Getting to Philmont Is Half the Adventure
Hittin’ the trail starts with getting there—and for most crews, travel’s the biggest line item in the budget. Whether you’re rolling in by bus, van, or taking to the skies, it pays to do your homework and compare options before making any final calls. A little planning goes a long way on the road to adventure!
Local Map
Philmont Scout Ranch’s beauty consists of the rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rockies in northeastern New Mexico. The property is located near the town of Cimarron, which is between Albuquerque, NM and Denver, CO.
Arrival and Departure Dates
Guidelines
The best time to arrive at Philmont is before lunch on your scheduled arrival day. This gives your crew plenty of time to check in, get gear from Camping Headquarters, and be ready to hit the trail the next morning.
Each trek ends after breakfast after your final day, and your crew will depart that same day.
Important Notes:
- Crews on scheduled expeditions get priority for base camp lodging.
- If you arrive early or leave late, you’ll likely stay in trail tents (not the larger wall tents with cots), unless space opens up later in the day.
- Space for early/late arrivals in wall tents is very limited, so please plan to use trail tents.
Additional Costs:
- Meals: $8 per person, per meal
- Lodging: $15 per person, per night
- Crews are allowed one extra night either before or after their trek. Outside of that, crews can participate in the Stay & Play [link to Stay & Play] program through PTC.
Extend Your Philmont Adventure
Looking for off-site options? Check out our list of local accommodations.
Methods of Transportation
Private vehicles should be used only with full assurance vehicles are safe and drivers are reliable. Make sure there is adequate insurance coverage for each vehicle.
Many crews have found public carriers to provide a reliable form of transportation to the ranch. Here are some of the most common modes of transportation:
- Chartered or private vehicles directly from your town to Philmont Contact a local transportation company or travel agency to make arrangements.
- Airlines to Denver, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo When making reservations, inquire about supplemental chartered airline services offering packaged plans with reduced group rates.
- Train to Denver or Raton Note: There is no ticket agent in Raton, but the train does stop for ticketed passengers.
For crews traveling by air or train, it will be necessary to use another method of transportation to arrive in Cimarron or Raton; a list of travel companies serving Philmont is provided for your convenience.
Philmont provides round-trip bus transportation to and from the bus and train stations in Raton, NM at a cost of $55.00 per person and to Cimarron, NM at a cost of $15.00 per person (subject to change). Buses are scheduled upon entering your Arrival Plans through the Camping Gateway.
Travel Etiquette
Scouts and Venturers are respected nationwide because of how they travel and appear to public. To maintain a positive appearance and good public image, follow this advice:
- Wear your Scout or Venturing proudly! You are members of Scouting America, a highly regarded youth organization. A Scout or Venturer properly uniformed, sharp appearing, courteous, and well-mannered is the best medium for public relations.
- Use the buddy system; no one person ever leave the group alone.
- Telephone ahead to your next day’s stopping place. It is inconsiderate to drop in or cancel without adequate notification.
- Do not use tobacco in public. It may be offensive to those around you.
- Express appreciation to those who extend courtesies to you along the way.
Emergency Transportation
Philmont will assist with transportation arrangements that result from a family emergency (death or serious illness) that occurs during an expedition and required a participant to return home, or if a participant must return home for medical reasons. Participants will be required to reimburse Philmont for any transportations services provided, including transportation to a required airport.
Shipping Gear
Depending on your method of transportation to Philmont, it may be more cost-effective to ship your gear or pieces of gear to Philmont ahead of time. Your complete Expedition Number is essential for mail delivery at Philmont.
Incoming mail may be picked up only by your Expedition Advisor or Crew Leader at the Philmont Mail Room when your crew arrives at Philmont and when you return to Camping Headquarters from the trail.
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UPS/USPS/FedEx |
Freight |
Please keep in mind that we are remote in terms of carriers. Please allow adequate time for delivery.
Freight Shipments to Philmont – What to Know
We receive FedEx Freight and RAC Transport deliveries 1–2 times per week. Many other carriers, like UPS, may interline with one of these services. Once your freight arrives, it will be held at our warehouse until your scheduled arrival day, when it will be delivered to the Philmont Mail Room at Camping Headquarters (CHQ).
On arrival day, your Ranger will assist with the check-in process, and you’ll be able to open your pallet yourself. If you’re using a reusable container, we’ll return it to the commissary and hold it there until your crew comes off the trail.
Important: Before shipping, please share your Bill of Lading (for both delivery and pickup) with us using the [CHQ/Commissary Contact Form (link)].
Also, let us know your arrival and departure dates so we can coordinate delivery to the Mail Room.