philmont trek 14

• 12-day Treks
• 9-day Treks
• 7-day Treks

Trail Segments [clear]

Only trail segments between camps and / or trailheads are listed. If a path passes through another camp, you would have to search for each segment individually. For example, from Cyphers Mine to Clarks Fork, you would pass through Hunting Lodge. The path from Cyphers Mine to Clarks Fork would then be made up from the trail segments for both Cyphers Mine to Hunting Lodge and Hunting Lodge to Clarks Fork.

About 'Build-a-Path' (Premium feature)

Phil Trek is an invaluable resource for past and present Philmont 12-day, 9-day, or 7-day trek information. Developed to assist in the selection of an ideal itinerary by filtering the complete range of itineraries down to a manageable list based on the crew's preferred program activities or locations.

Each itinerary includes the standard descriptive information, with visualization of trails and camps on a live map including an interactive elevation profile. Multiple itineraries can be overlaid on a single map to compare. Contingents with multiple crews can determine rendezvous locations and overlay the itineraries that meet at that location to assist in selection.

Phil Trails provides detailed information about each trail segment including a live map of the trail, starting and ending elevations, the minimum and maximum elevations covered, the trail segment length, and an elevation profile.

Premium access to Phil Trek and Phil Trails adds the ability to download paths, camps, and trails in kml format for use in many GPS applications.

Philmont Legacy is a sister-site which documents the Philmont Staff legacy boards created by the seasonal staff of Philmont Scout Ranch.

Special Thanks

• Bradley R. for helping with the new menu interface.
• Phil W. for the Route Options idea.

Welcome to Build-a-Trail

This premium feature provides the ability to select multiple trail segments and create a single path from them.

When you have added and organized the trail segments as desired, click the Build Path button to generate the path. The combined path can then be downloaded using the Download KML button.

This site uses wide tables and maps, making it non-functional on narrow mobile devices. Please switch to a wider screen.

Warning! This database may not match the latest documents published by Philmont Scout Ranch. This is provided for reference and as a research aid only! Always consult the latest official documentation .

Itineraries

Philmont has 35 itineraries - the sequence of camps you must stay at each of the 12 nights on your trek . The route , or path, you take between those camps is largely up to you. The following links will show you several ways to view each itinerary and the practical routes between the camps. The links are divided into the categories Philmont uses to classify itineraries: from Challenging to Super Strenuous. Below each link is a short summary of the itinerary showing distance, estimated hiking time , and which sections of Philmont the itinerary covers.

The links take you to pages with different views of the itinerary selected. Pick the view you want from the tabs across the top of the page. The initial view is an outline map of the recommended routes and an elevation profile at the bottom of the page (you may need to scroll down). The Google Map tab shows the recommended routes on a Google topographic map you can zoom and pan as you wish. The Description tab is a table with specific information about each day with camp and route information including distance traveled, elevation gain and loss, and difficulty. The Routes tab will show you more detailed information about the recommended and alternate routes for each day of the itinerary. Finally, the Downloads tab is where to go to download GPX files for your GPS or take-along PDF files. For more help, check the How To Use the Philmont Trail Guide page.

Challenging

• Itinerary 1
• Itinerary 2
• Itinerary 3
• Itinerary 4
• Itinerary 5
• Itinerary 6
• Itinerary 7
• Itinerary 8
• Itinerary 9
• Itinerary 10
• Itinerary 11
• Itinerary 12
• Itinerary 13
• Itinerary 14
• Itinerary 15
• Itinerary 16
• Itinerary 17
• Itinerary 18
• Itinerary 19
• Itinerary 20
• Itinerary 21
• Itinerary 22
• Itinerary 23
• Itinerary 24
• Itinerary 25
• Itinerary 26
• Itinerary 27
• Itinerary 28
• Itinerary 29
• Itinerary 30

Super Strenuous

• Itinerary 31

85 miles (48:43)

South, North

• Itinerary 33
• Itinerary 34

113 miles (63:03)

South, North, Valle Vidal

• backpack / backpacking / Boy Scouts / camping / outdoor / Philmont / Quick Reviews / Scouts / Scouts BSA / travel

Philmont Trek Itinerary Selection Q&A

by Jeff · Published 5Jan21 · Updated 5Jan21

Philmont Trek Itinerary Selection Q&A

In the video below Sal, Scott and Jeff discuss the process and considerations in picking from the long list of potential Trek options at Philmont. Some of the info in the video has been summarized below.

