Fee: $575 (2026)
If you’ve got a passion for horses, a strong back, and the heart of a cowboy or cowgirl, then Ranch Hands is calling your name. Join forces with the legendary Horse Department staff to help care for more than 300 horses and 80 burros.
You’ll roll up your sleeves and dive into the real work of a working ranch. After eight days of hard, honest ranch work, the Ranch Hands crew hits the trail on an epic eight-day Cavalcade led by seasoned horsemen and wranglers.
After an eight-day work session, the Ranch Hands crew embarks on an eight-day Cavalcade under the leadership of a horseman and wrangler. Participants ride trails through some of the most beautiful country in the United States. Each night is spent in a different backcountry camp, where the program may include rock climbing, archaeology, mountain man rendezvous, or homesteading. The final afternoon of the Cavalcade features a horseback gymkhana in the arena at Ponil Camp.Â
This is your chance to go beyond the trail ride—to live the cowboy life, master real ranch skills, and ride into some of the most breathtaking wilderness in the country. The horses are ready. Are you?
To be able to participate in the Ranch Hands program, participants must meet the following requirements:
Previous Philmont experience is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. In order for Philmont to comply with New Mexico work law, no exceptions can be made to these requirements.
To be able to participate in the Ranch Hands program, participants must meet the following requirements:
Previous Philmont experience is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. In order for Philmont to comply with New Mexico work law, no exceptions can be made to these requirements.
If, due to transportation schedules, participants must stay an extra day in base camp, either before or after their trek, they will be charged for accommodations. Participants under 18 years of age will pay $75 for supervision, tenting, and meals. Those over 18 will be charged $8 per meal and $15 tenting.
Participants arriving by plane or train by shuttle the day before will not be charged extra. Due to limited tent space, participants are only allowed 1 additional day in base so please plan accordingly.
Sessions are available from early June to early August each year. Reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis beginning October 1 of the year prior. For instance, 2026 reservations open October 1, 2025.
By registering one year in advance, individuals have the best chance to secure their preferred trek dates and allows ample time for fundraising, physical conditioning, leadership development, and shakedown hikes to ensure you are up for the challenge of the Philmont.
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of non-refundable deposit of $150 per person and a completed reservation form. The balance of fees are due by May 1
The Philmont Resource Toolbox has everything you need to get ready for your trek—equipment lists, itineraries, Guidebooks to Adventure, and all required forms. It’s your one-stop hub to help you hit the backcountry trails prepared and confident.
Any new crew reservations for 2026 booked on or after April 17th for arrival dates after July 15th, 2026, will be eligible for 2025 pricing.