Since 1967, thousands of Scouts and advisors have explored the historic Aztec-Ponil mine portal at French Henry, walking through the same tunnels that once formed part of New Mexico’s most significant mining district. 

Now, after an extensive restoration effort, mine tours are returning to Philmont Scout Ranch. 

The Aztec-Ponil Mine was part of the vast Baldy Mining District, where miners pursued gold, silver, and copper beginning in the late nineteenth century. The tunnel explored by participants today originally served as an airway within a much larger network of underground workings. According to retired Philmont Program Director Mark Anderson, the mines surrounding Baldy Mountain included many miles of interconnected tunnels. 

After mining activity declined and eventually ceased in the mid-twentieth century, the portal remained dormant for decades. In 1967, Philmont staff opened the tunnel for guided interpretive tours, creating a unique opportunity for Scouts to experience the region’s history firsthand. For nearly six decades, the mine became a highlight for crews traveling through French Henry.

That tradition was temporarily interrupted in 2024 when a pre-season inspection identified loose rock and aging support structures inside the tunnel. Out of an abundance of caution, Philmont closed the portal to visitors while experts evaluated the site and developed a long-term stabilization plan. 

To complete the restoration, Philmont partnered with Cowin & Company, a mine engineering and contracting firm with extensive experience stabilizing historic mines and underground spaces for public access. 

“The mine could absolutely be restored,” explained Jayson Boyajian, superintendent for the project. “Some of the wooden supports were still in decent shape, but modern support systems provide a much longer-lasting solution.” During the project, crews removed unstable rock and installed modern ground-support systems throughout the tunnel. The restoration included epoxy reinforcement, steel rock bolts, and high-strength Kevlar mesh designed to stabilize the surrounding rock and prevent future movement. 

Frank Stevens, Scouter, past trek participant, and Manager of Engineering for Cowin & Company, compares the effect of rock bolts to compressing a stack of books. By applying pressure to the surrounding rock, the system increases friction and helps hold the rock mass together as a single stable unit. 

While the original timber supports served the mine for well over a century, new stabilization measures are expected to provide decades of additional service with significantly reduced maintenance requirements. Both the modern and historic stabilization measures in the mine will provide opportunities to connect the past and present during mine tours. 

The reopening of the Aztec-Ponil portal preserves more than a historic structure; it restores a connection to Philmont’s past. As Scouts once again step underground at French Henry, they will have the opportunity to experience the story of the miners, prospectors, and communities that helped shape the Baldy Country and left their mark on the mountains of Philmont.

Photo of Chris Hefner, New Mexico State Mine Inspector, inspecting the mine for the 2026 summer season. Taken by Marielle Scott.