Purpose of the discussion

Help Crew advisors and Scouts better understand the various things to consider, share some best practices, and help Crews navigate the wide range of activities available in the backcountry so that they can pick the Philmont Trek Itinerary that will bring them the most joy.

Our panel shares some thoughts on the process for trek itinerary selection for 7, 9, and 12 day backpacking treks, things we’ve learned, etc.

What is Philmont?

A series of backcountry experiences and programs, separated by miles of hiking in the NM mountains.

A typical day on the trail at Philmont

In this section, Sal helps us understand exactly what a Trek Itinerary is and why it matters. He walks us through a typical day on the trail at Philmont Scout Ranch and shows how to read and understand the 2-page Itinerary descriptions listed in the Philmont Treks 2021 Intinerary Guidebook . There are lots of tips in this section to help you better understand the pros/cons of different trek features and how they may impact your daily routine in the backcountry.

Understanding mileage in the Itinerary Guidebook

The miles listed in the Guidebook are for the suggested route from drop off, to each camp, and to the pick up point. It does NOT include ANYTHING else, like side hikes to take in a view, get water, find a Red Roof, visit a program or activity area… or even wrong turns. Expect to hike 25-30% more distance than is listed.

Activities vs mileage?

When evaluating itinerary options we recommend that you pick a trek that is rating (below) that your crew can safely handle, but put more consideration and emphasis on the backcountry activities and programs offered on each trek.

Philmont’s Itinerary Ratings

The ratings consider a range of factors to provide a relative “degree of difficulty” for each trek.

Challenging

A “Challenging” itinerary will allow the crew more time for program. It also allows time to do some interesting side hikes, visit backcountry trading posts, take showers, and enjoy the solitude of the backcountry trail camps.

A “Rugged” itinerary, although offering more physical challenge, is very enjoyable for a crew that has trained. It also offers a variety of exciting programs.

A “Strenuous” itinerary is just as it sounds. A great experience for a crew of physically fit, Scouts, Venturers, and capable adults. More time is devoted to hiking; however, a well-prepared crew can still experience several programs. Many seasoned crews who have hiked together several years choose a strenuous itinerary.

Super Strenuous

A “Super Strenuous” is, by far, the most difficult and, for early rising Philmont crews, very rewarding! These few itineraries are highlighted by climbing some of Philmont’s highest peaks and hiking long days of many miles. These itineraries should be attempted by older, more experienced crews where every person is in excellent physical condition

Types of camps

We talked about the differences between staffed, trail, dry and layover camps.

More Philmont Trek info

Check out the Philmont section here at Gear Report.

How Philmont assigns treks to crews

We talk about the process that Lead Crew Advisors follow to submit their top Trek Itinerary choices, and how PSR processes that info to assign treks to Crews.

We also discuss “Sister crews”. What are they? What are the implications on trek selection?

How do Crews pick their top itineraries to request?

We recommend that Crews base selection on what activities the crew most wants to do while in the backcountry. It can be tempting to focus on which landmarks you want to visit. But most folks agree that you will remember the activities and program more than the myriad cool views on the trail.

Itinerary selection tools

Some tools we explored that may be useful for trek selection:

• The brand new Philmont “Itinerary Explorer” tool is available within the Philmont Camping Gateway .
• Sid’s spreadsheet?

How Crews request trek assignments

Sal showed in the Philmont Camping Gateway where the Lead Crew Advisor can find the link to submit the Crew’s top itineraries.

