Register Today For:
Short-Term Overnight Accommodations
Autumn Adventure Camp (September-October) 2023
Winter Adventure Camp (February - April) 2024 Registration Coming Soon
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.
2023 Schedule
Philmont offers three seasons of adventure and fun!
Please review Registration Instructions in the Resources section before making your reservation.
Autumn
Winter
Summer
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.
September
Sept. 21 – 24 Thursday – Sunday
October
Oct. 6 – 9 Weekend
Oct. 13 – 16 Weekend
Oct. 27 – 30 Weekend
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.
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
Itineraries and Activities
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
ONSITE ACTIVITIES
local area adventures
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
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:
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
Sample Schedule:
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
Sample Schedule:
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
Sample Schedule:
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:
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!
Mini Bear Adventure
Sample Schedule:
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.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
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.
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ONSITE ACTIVITIES
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
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!
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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.
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 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
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
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 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.
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Prepare your registration
Need More resources on how to plan your trip and register? Learn More Here.
Find your adventure today!
