Stay & Play – Elevate Your Philmont Experience!
Why rush into the backcountry when you can launch your trek with adventure, comfort, and unforgettable memories? Stay & Play is your crew’s chance to arrive early, settle in, and explore the rich culture and wild beauty of Cimarron and the surrounding area—or unwind in comfort after your journey to celebrate your achievement in style.
Here’s How It Works:
- Arrive Early: Beat the altitude blues by coming 2+ days before your trek. Acclimate with ease and enjoy a taste of Northern New Mexico before hitting the trail.
- Stay Late: After your trek, kick back and reward your crew with well-earned relaxation, fun, and exploration.
- Rest in Comfort: Stay at the Philmont Training Center (PTC) in canvas tents with electricity—your bridge between civilization and the backcountry.
- Enjoy Private Showers: PTC offers individual-entry shower rooms for a little privacy before or after your high-adventure.
- Choose Your Adventure: Fill your days with local attractions, cultural highlights, and self-guided or group activities tailored to your crew’s pace.
Extend the magic of Philmont—before and after the trail—with Stay & Play!
Why Stay at PTC?
- Altitude Acclimation: Adjust to 6,600 feet before hitting the backcountry.
- Convenience: No need for extra lodging logistics—stay right at Philmont.
- Adventure & Culture: Get more out of your trip with unforgettable experiences.
- Relax & Recharge: Enjoy hot showers, electricity, and a slower pace after your trek.
Who May Participate?
- Any registered Philmont crew arriving before or staying after their trek.
- Families and advisors who want to enhance their Philmont experience.
What Will You Do?
Tooth of Time Hike | Post Trek Exclusive
Cap off your Philmont adventure with a final summit to the iconic Tooth of Time—available only to crews in the Post-Trek Stay at Philmont Training Center. Enjoy tent accommodations with electricity, meals at PTC, and a scenic hike complete with a sack lunch and crew photo at the summit. It’s the perfect way to reflect, relax, and wrap up your journey together.
Cito Creek Trail Loop
Check out this easy 0.75-mile (1.5-mile roundtrip) self-guided hike along the Cito Creek across from the Philmont Training Center! Discover different plants and animals that live in this area and explore some of the science that makes our environment unique. An informational brochure with a map is available at the PTC office.
T-Rex Track
Philmont is home to one of only two confirmed Tyrannosaurus Rex footprints in the world! Enjoy this easy, self-guided, half day, 2.25-mile roundtrip hike. Gate. Be sure to go prepared, the Ponil canyon was affected by wildfire many years ago and offers little shade and relief from the sun and heat.
Lovers Leap Hike
Lovers Leap is an iconic Philmont destination. This easy, half-day, 3-mile roundtrip hike begins at Lover’s Leap Turnaround. Your adventure contains some inclines, declines, narrow sections, and unique glimpses of the Tooth of Time along the way as you gradually gain approximately 300 feet in elevation. Magnificent, sweeping vistas await you from the breath-taking heights of this ancient rock.
Villa Philmonté Tour
The Villa Philmonte was the New Mexico home of Waite and Genevieve Phillips, Philmont’s benefactors. Tour guides tell the story of the Phillips family, their Philmont Ranch, and the gifting of the ranch to Scouting America.
National Scouting Museum Tour
The National Scouting Museum shares the rich history of Scouting America with visitors, including the tens of thousands of campers, volunteers, and alumni who visit Philmont each year. The Museum is home to the Seton Memorial Library with reading and research rooms, a gift shop and five exhibit galleries.
Craft Center
At the Craft Center you can express your creative flair, discover a new hobby, and create a unique Philmont souvenir. The Craft Center’s open program format allows you to show up for instruction for any of the craft activities offered including the chance to work with ceramics, leathercraft, stamp art, Southwestern crafts, and home décor. A variety of craft projects are available for purchase to make a memorable keepsake.
Conservation Project
Crews arriving early can take care of their require Camper Conservation Project before hitting the trail, allowing for a smoother trek experience. Participate in a hands-on conservation project at Cito Creek, contribute to Philmont’s legacy of stewardship, and start your trek knowing this requirement is already accomplished
Adventure Pass
Enhance your stay with staff-guided Adventure Pass programs—offered in half-day or full-day options. These passes give you access to scheduled activities happening at the Philmont Training Center, with weekly offerings that change based on current events. Activities vary by availability and may include:
- High Ropes Course & Climbing Wall – Challenge yourself with aerial obstacles
- Fly Fishing – Cast a line in scenic Philmont waters
- Range & Target Sports – Try archery or shooting
- Backcountry Hikes – Explore trails and learn Philmont history
- …and more! (Activities subject to change)
Locally Loved
Check out the logos of businesses, artists, and events that are cherished right here in Cimarron, New Mexico.
Off-Ranch Excursions
Explore beyond the trails.