Trekking in neighboring properties

Scott talks about some of the considerations when evaluating Philmont Trek itineraries that go “off property” into lands not owned by Philmont.

• COLIN NEBLETT WILDLIFE AREA
• BARKER WILDLIFE AREA Overnight camping is not permitted.
• EXPRESS UU BAR RANCH Leave No Trace hiking and overnight camping are permitted at established camps and areas only.
• UU BAR RANCH (GREENWOOD TRACT & HECK PLACE) Leave No Trace Hiking and overnight camping are permitted on the Greenwood Tract at established camps and areas only.
• CHASE RANCH
• CS RANCH Leave No Trace hiking and overnight camping are only permitted at established camps and areas.

Watch the Live Streamed Philmont 2021 Trek Selection Q&A video

Panel Introductions

Asst. scoutmaster with Troop 212 in Lutz Fl and has served in this role for the past 15 years. He is a Master Educator with LNT and teaches LNT for the Greater Tampa Bay Area council. He has been on 5 treks to Philmont since 2013. Sal is a Philmont Ambassador and also the lead advisor on his council’s Philmont contingents. He also owns and operates Suncoast Wilderness First Aid and is a WFA/CPR/AED instructor. Sal is also a Backpacking, Hiking, and First aid merit badge counselor. He is retired after 30 years with the USPS.

Scott O’Mary

Scoutmaster at Troop 259B in Plano, Texas and has served in this role for the past 5 years. At Troop 259, he has created a 3-year program allowing scouts to attend all 4 BSA high adventure camps. In addition, Scott has served as crew advisor for 4 BSA high adventure treks – Philmont (Summer & Winter), Northern Tier and Bechtel Summit — and is an advisor to a Florida Sea Base trek in 2022. Scott is a Backpacking and Hiking merit badge counselor. His day job is with FedEx Services.

Jeff Cress is an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 19 and the Skipper of Sea Scout Ship 4019 in Burlington, NC. He has trekked in the Philmont backcountry as a youth and adult Crew Advisor. Jeff is the Publisher at gear-report.com/ and has produced a variety of articles and videos covering gear and best-practices at Philmont Scout Ranch.

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Jeff is the "Chief Gear Head" and Publisher of Gear Report. A National Shooting Sports Foundation Media member, he reviews gear for camping, hiking, shooting, hunting, paddling, backpacking, military vehicles, and other active pursuits. A USAF veteran and licensed pilot, Jeff earned an MBA in Marketing and Health Services. As an Online Marketing and eCommerce consultant and founder of Cress Sales & Marketing LLC, Jeff helps online merchants become more profitable via affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, social media marketing, conversion optimization, etc. In his copious free time, Jeff is an Assistant Scoutmaster for two Troops, Sea Scouts Mate, volunteer high school wrestling assistant Coach and swim dad with 3 teens, a soon to be Sainted wife of over 20 years, and a Boxer named Buddha.

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Philmont Scout Ranch Explained: A Scout’s Best Prep Guide

If you’re enticed by the rugged, mountainous West, Philmont provides the Scouting adventure of a lifetime. In this article, I’ll be filling you in on everything you’ll need to know about this legendary high-adventure base — from the perspective of an Eagle Scout who’s been there and done it! 🙂

Written by Eagle Scout and pro outdoor journalist, Owen Clarke. Cole here — I asked Owen to share his experience on ScoutSmarts, as he’s a true expert in outdoor adventuring and attended Philmont with his troop in the past!  You can learn more about Owen’s work at his website,  oclarke.com .

Almost every Scout knows that there’s no Scouting adventure more famous than Philmont Scout Ranch ! As an adult, the two questions I am most often asked when people find out I was a Scout are: 1) Did you earn Eagle? and 2) Did you go to Philmont? Luckily, I can answer YES to both! 

Philmont Ranch covers 140,177 acres of rugged wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico. A whopping 20,000 Scouts visit Philmont every summer! By size, Philmont is one of the largest youth camps in the entire world.

