Philmont Scout Ranch:
Adventure In The American West
Philmont Scout Ranch: Get everyone together and escape to the Land of Enchantment – New Mexico! Philmont Scout Ranch is located near the village of Cimarron, in Northeastern NM, and spans over 140,000 acres of stunning Rocky Mountain landscape. It is BSA’s largest National High Adventure Base and has hosted more than 1 million Scouts, Venturers, and families since its first camping season in 1939. With its dramatic scenery and storied history, Philmont offers endless opportunities to learn, explore and experience for campers of every age. Philmont’s Family Adventure Camp is available to all families!. During the day, adventurers can fish the lakes and rivers of New Mexico, take a dude-style horseback ride next to the Tooth of Time, or hike to see an authenticated T-Rex footprint. In the evenings, families can be found relaxing around a campfire, singing songs, and telling stories. Whatever you choose to do, time at Philmont is full of family fun.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
Premium
EXPERIENCES
Camping
& Lodging
Onsite
Activities
Resources
2023 Schedule
Philmont offers three seasons of adventure and fun!
Please review Registration Instructions in the Resources section before making your reservation.
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Summer
Are you ready for summer! Looking for a family adventure in the mountains? Come see us in the beautiful and enchanting landscapes of northeastern New Mexico! We are located just south of Cimarron NM on 140,000 acres of land that was gifted to the BSA by prominent oil baron, Waite Phillips. Philmont is rich in history and its historical figures of loggers, miners, traders, trappers, and homesteaders. Bring you family and have a summer getaway just like the Phillips family did back in their day. We offer several exciting and engaging family adventure itineraries to choose from! Activities may include museum tours, breathtaking hikes, living history sites, climbing wall and high ropes course, shooting sports, evening programs, and a whole lot more! Spend an unforgettable summer family vacation with us. Philmont is where lasting memories and made!
All the above programs are weather permitting. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Some activities may be cancelled due to lightning and road hazards.
*Some weeks will have both full and half-week options available. Arrive Sunday or Wednesday for half-week adventures.
Need assistance with getting to Philmont? Consider applying for a scholarship.
2023 Summer Family Adventure Camp Guide
June
June 4 – 10 Full & Half Week Options
June 11 – 17 Full & Half Week Options
June 18 – 24 Full & Half Week Options
June 25 – July 1 Full & Half Week Options
July
July 9 – 15 Full & Half Week Options
July 16 – 22 Full & Half Week Options
July 23 – 29 Full & Half Week Options
July 30 – August 5 Full & Half Week Options
August
August 6 – 12 Full & Half Week Options
August 13 – 16 Half Week
Autumn
Autumn Family Adventure Camp
Autumn is a season of beautiful colors. Come visit Philmont, located in the Sangre De Cristo mountains, to watch all the aspen leaves turn to gold and hear the elk bugle on cool crisp mornings. Autumn at the ranch is one of the most beautiful times when families can experience nature at Philmont. With 140,000 acres of land to explore, there are sights and activities for everyone. This season is much more relaxed, slower pace, and a true emersion in the natural beauty and history around us. With most of the Scouts and staff gone, wildlife reclaims the land and come out to prepare for winter. Autumn activities may include hiking, museum tours, horse rides, fishing, and crafts. The number one activity we offer during this season in hiking. If your family is ready to get out and see nature during its most beautiful time of the year, this experience is for you.
All the above programs are weather permitting. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Some activities may be cancelled due to snow, cold temperatures, and road hazards.
*Some weeks will have both full and half-week options available. Arrive Sunday or Wednesday for half-week adventures.
September
Sept. 17 – 23 Full and Half Week Options
October
Oct. 4 – 7 Half Week
Oct. 8 – 11 Half Week
Oct. 15 – 18 Half Week
Oct. 22 – 25 Half Week
Oct. 25 – 28 Half Week
Winter
Looking for a winter getaway with the family? Join us in the Land of Enchantment and experience winter in the foothills of the Rockies located in northeastern New Mexico. Stay and play at the Winter Philmont Family Adventure Camp. Philmont Scout Ranch is located near three world class ski resorts and has access to over 140,000 acres of backcountry pure fun. Weather permitting, families can take day trips to hit the resort slopes or participate in programs right here on the ranch such as hiking, horse rides, museum tours, and self-guided activities. Philmont provides all meals and roofed housing. So, bring your family, your cold weather gear, and enjoy a winter family adventure in the mountains!
