Trail Crew Trek

Take on the Wild with the Philmont Conservation Department’s 14-Day Trail Crew Trek!

14 days & nights

Summer

Age: 16 - 21

Registration anytime

2 adult leaders

Fee: $555 (2026)

Get ready to dive into the heart of Philmont’s stunning high country on a 14-day Trail Crew Trek (TCT) where adventure meets purpose.

Every crew’s itinerary is a unique blend of rugged trail work, engaging backcountry programs, and insider knowledge shared by natural resource experts. You’ll collaborate side-by-side with Philmont’s seasoned staff, tackling trail building and camp improvements while soaking in breathtaking wilderness scenery.

Living the Adventure

Participation Requirements

To be able to participate in the Trail Crew Trek program, participants must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 16 years old by the date the program begins and not yet 21 by the date it ends.
Be a registered member of Scouting America.
Be in excellent physical condition, able to hike 10 or more miles with a 50-pound backpack and able to lift and handle materials up to 75 pounds.
Complete a Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record. Philmont height and weight requirements will be strictly enforced.
To comply with Scouting America Youth Protection requirements, each session must have a minimum of two participants from the same gender attend. Individual youth participants may register without a buddy of the same gender, however, if no other youth participants of the same gender register, your session date may need to change or be canceled to comply with Scouting America Youth Protection requirements.

Participation Requirements

To be able to participate in the Trail Crew Trek program, participants must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 16 years old by the date the program begins and not yet 21 by the date it ends.
Be a registered member of Scouting America.
Be in excellent physical condition, able to hike 10 or more miles with a 50-pound backpack and able to lift and handle materials up to 75 pounds.
Complete a Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record. Philmont height and weight requirements will be strictly enforced.
To comply with Scouting America Youth Protection requirements, each session must have a minimum of two participants from the same gender attend. Individual youth participants may register without a buddy of the same gender, however, if no other youth participants of the same gender register, your session date may need to change or be canceled to comply with Scouting America Youth Protection requirements.

2026 Session Dates

Session 1

June 12 – 26

Session 2

June 19 – July 3

Session 3

July 14 – 28

Session 4

July 24 – August 7

Trek Fees & Scholarships

The fee for Trail Crew Trek is $555 for 2026. A $150 deposit is required with this application, with the remaining balance due at the time of acceptance into the program. Additional expenses, including travel to and from Philmont, as well as miscellaneous purchases, are the responsibility of the participant. Scholarships are available on a limited basis.

Trail Crew Trek Resources

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

2024 TCT Info

Shuttle Information

View Shuttle and Transport Information here.

Secure Your Spot on the Trail

2026 Registration Opens October 1, 2025

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.

Be Philmont Prepared!

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.