Owen Here: In this article, I’ll give you the lowdown on Philmont, to help you decide if this high-adventure base is right for you. You’ll learn a few insider secrets I discovered during my time there, too! That way, you’ll come to Philmont prepared to have the best adventure imaginable!

Philmont is one of Scouting’s four high-adventure bases (the others are Northern Tier in Minnesota, Florida Sea Base in Florida, and Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia), but it’s by far the most popular. It’s also the oldest high-adventure base in Scouting, in operation since 1938! 

In addition to the Ranch, Philmont is home to the National Scouting Museum, the Philmont Training Center, and the Seton Memorial Library . When visiting Philmont, you’ll participate in tons of exciting Scouting activities and learn cool lore, so this article is aimed at helping you to be prepared to make the most of your time!

FUN FACT: The world’s ONLY confirmed Tyrannosaurus rex track was found at Philmont, back in 1983 by American geologist Charles Pillmore. Only Scouts at Philmont can access the remote site where the track was found, via the “T-Rex Trail.”

What Should You Expect at Philmont?

Like Florida Sea Base and the other high-adventure bases in Scouting, Philmont offers a variety of different programs, called “treks.” Traditional treks are backpacking expeditions into the Philmont wilderness. 

You and your crew will pack into the rugged Cimarron Mountains, traveling by foot for seven to 12 days as you explore the peaks, canyons, forests, rivers, and deserts of Philmont. You’ll be accompanied by a Philmont Ranger for your first three days, but after that, you’re on your own — that’s right, you’ll need to navigate all by yourself!!

Depending on your itinerary, you’ll participate in a variety of activities in Philmont’s backcountry camps, such as rifle shooting, rock climbing, blacksmithing, fly fishing, and mountain biking. During your trek, you’ll hike anywhere from 50 to 120 miles.

NOTE FROM OWEN: Traditional treks aren’t your only option. There are a total of fifteen alternate adventures at Philmont. On the “Trail Crew” trek, you’ll work with the Philmont Conservation Department, learning to plan conservation projects. During the “Ranch Hands” trek, you’ll work with Philmont’s horse department, taking care of over 300 horses and burros. On the STEM trek, you’ll practice science, technology, engineering, and math in the backcountry!

In the next sections I’ll be covering tips, packing requirements and FAQ’s about Philmont, but first I’d recommend you watch the amazing documentary (16:54) below. This vlog-style video paints a great picture of what a standard (and amazing!) Philmont trek will look and feel like. 😀

6 Tips for Your Philmont Adventure

1. be ready for elevation.

There’s no other way to say it… Philmont is MOUNTAINOUS! Not all treks are the same, but it doesn’t matter where you are in Philmont, you’ll be doing steep hikes and descents. Especially if you’re planning to climb peaks like Mt. Baldy (12,441 feet) and the Tooth of Time (9,003 feet), make sure your mountain legs are ready to roll. 

NOTE FROM OWEN: I grew up in Alabama, so when I visited Philmont, I had never been above 2,000 feet before (except for a short trip to Denver). Practice for Philmont by tackling hikes with lots of vertical gain and decline, and you’ll be in great shape to crush it on the trail when you arrive!

2. Bring Cards and Games

Although you’ll spend most of your time on the trail or participating in activities at backcountry camps, you’ll still have free time. I don’t think I’ve ever played as many games of cards in my entire life as I did at Philmont!

Bringing playing cards, mini chess and checkers sets, or other games to play with your crewmates is a great way to keep your mind sharp and entertained during relaxing afternoons at camp. Remember, electronics are discouraged at Philmont, so no video games. 😛

3. Yes, it Rains!

Just because Philmont is in the Southwest doesn’t mean it doesn’t rain. Daily afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Rocky Mountains during the summer. (Luckily, they usually don’t last long.) One of the biggest mistakes you can make at Philmont is forgetting rain gear or expecting it to be dry for most of your trek. 