All the above programs are weather permitting. The ski resorts control their own seasons. Please check their websites to ensure they are open, pricing, and operating at the time of your stay. If ski resorts are closed, Philmont will offer traditional family programs as described above.
February
Feb. 10 – 13 Friday-Monday Ski Weekend. Spend time on the slopes while enjoying the warm luxury of Philmont.
Feb. 17 – 20 Friday-Monday Ski Weekend. Spend time on the slopes while enjoying the warm luxury of Philmont.
Feb. 24 – 27 Friday-Monday Ski Weekend. Spend time on the slopes while enjoying the warm luxury of Philmont.
March
Mar. 3 – 6 Friday-Monday Ski Weekend. Spend time on the slopes while enjoying the warm luxury of Philmont.
Mar. 10 – 13 Friday-Monday Ski Weekend. Spend time on the slopes while enjoying the warm luxury of Philmont.
April
Apr. 2 – 5 Sunday-Wednesday Spring Break. Enjoy the fun and adventure of Philmont with our our traditional Family programs.
2023 Pricing
Housing is paid separate.
Summer Pricing
Autumn Pricing
Winter Pricing
Summer Pricing
June – August
| Full Week | Half Week | |
| Adult 18+ | $520 | $260 |
| Youth 11-17 | $470 | $235 |
| Child 6-10 | $380 | $190 |
| Infant 0-5 | $210 | $105 |
Autumn Pricing
September – December
| Full Week | Half Week | |
| Adult 18+ | $520 | $260 |
| Youth 11-17 | $470 | $235 |
| Child 6-10 | $380 | $190 |
| Infant 0-5 | $210 | $105 |
Winter Pricing
January – May
| Full Week | Half Week | |
| Adult 18+ | $310 | $180 |
| Youth 11-17 | $280 | $140 |
| Child 6-10 | $230 | $120 |
| Infant 0-5 | $120 | $60 |
Housing Fees
Guests to the ranch will be able to select their housing as part of the registration process. Housing fees are paid through Campspot after you register for your event. Event registration will require a depaosit for all adults 18+. Housing will be paid in full at time of registration.
Summer Fees
Autumn Fees
Winter Fees
Summer Fees
May – August
- Terrace Canvas Tent (Sleeps up to 2) $26/night
- Terrace Canvas Tent H.A. (Sleeps up to 2) $26/night
- Luxury Deluxe Tent (Sleeps up to 6) $100/night
- Bungalow A (Sleeps up to 3) $120/night
- Bungalow B H.A. (Sleeps up to 6) $150/night
- Lodge Room A (Sleeps up to 2) $100/night
- Lodge Room B H.A. (Sleeps up to 3) $100/night
- Lodge Room C (Sleeps up to 4) $120/night
- Villa Historic Guestroom (Sleeps up to 2) $150/night
- Cottage (Sleeps up to 4) $190/night
- Villa Apartment (Sleeps up to 2) $180/night
H.A. Handicap Accessible Rooms
Autumn Fees
September – December
- Terrace Canvas Tent (Sleeps up to 2) $26/night
- Terrace Canvas Tent H.A. (Sleeps up to 2) $26/night
- Luxury Deluxe Tent (Sleeps up to 6) $100/night
- Bungalow A (Sleeps up to 3) $100/night
- Bungalow B H.A. (Sleeps up to 6) $130/night
- Lodge Room A (Sleeps up to 2) $90/night
- Lodge Room B H.A. (Sleeps up to 3) $90/night
- Lodge Room C (Sleeps up to 4) $100/night
- Villa Historic Guestroom (Sleeps up to 2) $130/night
- Cottage (Sleeps up to 4) $180/night
- Villa Apartment (Sleeps up to 2) $160/night
H.A. Handicap Accessible Rooms
Winter Fees
January – April
- Bungalow A (Sleeps up to 3) $80/night
- Bungalow B H.A. (Sleeps up to 6) $100/night
- Lodge Room A (Sleeps up to 2) $80/night
- Lodge Room B H.A. (Sleeps up to 3) $80/night
- Lodge Room C (Sleeps up to 4) $90/night
- Villa Historic Guestroom (Sleeps up to 2) $100/night
- Cottage (Sleeps up to 4) $160/night
- Villa Apartment (Sleeps up to 2) $140/night
H.A. Handicap Accessible Rooms
CHOOSE YOUR 2023 Summer ADVENTURE
Families will be able to choose an itinerary that provides the ultimate vacation experience at Philmont. Whether your new or returning, these new itineraries will give your family the peace of mind in building a schedule that maximizes the use of the ranch. Guests will choose their adventure as part of the online registration. Families may split itineraries amongst family members as long as their is at least one adult with a child.
