiration Point to look east for the sunrise and watch as first light hits the Tooth of Time. From there, make your way to Miners Park to test your rock climbing skills on several tough routes. Get plenty of rest and wake up early to side hike the Tooth of Time or eat a chuck wagon dinner and kick back at a cowboy campfire at Clark’s Fork. While there, enjoy branding your boots, honing your roping skills, and riding horses with incredible views of the mountains. You will then be off to visit the Demonstration Forest, Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge, and Window Rock. Look for the Villa Philmonte from Window Rock and view Mount Phillips to the west. Start your journey to the North Country and enjoy shooting the booming .50 caliber black powder rifles at Miranda. The wildflowers, pristine meadow, and spectacular views of Baldy Mountain you’ll see upon your arrival at Ewells Park will surely be a highlight for your crew. The two day stay there will enable your crew to visit historic Baldy Town, climb Baldy Mountain and explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine. Hike down the gorgeous drainage into the South Ponil on your way to climbing spar poles and cutting cross ties with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano. Grab a glass of root beer at Ponil on your way to Indian Writings. There you will be able to tour the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people around 1300 AD. Cap off your trek with a visit to the world’s only known T-Rex track … its right here in the North Ponil Canyon!
This program filled trek will give you a chance to climb Baldy Mountain, camp near Black Jack’s hideout, and hike over the Tooth of Time! Start your trek with a cool glass of root beer at Ponil before making your way to Flume Canyon for the night. Climb spar poles and cut cross ties with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano before heading over beautiful Wilson Mesa to Rich Cabins. At Rich, you will learn how the old homesteaders survived in the mountains and be treated to an evening of entertainment. Hike to Upper Greenwood where you will need to rest up before climbing to Copper Park and Baldy Mountain. From Copper Park, hike down to French Henry to learn blacksmithing skills and explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine. The next day, your crew will hike over Baldy Mountain with the option of carrying full packs… if you’re up for the challenge! Tour historic Baldy Town and camp at Baldy Skyline for the night. Hike to Black Jacks, but be sure to participate in initiative games and challenge events (that are sure to bring your crew together) at Head of Dean. Have fun exploring outlaw Black Jack Ketchum’s Hideout on your way to rock climb and rappel at Dean Cow. At Harlan, your crew will enjoy loading their own shotgun shells before testing their skills at our scenic shooting range. Your crew will be able to reflect on their journey at cool and luscious Lower Sawmill before hitting the trail and heading to Clark’s Fork. There, you will brand boots, test your roping skills, enjoy a Chuck Wagon dinner, and cap off the evening with a cowboy campfire. Be sure to wake up early, fill your water bottles, and hit the trail towards Shaefer’s Pass and the Tooth of Time!
This Valle Vidal itinerary will enable you to see an incredible assortment of wildlife, enormous grass filled vegas, healthy ponderosa pine stands, and rugged mountains to the north of Philmont. Start off by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track and tour the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people at Indian Writings. From there, you will help our staff with a search and rescue mission at Seally Canyon before heading to Ring Place for astronomy and folk weather forecasting. Ride some of northern New Mexico’s finest mountain biking trails at Whiteman Vega and take an unparalleled opportunity to preview Baldy Mountain from the meadow on the north end of McCrystal Creek. Make your way south back to Philmont in time to review all of the ground you have covered from Baldy’s northern ridgeline and peak! Visit French Henry and explore Lucien Maxwell’s best gold producing Aztec Mine and historic Baldy Town. Climb spar poles and cut railroad ties at Pueblano with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company. Head to Ponil for Cowboy Action Shooting, boot branding, roping, a chuck wagon dinner, cantina show, horse rides, and a cowboy breakfast at Ponil! Test your rock climbing and rappelling skills at Dean Cow. Then reflect on the program, beautiful scenery, and fellowship with your as you hike to the Heck Turnaround!