My younger brother visited Philmont last summer, and it rained every single day during his trek! Every. Single. Day. He still had a great time, and most treks don’t get this much rain… but the point is you should be prepared for a bit of wet weather! 

NOTE FROM OWEN: When I was at Philmont, my tentmate and I woke up after a rainstorm the evening before and found our tent sitting in a pool of water almost one foot deep! All of our gear was completely soaked. Luckily, it was our last day on the trail…

4. Be Bear Prepared

Philmont is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, and there are lots of black bears. Bears rarely bother Scouts, but if you haven’t camped in bear country before, you should be prepared to follow strict bear-safe protocols.

This means you’ll hang all your smellables in a “bear bag” each night, including toothpaste, deodorant, and even food waste from meals. For campers who aren’t used to bear protocols, this may seem like overkill… but it’s not! Trust me, you don’t want a bear poking around your campsite. 

5. Don’t Overpack

I discuss this in the FAQ section below, but make sure not to overpack . For most Scouts (myself included) Philmont is BY FAR the longest backpacking trip you’ll go on. Overpacking on a one-night or two-night backpacking trip is annoying, but not a huge deal. Overpacking on a seven to 12-day trip like Philmont ruins the trip. 

You’ll have to carry that heavy pack for more than a week, and the extra pounds take their toll after a few days. Your full pack should weigh NO MORE than 25% to 30% of your body weight . That includes the crew gear Philmont provides when you arrive. Leave extra room! 

6. At Philmont… Scouts Take the Lead!

The coolest thing about Philmont is that it truly is a Scout-led adventure. Most Scout trips are supposed to be “Scout-led” but at Philmont, you’re really on your own. You’ll have a Ranger with you for the first three days of your trip, but after that, your crew is out in the wilderness alone, and you have to be able to navigate and survive!

Of course, you’ll have Scoutmasters or other adult advisors with you, but these adults are not familiar with the Philmont terrain either. It’s up to you and your fellow Scouts to chart a course and complete your route. Be prepared to LEAD! 😀

What Should You Bring to Philmont?

Your packing list at Philmont will change depending on the trek your crew chooses, but most treks revolve around a multi-night backpacking trip. Below is a general packing list for Philmont.

Remember, in addition to these personal items, your crew will need to bring communal crew gear, and you’ll also receive equipment at Philmont, like a nylon dining fly, dishwashing and cooking pots, and bear bags.

A Complete Philmont Packing List

Packs & bags.

• Backpack 65-75L (1x)
• Daypack (1x)  
• Lashing straps (2x) 
• Gallon Ziploc bags (6-12x)  
• Waterproof pack cover (1x) 
• Small stuff sacks (2-3x) 

Sleeping Gear

• 20-degree sleeping bag under 5 lbs w/ compression sack (1x)  
• Waterproof stuff sack (1x) 
• Sleeping pad (1x) 
• Sleeping clothes (1x)
• Wool or fleece hat (1x)
• Pair of gloves or mittens (1x)  
• Baseball cap or wide-brim hat (1x) 
• Long underwear top (1x)
• Long underwear bottom (1x) 
• Fleece pullover (1x) 
• Synthetic jacket/outer layer (1x)
• Rain jacket with hood (1x)  
• T-shirt (2x)  
• Long sleeve shirt (1x)  
• Rain paints (1x)
• Lightweight hiking pants (1x)
• Underwear (4x)
• Hiking shorts (2x) 

Miscellaneous Items

• Mug/cup (1x)  
• Water bottle (4x) 
• Pocket knife (1x)
• First Aid Kit (1x)
• Matches or lighter (1x)  
• Flashlight or headlamp (1x)
• Spare batteries 
• Trekking poles w/rubber tips (2x)
• Philmont Map (1x)
• Compass (1x)
• Bandana or tubular headgear, such as Buffs (2x) 
• Cash ($50+)
• Lip balm (1x)
• Biodegradable soap (1x)  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (1x)  
• Quick-drying camp towel (1x)
• Personal medication  
• Sunglasses (1x)  
• Camera (1x)
• Emergency whistle (1x) 
• Pre-stamped postcards
• Foot Powder (1x)
• Notepad & pen (1x)
• Boots (1x) 
• Socks (4x) 
• Liner socks (3x) 
• Camp shoes (1x)

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do at philmont.