Welcome To Philmont adventure
Sample Schedule: Full Week
Never been to Philmont? No problem. This adventure is a full week of showing you what Philmont is, what it was, and what it can be for families visiting this great big pile of rocks and prairies we call HOmE (Heaven On Earth).
philstorical adventure
Spend the week getting to know the history of Philmont. Enjoy traveling through the ranch timeline seeing how the land was viewed by Native Americans, folks traveling west for opportunity, ranchers, historic lawmen and outlaws, and of course the Phillips family and how Philmont came to be what it is today.
mini bear adventure
This family adventure is meant for families with younger age children (5-10 years old). On this adventure you can find your family exploring our famous T-Rex footprint (one of only two in the the world confirmed full print), visiting a historic homesteading camp, scaling our climbing tower, spending time at the pony ring and farmyard, and visiting our Kit Carson Rayado Museum.
adventure seekers
This itinerary has a variety of activities that are age appropriate and fun for the whole family who are 11 years of age or older. Spend time with our fantastic shooting staff, reach the top of our climbing tower and high ropes course, try your hand at fly fishing, and visit a backcountry camp while on a family hike.
happy hiker adventure
Sample Schedule: Full Week
Does your family want a challenging experience e hiking all around Philmont’s beautiful backcountry? Spend your days seeing historical sights, summiting peaks, and seeing Philmont operations function in the backcountry. This itinerary is not for the faint of heart, it requires part C of your medical form and be able to pass the BSA height and weight requirements. Grab your pack and let’s hit the trail!
Premium EXPERIENCES
Upgrade your itinerary with a premium experience. Premium experiences will replace a pre-scheduled activity in your itinerary.
Tooth of time Hike
This all-day, 5.25-mile hike includes a peak over 9,000 feet, rock scrambles, and rough terrain. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trek for the experienced hikers in your family. Hikes are only available on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
horseback riding
Ride through the foothills and mountains of northeastern New Mexico guided by Philmont’s very own wranglers.
CAMPING AND LODGING
An epic vacation starts with awesome accommodations. Campers at Philmont can choose from three types of lodging: terrace wall tents, luxury deluxe wall tents, and modern hotel style rooms. All of these include electricity and comfortable camping beds.
Terrace
Tents
TERRACE CANVAS Tents
For something fun and adventurous, check out Philmont’s wall tents. Each tent comes with two beds and electricity so families can enjoy the outdoors while keeping all necessary devices charged.
Luxury Deluxe Tents
Luxury Deluxe tents
Deluxe Wall Tents are similar to other Wall Tents but they include a few extra perks, like a porch and chairs, two rooms and accommodate up to 6 people. Just imagine your family sitting on the porch, breathing in the fresh morning air or gazing at stars in the night sky. It’s the perfect way to connect with each other – and with nature!
Lodge Rooms
LODGE ROOMS
Philmont’s Lodge Rooms offer a dormitory-style stay and are the ideal home base for adventure and exploration. These include modern comforts to make your family’s stay even more enjoyable. After a day spent in the New Mexico sun, your crew can come back to enjoy a refreshing indoor shower.
Bungalows
Bungalows
Bungalows can accommodate up to 3-7 family members in a two-room suite. The ultimate in roofed housing, guests will enjoy a living room with a mini fridge and microwave, private bathroom/shower, and bedroom. Come for the adventure and relax in the comforts of home.
Onsite Activities
Some program availability may be subject to change based on the seasons and weather. Self-guided activities are available year-round.
backcountry Hikes
Hiking the hills of Philmont is a highlight for all who visit. From Vistas to Valleys, Philmont offers one of the most breathtaking, scenic views in the western United States! The training center offers a variety of hikes for all ages and hiking skill levels.
Fishing
Fishing New Mexico’s lakes and rivers is an angler’s dream! Try your hand on some of the world’s best water. At the Cimarroncito Reservoir, the waters are full of trout, and our expert fly-fishing instructors will show you how to make your own flies to reel in the biggest catch. A New Mexico fishing license is required.
Nature Trail
On this self-guided, easy-breezy 0.75-mile, campers take the Nature Trail to discover plants and animals that live in the area and explore the science that makes our environment unique.
North Ponil Dinosaur Hike
Campers can hike to see one of only two confirmed Tyrannosaurus Rex footprints in the world. This is a must see for all first time visitors.