If your crew is into GPS and land navigation, this “Geocaching Trek” is for you! Test your navigation skills in the Valle Vidal before geocaching your way into Ted Turner’s Vermejo Park Ranch. Our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Team set up a challenging course in rugged country with some of the most unique rock outcroppings and vistas that the southwest has to offer. Not one crew found all of the geocaches last summer. We are challenging your crew to be the first to locate them all! Start your trek at Sioux before participating in initiative games and challenge events at Dan Beard. From there, stop and help our staff with a search and rescue mission at Seally Canyon. You can bushwhack north over the ridge directly to Whiteman Vega to ride some of the best mountain biking trails in northern New Mexico. Hike across the site of a 2009 prescribed burn on your way to the north end of McCrystal Creek. From there, you will be able to preview your trip to Baldy before taking part in the astronomy program at Ring Place for the night. Make your way back to Philmont and spend two days at Ewells Park where you will continue to be amazed by the wildflowers in the meadow and the view of Baldy. On the second day, you will have time to explore the Aztec Mine at French Henry, climb Baldy, and visit historic Baldy Town. Visit the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano to climb spar poles on your way to New Dean. Now for the geocaching… At Dean Cow, each crew will be given GPS units with the geocache locations entered into them. You will have a day and a half to find them all. Be amazed by the rock formations and if you pay close attention, you might even find a rock with Waite Phillips’ initials (WP) carved into it! Spend the night where few other crews have the opportunity to stay at Slate Hill Heck Camp. Hike back to Dean Cow to drop off your GPS units and to cap off your trek with rock climbing and rappelling! This trek has it all!
This trek will give your crew an opportunity to climb most of Philmont’s peaks, hike over Wilson Mesa, and see the best sunrise the Ranch has to offer at Comanche Peak! Start your trek by hiking over Lovers Leap. You will then climb spar poles and cut cross ties with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Crater Lake before camping at one of our most beautiful trail camps… Lower Bonito. Head to Beaubien to brand your boots or hike down to Fish Camp to tour Waite Phillips’ fishing lodge. Walk the banks of the Rayado all the way up to Porcupine and make your way to Crooked Creek for the night, where you will learn how the old homesteaders survived living in the mountains. Next, view Wheeler Peak, the Moreno Valley, and Baldy Mountain from the top of Mount Phillips before stopping at Comanche Peak for the night. Be sure to wake up early and hike just to the north of Comanche Peak Camp, where you will be able to view one of the best sunrises in the southwest at just above 11,000 feet. Enjoy the beautiful hike down cool Sawmill and Grouse Canyons on your way to Ute Springs. Begin your journey to the North Country and hike up Bear Canyon on your way to Santa Claus. The booming .50 caliber black powder rifles will beckon you to Miranda before camping at Ewells Park for the night. A two day stay at the pristine meadow will enable your crew to summit rugged Baldy Mountain, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and visit historic Baldy Town. Climb spar poles and cut cross ties with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company before hiking over Wilson Mesa to Dan Beard. At Dan Beard, your crew will have a chance to participate in initiative games and challenge events that are sure to capitalize on the teamwork they developed during the trek. Your last stop will be at Indian Writings, where you will tour the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people around 1300 AD. Cap off your trek by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track … its right here in the North Ponil Valley!
This trek will enable your crew to climb over Philmont’s two tallest peaks … Mount Phillips and Baldy Mountain! Drink a cool root beer at the Abreu cantina before resting by the banks of the Rayado River at Old Abreu Camp. You will have wonderful views of Rayado, Crater, and Lookout Peaks as you hike along the south side of the Rayado all the way to Fish Camp. At Fish, you will come to understand why Waite Phillips used to love spending time at his quiet fishing lodge in the mountains. Walk and fish the banks of the Agua Fria and Rayado just as our great benefactor did. Next, you’ll see several enormous Douglas fir trees and learn how the old homesteaders survived in the mountains at Crooked Creek. Enjoy hiking through the beautiful meadow on your way to another gorgeous camp at Wild Horse. Get an early start the next morning and shoot booming .50 caliber black powder rifles at Clear Creek before summiting Mount Phillips. Enjoy the downhill hike to Cypher’s Mine, where you will learn mining and blacksmithing skills before kicking back for a night of music with the staff at “The Stomp.” Hike beautiful Sawmill Canyon or the North Fork Cimarroncito Creek on your way to Deer Lake Mesa Camp. Continue your journey north to Head of Dean, where you will participate in initiative games and challenge events that are sure to bring your crew together. Next, you will climb spar poles and cut cross ties with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano before hiking the South Ponil up to French Henry. Be amazed as you drop down into the pristine meadow at Copper Park. Your two day stay there will give your crew time to climb Baldy Mountain and visit historic Baldy Town before continuing your journey to Rich Cabins. Enjoy the evening entertainment, beautiful surroundings, and crisp air before moving on to Old Camp. Stop at Indian Writings to tour the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people around 1300 AD and cap off your trek by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track… it’s right here in the North Ponil Valley.