The adventures you can have at Philmont are endless, from archaeology to burro packing to gold mining. Most Philmont treks are backpacking trips that are either seven days, nine days, or 12 days long.  

During your trek, you’ll hike 50 to 120 miles and participate in a variety of backcountry activities. You can check out the offered events, learn about the costs, and sign your troop up at Philmont’s official website !

What is the Philmont Grace?

Also known as the “Wilderness Grace,” the Philmont Grace is the prayer you’ll recite at Philmont Scout Ranch before meals and at other gatherings. Written in 1929 by ​​A.J. Fulkerson, the prayer has been used at Philmont since 1943, but it’s also popular at Scout camps around the country.

The Philmont Grace

For food, for raiment, For life, for opportunity, For friendship and fellowship, We thank thee, O Lord. Amen.

Can you go to Philmont Without Being a Scout?

You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to attend Philmont, you just have to be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. So Varsity teams, Sea Scout Ships, and Venturing crews can also attend Philmont! Philmont participants just need to be either 14 years old OR 13 years old and a graduate of 8th grade.

NOTE FROM OWEN: Philmont is probably the biggest and most exciting adventure in Scouting! It’s also not cheap, and it’s a lot of time away from home, so most Scouts can only attend once. I recommend saving Philmont for when you’re an experienced Scout. If possible, you should gain skills on many one and two-night backpacking trips before heading to Philmont.

Who Owned Philmont?

Philmont Scout Ranch was given to the Boy Scouts of America by American oil baron Waite Phillips in 1938. He donated his 127,000-acre ranch, with the only stipulation that it be used “for the benefit of the members of the Boy Scout organization.”

What is the Highest Point at Philmont?

Known for its rounded, “bald” summit, Baldy Mountain (12,441 feet) is the highest point in Philmont Scout Ranch and the highest peak in the entire Cimarron Range! Hiking the top of Mt. Baldy is a favorite memory for many Scouts at Philmont. 

NOTE FROM OWEN: For me, climbing Mt. Baldy sparked a lifelong love of mountaineering! Today, I’ve summited nearly 100 mountains higher than 14,000 feet around the world, and I’m an editor-at-large for Climbing magazine. Despite all my adventures, I’ll always remember Baldy as the first real mountain I ever climbed. Maybe you’ll enjoy hiking Baldy as much as I did! 

What is a Good Base Pack Weight for Philmont?

Every participant at Philmont carries their own pack. Your pack should never be more than 25% to 30% of your body weight. So if you weigh 120 lbs, your pack shouldn’t weigh more than 36 lbs. 

Remember, you’ll also carry crew gear, like the dining tarp and cook pot, so be sure to leave extra space before you head to Philmont! There are also height and weight requirements. If you’re 60 inches tall, you can’t weigh more than 166 pounds, for example. Before going, review the full health and medical requirements for Philmont.

Do you Earn Merit Badges at Philmont?

Merit badge classes are not offered at Philmont, but you can earn various merit badge requirements during your trek. If you want to count any of your Philmont activities towards your merit badge requirements when you come home, be sure to ask your crew advisor to provide written documentation that you completed the requirements!

What is the Weather Like at Philmont?

Daytime temperatures at Philmont during the summer are around 80°F to 90°F, but the air is dry, with low humidity. At night, temperatures drop significantly, sometimes as low as 40°F at higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but generally short.

NOTE FROM OWEN: While rain is usually brief, my little brother visited Philmont last summer, and it rained every single day! He and his crew were soaked. So, just like I said in Pro-Tip #3, don’t go to Philmont expecting it not to rain.

What Kind of Bears are in Philmont Scout Ranch?