Philmont Museums and Tours
Visit Philmont’s four museums on the historic Santa Fe trail to learn about the Gold Rush and the Wild West! At the Kit Carson Museum, families can watch staff show frontier skills like blacksmithing, cooking outdoors, and more. At Chase Ranch, groups can learn about 1800s ranch life.
Craft Center
Round up your family and head over to Philmont’s Craft Center. There are fun crafts for everyone, like wood and leather crafts, beaded jewelry, painted ceramics, tie dye, sand art, photography, and more. Philmont’s staff will teach you all the skills that you need!
High Ropes and Climbing Tower
Take family fun to the next level with Philmont’s climbing and challenge adventure course. Challenge your friends to race to the top of our climbing wall, try your hand(s) at crate stacking, or test your skills on our high ropes course!
FARM YARD and pony riding
Younger family members will love taking a ride on our ponies at the Philmont Training Center Pony Ring! As an extra bonus, the pony ring includes the Farm Yard – a petting zoo full of your favorite farm animals.
Shooting Sports
Check out Philmont’s shooting sports range, where safe and successful shooting is our priority. Families will have the chance to experience slingshots, archery, BB guns, tomahawks, rifles and sporting clays.
Local Area Adventures
For exciting and memorable local area adventures, check out the options below.
The Enchanted Circle
This truly fascinating, 96-mile scenic drive circles the base of Wheeler Peak, weaves through five communities, and offers many opportunities for outdoor adventure stops along the way – like gold panning, golfing, fishing, boating, hiking and horseback riding.
Cimarron Canyon State Park
Located 13 miles west of Cimarron along Highway 64, Cimarron Canyon is full of hiking, fishing, and sights to see. There’s plenty of outdoor activities for your family to enjoy, whether you choose to spend a couple hours or the whole day there.
Carson National Forest - Valle Vidal
Take a drive on an improved dirt road to see beautiful meadows, forests and sights on
this low impact use in Carson National Forest. Located 47 miles away from Cimarron it
makes a beautiful morning, afternoon, or all day drive for sightseeing.
Cimarron: Express St. James
The Express St. James is a hotel that also has an enjoyable dining room and patio serving homemade soups, house-baked breads and desserts along with entrees such as steaks, bison burgers, trout, shrimp, and New Mexican fare. Highway 21, Cimarron, NM, 87714(575) 367-2664
Angel Fire: Zipline Adventure Tour
The tour at the Resort Summit is the first of its kind in New Mexico. On the signature segment of the tour, adrenaline seekers will fly fifty stories above the forest floor as they traverse from peak to peak, side by side, on a 1,600-foot tandem Zip. (800) 633-7463
Angel Fire: Roadrunner Horseback Tour
See the Enchanted Circle and Carson National Forest from horseback, or by carriage ride. Trips can last an hour or a whole wonderful day, and can even include a Chuck Wagon-styled lunch. (575) 377-6416
Raton: NRA Whittington Center
Visit the NRA Whittington Center for an outdoor recreational shooting range. 34025 US-64, Raton, NM 87740 (575) 445-3615
Red River: Rafting, Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking and More!
There are great opportunities in Red River for outdoor exploration suitable for all ages! Shopping opportunities in town for art, books, pottery, jewelry, outdoor equipment and more!
Taos: The Gorge Bridge
Travel west on US Hwy 64 to reach the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the second highest bridge on the U.S. Highway System. The bridge is a three-span steel continuous-deck-truss structure with a concrete-filled steel-grid deck.
Taos Plaza
Visit numerous local shops to find various knick-knacks, books, chocolate and ice cream, outdoor gear, and more!
Resources
Here’s a library of helpful information and resources to help you plan your trip.
Winter Camp: Click the Register Now for Winter Dates to make your reservation. Choose your housing option. Camp fees will show as resort fees in the summary page.
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Autumn Camp: Click the Register Now for Autumn Dates to make your reservation. Choose your housing option. Camp fees will show as resort fees in the summary page.
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Summer Dates: Click the Register Now for Summer Dates. To login, guests may use either their BSA ID which will fill in fields from your membership record, or use the guest login. You do not have to be a registered BSA member to attend Family Adventure Camp.
You will receive a confirmation email with a link to CampSpot, to reserve your Philmont housing. Confirmation emails take between 5 and 10 minutes for delivery. Your reservation is not final until both housing and event registration is complete. Please add the Event Management confirmation code to your CampSpot reservation using the “Membership” box.
A Deposit of $250 is required for all Adults 18+ attending the Summer Family Adventure Camp. Housing reservations are paid in full at the time of registration.
Learn more about arrival/departure, schedule, what to to bring, and a whole lot more.