This one of a kind trek will give your crew a chance to see almost all of Philmont in one trip! Begin your trek by refreshing your land navigation skills on the geocache course at Zastrow. After completing the course, be one of the few crews to enjoy the sunset at Toothache Springs! From there, work together and use your camping and first aid skills to help the staff at Carson Meadows with a search and rescue mission. Enjoy the view of the pristine meadow and the Tooth of Time from the front porch swing. You will then understand why Waite Phillips enjoyed spending time at his fishing lodge while you fish the banks of the Agua Fria and Rayado at Fish Camp. Learn to tie flies and catch fish before hiking on to Agua Fria Camp. From Agua Fria, you will enjoy the hike to Black Mountain Camp where post-Civil War soldiers will let you shoot their booming .58 caliber black powder rifles. Wake up early and climb Black Mountain, visit the Demonstration Forest, and hike by Window Rock on your way to Deer Lake Mesa Camp. Your next day will have a gorgeous view of the Ute Valley and Baldy Mountain from Visto Grande before you continue your journey to the North Country and Baldy Skyline. A two day stay at Baldy Town will give you a chance to throw tomahawks at Miranda, climb Baldy Mountain, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and tour the historic mining town. Recap your mountaintop experience with a gorgeous view at Ewells Park on your way to climb spar poles and cut railroad ties with the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Pueblano. From there, the hike to Elkhorn will give you views of Little Costilla, the Culebra Range, and the Spanish Peaks to the north. Test your rock climbing skills at Dean Cow before hiking past unique rock outcroppings and reflecting on the journey at Dean Heck Camp.
If your training hikes were a breeze and your crew is ready for Philmont’s biggest challenge, this trek is for you! Our longest trek covers it all, but will still provide your crew with many program opportunities. Be amazed by the beauty of the Valle Vidal, the height of Baldy Mountain, and the ruggedness of the Tooth of Time! Start off by seeing the world’s only known T-Rex track… it’s right here in the North Ponil Valley! Watch a gorgeous sunset at House Canyon Camp and wake up to visit the fascinating petroglyphs left by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people around 1300 AD at Indian Writings. Test your navigation skills by taking beautiful Abran Canyon or hike the North Ponil up to Seally Canyon. Use your camping and first aid skills to help the Seally staff with a search and rescue mission that will bring your crew together. Bushwhack the ridgeline to the north for some gorgeous views on your way to tour historic Ring Place. From there, hit some of northern New Mexico’s finest mountain biking trails at Whiteman Vega. You will then have the option to view Baldy Mountain from one of the most beautiful meadows in the Valle Vidal, at the north end of McCrystal Creek, before hiking to Greenwood Canyon. The next day, you’ll hike gorgeous Greenwood Canyon all the way to Copper Park and Baldy Town. Your two day stay at Baldy Town will give you a chance to climb Baldy Mountain, explore Lucien Maxwell’s Aztec Mine, and tour the historic mining town. Shoot booming .50 caliber black powder rifles and throw tomahawks at Miranda before hiking over to Santa Claus. Your journey south will start there! Enjoy the vistas you will see as you enter Bear Canyon and enjoy reviewing your Baldy ascent from the north rim of Deer Lake Mesa. Enjoy the stay at Upper Bench before passing through Hidden Valley, by Window Rock, and through the Demonstration Forest on your way to Clark’s Fork. Be sure to brand your boots before leaving for Upper Clark’s Fork and the Tooth of Time!