Philmont Scout Ranch is home to black bears, but don’t worry. Black bears are among the more docile species of bear, much less aggressive than grizzlies or polar bears. Bears rarely bother Scouts, but they are common, and you do need to practice proper bear safety while at Philmont .

NOTE FROM OWEN: When I was at Philmont, a bear snuffed around outside our tent one night. In the morning, we found that it had left a massive, steaming pile of doo-doo right outside the tent door! The smell was awful, but luckily, it didn’t come inside…

How Many Scouts Have Been to Philmont?

Over 1 million Scouts, Venturers, and Advisors have visited Philmont since its first season in 1939. Approximately 22,000 Scouts and leaders visit the base each year, and those Scouts walk a TON of miles! 

For example, in 2019 Philmont Scouts and leaders hiked over 1,600,000 miles total. That’s over 3 trips to the moon and back!!

Any Scouting trip to Philmont will be absolutely legendary , so if you’re heading there soon, get ready to have a great time!  While I’ve shared my own experiences to help you be better prepared, make sure to carefully plan with your troop and do further research to have the best adventure possible. 😀

Also, be sure to check out Cole’s article on the Scouting Camping Essentials along with his Guide To The Camping Merit Badge . In them, you’ll learn some awesome gear and trek tips you might not have thought of to help you have an even better time at Philmont — or any campout for that matter!

Thanks for reading! I hope this article helps you out a ton, and that you have some amazing troop and Philmont adventures ahead .

Owen Clarke

Owen Clarke is an Eagle Scout from Troop 7343 Huntsville, AL. For Owen, Scouting inspired a lifelong love of the outdoors, adventure sports, and travel. Today he works as a journalist, writing for top outdoor publications.

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Camp Roosevelt is Garden State Council’s full-service resident summer camp program for Scouts BSA troops. 

Garden state council contingent.

The Philmont Trek is the pinnacle of the Scouting outdoor experience. 

In addition to providing an unforgettable adventure in backpacking across miles of rugged, rocky trails, Philmont Scout Ranch offers programs that feature the best of the Old West—horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, chuckwagon dinners, and interpretive history—with exciting challenges for today such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and sport shooting. It’s an unbeatable recipe for fast-paced fun in the outdoors.

Book your Philmont adventure through Garden State Council, and let us handle your travel arrangements and logistics. That way, you and your Scouts can focus on adventure-specific preparation! Any registered Scout aged 14+ at the time of the Trek can register — on their own or with their unit and unit leaders! Plus, you get Trek-specific logo items!

The Council registration offers a monthly payment plan designed to stretch the expense over many months so units can fundraise. 

Countdown to Philmont 2024

The next Council-led contingent to Philmont Scout Reservation will leave on July 1, 2024 and return on July 15, 2024. Total cost is set to not exceed $3,000, with monthly payments of $200 if registration is booked by 2/1/2023.

Philmont Trek Details

Visit Philmont's official website for details about available Treks for you and your Scouts.

Council Fundraising

The Council offers resources to help units fundraise and “Fund the Adventure” through Trails End Popcorn — now available year-round through online sales — and our Camp Cards. For details on either program, contact your unit’s District Executive, or click the buttons below to visit their pages on our Council website.

Trails End Popcorn Sales

Funding your Scouting adventure through popcorn sales is easier -- and safer -- than ever with new online tools from Trails Ends. Plus, Online Direct sales of popcorn run all year round! Find out more at Trails-End.com .

Camp Card Sales

Funding your Scouting adventure through camp card sales is a limited-time opportunity. Each year from March through May, Scouts sell $5 discount coupon cards, and 50% of the value is credited to the Scout! Units: Contact your District Executive for details.

Camp Physicals for Less

Garden State Council has entered into an agreement with AtlantiCare to save Scouting families money when they visit an AtlantiCare Urgent Care Center for their camp physical. Click the AtlantiCare logo to download the flyer for details and locations.