Click Here for resources to help plan your stay at the ranch.
Registration Fee
Your group’s BSA Family Adventure Camp registration fee includes all meals (starting with dinner on your check-in day through breakfast on your departure day), accommodations, and a fun variety of exciting activities. Adventure and lodging upgrades are available at an additional cost. Premium activities are also available at an additional cost.
COVID-19 Charge
Please note that all campers over age 17 will be required to pay a one-time COVID-19 surcharge fee of $50 per participant. This helps to offset the additional costs of operating the Philmont High-Adventure Base in accordance with CDC, state, and local guidelines to keep participants safe.
Cancellation Policy
Philmont has an updated cancellation policy. You can read it carefully here.
Health and Medical Record
Philmont Scout Ranch is located at 6,600 ft. elevation. Humidity is low, so visitors should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Persons who feel that they may be overweight, out of shape, or who have health concerns should consult a physician before coming to Philmont. Some activities are strenuous, and families should discuss abilities before arriving for the program. All individuals who participate will need to provide a health history.
Dining halls and classrooms are wheelchair accessible, as are several tent platforms and roofed housing units. Please notify Philmont in advance during the reservation process or email us at PhilmontTrainingCenter@scouting.org if you require a wheelchair-accessible housing or tenting unit. Due to limited resources, you must provide your own wheelchair. Unfortunately, wheelchair transportation is not available.
Under no circumstances will any individual over 295 lbs. be allowed to participate in backcountry programs, regardless of height or age. This limit is necessary due to limitations of rescue equipment and the safety of Philmont personnel. Philmont’s chief medical officer and other medical staff of the Philmont Infirmary reserve the right to make medical decisions regarding the participation of individuals at Philmont.
Special Dietary Needs
The dining hall has the capability to provide meals that meet various special dietary needs throughout your stay at Philmont, including but not limited to vegetarian, vegan, religious diets, food allergies (gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, etc.), and many more. You will be able to indicate during the reservation process any special dietary needs for your family members. Please be sure to indicate this as soon as possible. In addition, please note any special diet needs on your medical forms and identify yourself with dining hall management upon arrival and they will be happy to assist and review ingredients in the different items and review items that are available to you. Sometimes it is best for people with severe allergies or very strict diets to bring their own supplemental food to be stored in the dining hall (a walk-in cooler is provided for this purpose). If you have questions about a special dietary need e-mail Philmonttrainingcenter@Scouting.org well ahead of your arrival date. Due to wildlife and scavenging animals, absolutely no food is to be stored in or around either the rustic or luxury tents. All food must be stored in the dining hall, vehicles, or other lockable storage away from the tent camping area.
Medical Re-Checks
Each participant’s medical form (both youth and adult) will be reviewed by a member of the Medical Staff. In this review, they will briefly look over the health form and identify any medical issues of concern and discuss those concerns with either the adult leader or that participant themselves. Note: Medical staff may place restrictions on the activities a participant may partake in if a medical condition warrants it.
The following sections lay out the Boy Scouts of America’s policies on Tobacco, Alcohol, and drugs. These policies are meant to be taken very seriously. Violation of these policies may result in dismissal from camp, membership revocation, and/or police action.
Tobacco
Adults should support the attitude that they, as well as youth, are better off without tobacco in any form and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems that simulate tobacco smoking.
All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants. Use of all tobacco products (including E-cigarettes and chewing tobacco) must be done out of sight of all youth participants in designated areas within camp. Contact Philmont if you have any questions about where these areas are.
BSA Family Adventure Camp is conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants. Use of all tobacco products (including E-cigarettes and chewing tobacco) must be done out of sight of all youth participants in designated areas within camp. Contact the camp Commissioner if you have any questions about where these areas are.
Alcohol
It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances is not permitted at BSA Family Adventure Camp or at any activity involving participation of youth members.
Drugs
Illegal drugs, including the misuse of prescription drugs have absolutely no place at any Scouting function. The misuse of drugs happens in all levels of our society. We may be confronted with the problem at any time; therefore, we need to understand the misuse of drugs and what can be done about the situation. See the Drug Enforcement Administration website (www.dea.gov/) for detailed information on controlled substances and their effects.
Medical Marijuana
It is unacceptable for anyone to use or be under the influence of medical marijuana at or during any Scouting activity.
Technology
Wifi is available throughout base camp at Philmont. Campers are encouraged to appropriately document and share their experiences during their stay! The site offers full wireless and cell phone connectivity.
Find your adventure today!
