STAY AT PHILMONT BEFORE & AFTER YOUR TREK!
What is Stay and Play?
Give your crew an edge before your trek by arriving early to acclimate to the altitude or extend your adventure after completing your journey to celebrate your achievement. Stay at the Philmont Training Center (PTC) and enjoy access to unique experiences, local attractions, and relaxing accommodations.
How It Works
- Come Early: Arrive 2 days (or more!) before your trek to adjust to the elevation and explore.
- Stay After: Celebrate your successful trek with fun activities and well-earned relaxation.
- Stay in Comfort: Accommodations in PTC tents with electricity for a comfortable transition into or out of the backcountry.
- Enjoy Private-Access Showers: Unlike traditional shared facilities, PTC offers individual-entry shower rooms within our shower houses, providing privacy and convenience for your crew’s pre-trek or post-trek stay.
- Choose Your Adventure: Customize your experience with self-guided or group activities.
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 Can Participate?
- Any registered Philmont crew arriving before or staying after their trek.
- Families and advisors who want to enhance their Philmont experience.
Pricing
Lodging $20.00 per person per night for Canvas Tent (sleeps 2)
Meals $10.00 per person per meal
Adventure Pass
Half Day $40.00 per person
Full Day $75.00 per person
Things to Do During Your Stay
Tooth of Time Hike | Post Trek Exclusive
Cap off your Philmont adventure with one final summit! Offered only to crews participating in the Post-Trek Stay at the Philmont Training Center, this hike to the iconic Tooth of Time provides the perfect closing chapter to your trek. Take in the views, capture a final crew photo at the summit, and reflect on your journey together before heading home.
After checking out of the Welcome Center on your departure morning, you’ll head to the Philmont Training Center to check into your tent accommodations—complete with electricity. Gear up for your hike with a provided sack lunch (a welcome change from trail meals!), enjoy dinner at PTC that evening, and wrap up your stay with breakfast the next morning before heading home.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Complete Your Conservation Project Before Your Trek!
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
Add More Adventure with the Adventure Pass
(Additional Fee Required)
You can upgrade your stay by participating in staff-guided Adventure Pass programs, available as half-day or full-day options. This pass allows you to join in on activities that are already scheduled and happening at the Training Center. The schedule changes weekly based on events happening at the Training Center. Activities vary based on availability and may include:
- High Ropes Course & Climbing Wall – Test your skills on aerial challenges.
- Fly Fishing – Try your hand at casting on Philmont waters.
- Range & Target Activities – Experience archery or shooting sports.
- Backcountry Hikes – Learn about Philmont’s rich history on the trail.
- And more! (Activity availability varies)
Off-Ranch Excursions
*Transportation not provided
Off-Ranch Excursions - See Suggestions
NRA Whittington Center
Taos Pueblo
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Explore Cimarron
*Shuttle Available Daily
The Village Of Cimarron- Activities
The Village Of Cimarron- Activities
Cimarron Antiques & Trading Post
The Village Of Cimarron - Food
The Village Of Cimarron - Food
Cimarron Mercantile
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pre/Post Crew Stay program?
The Pre/Post Crew Stay at the Philmont Training Center allows Philmont crews to arrive early to acclimate to the altitude or stay after their trek to relax and celebrate their achievement. Participants stay in comfortable accommodations at the Philmont Training Center and have access to a variety of activities and local attractions.
Who is eligible to participate?
Any registered Philmont crew arriving before or staying after their trek can participate. Families and advisors accompanying the crew are also welcome to join the program.
Accommodations & Facilities
What types of accommodations are available?
Participants stay in canvas wall tents equipped with twin beds, electricity, and lighting. These tents are situated on wood or concrete platforms and are a short walk from individual-entry shower rooms that offer privacy and convenience.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Yes, you will need your sleeping bag. However, a “Bed-in-a-Bag” rental option is available, which includes premium bedding, linens, and a floor rug.
Are there laundry facilities on-site?
Yes, a coin-operated laundry facility is available near the Tent City, open 24 hours. Detergent and dryer sheets can be purchased on-site, and change machines are available.
Meals & Dining
What meal options are provided?
Meals are available at $10 per person per meal. The dining hall offers a variety of options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free meals. There is always a salad/fruit bar, cereal with milk, and peanut butter and jelly available for sandwiches.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, Philmont’s food service can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free diets. If you have special dietary requirements, we will know based on your crew registration.
Activities & Programs
What activities are available during the stay?
Participants can enjoy self-guided hikes such as the Cito Creek Trail Loop, Dino Hike, and Lovers Leap Hike. Other on-ranch activities include visiting the National Scouting Museum, touring the Villa Philmonte, and creating crafts at the Craft Center.
What is the Adventure Pass?
The Adventure Pass offers staff-guided programs for an additional fee. Activities may include high ropes courses, fly fishing, target sports, and backcountry hikes. Half-day passes are $40 per person, and full-day passes are $75 per person.
Can we complete our conservation project before the trek?
Yes, crews arriving early can fulfill their required Camper Conservation Project before hitting the trail, allowing for a smoother trek experience.
Logistics & Planning
How do we register for the Pre/Post Crew Stay?
You can register for the pre/post stay by entering your travel plans in the Gateway.
What are the costs associated with the stay?
- Lodging: $20.00 per person per night for a canvas tent (sleeps 2)
- Meals: $10.00 per person per meal
- Adventure Pass: $40.00 per person for a half-day; $75.00 per person for a full day
Is transportation provided for off-ranch excursions?
Unfortunately, transportation is not provided for off-ranch excursions. Participants interested in visiting nearby attractions will need to arrange their own transportation.
Is there internet access and cell phone reception at PTC?
Wi-Fi is available in all meeting spaces at the Philmont Training Center. An AT&T cell tower is located near the PTC, and most carriers have some signal.