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I Wanna Go Back: What this Scouter learned from 25 treks at Philmont Scout Ranch

It’s a sentiment so common that it’s been turned into a book , emblazoned on a bumper sticker and shared on social media.

“I Wanna Go Back to Philmont.”

For Robert Hostetter, the magnetism of Philmont Scout Ranch’s mountains and trails has been pulling him back for more than three decades.  

After his first trek at the New Mexico high-adventure base in 1985, Hostetter hasn’t just wanted to go back to Philmont. He’s gone and done it — again and again and again.  

Hostetter just returned from his 25th Philmont trek. Even more interesting is that all 25 of those treks were taken as an adult.

“In my BSA youth, I had heard the tales and adventures of returning crews from my fellow Scouts,” Hostetter says. “But for miscellaneous reasons, I was never able to attend as a Scout.”

Hostetter, who was a Life Scout in his youth, is now the Scoutmaster of Troop 93 of the Indianapolis-based Crossroads of America Council.

Experiencing Philmont for the first time

When Hostetter’s district was planning a Philmont trek in 1985, a group of volunteers approached the avid backpacker to see if he’d be willing to spend 12 days hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

He needed less than a second to say yes.

“How fortunate for me that they helped me to fulfill a dream,” Hostetter says.  

Hostetter remembers that his ranger — the Philmont staffer who joined the crew for its first few nights in the backcountry — was a woman from Utah named April Davis. He remembers being so impressed that she carried in her backpack a full-size Dutch oven so she could surprise the crew with cobbler on their first night on the trail.  

As the trip progressed, Hostetter watched the Scouts — who came from several different home troops — grow closer together.

“Within a few days, they were working so well as a unit,” he says.  

Seeing how Philmont had changed these young people, Hostetter made a personal vow.

“I would try to give every Scout I could the opportunity to have that mountaintop experience,” he says. “Not only for their benefit but for the units they were associated with.”

Going back time after time

Hostetter has been an adult volunteer for 19 standard Philmont treks and six Order of the Arrow Trail Crew treks.  

Many of Hostetter’s treks in those first few years were of the “super-strenuous” variety — totaling more than 100 miles of hiking. His toughest was a 107-mile journey where each day’s hiking began before daylight and ended with setting up camp in the early evening.

That one was “certainly a test of endurance for a flatlander trying to keep up with long-legged teenagers,” Hostetter says.

Later trips included some in the 50-mile category, which afforded Scouts more free time for programs at staffed backcountry camps.  

“And, if I was fortunate, a late-afternoon nap,” he says.

Hostetter’s rainiest trip happened in 1990 and featured three days of cold, monsoon-level rains. He remembers eating every meal under a dining fly and setting up wet tents day after day.

“I remember vividly the cheer that went up when the first Scout up woke up to a sunny morning,” he says. “Certainly one of my toughest treks but now one that is still talked about by those that were a part of it.”

As memorable moments go, Hostetter says it’s hard to beat climbing Baldy Mountain with his two boys — both of whom went on to be on Philmont staff.

“Climbing Baldy with my Scout sons is an irreplaceable experience,” he says.  

What to know before you go

Hostetter returns to Philmont again and again because he’s seen the magic it holds. He’s felt the transcendent power of its special places, like Cathedral Rock overlooking the Cimarroncito Reservoir or Clark’s Fork, a Western-themed camp that’s always been one of his favorites.

“Philmont is the  place where Scout spirit can be really understood,” he says. “The challenges, the skills, the teamwork — it’s a place where individuals learn more about themselves in 12 days than in any other environment.”

While some frequent travelers are loathe to tell the world about their favorite places — lest they become overcrowded and “hidden gems” no longer — Hostetter wants as many Scouting families as possible to visit Philmont.  

Here’s his advice for planning your own Philmont adventure .

• Let your crew make the big decisions, but offer your help. “Find another advisor who has been and get advice and ideas.”
• Understand your crew’s dynamics and capabilities and don’t ask them to do more than they are able.
• Use Philmont’s videos and info to help visualize what’s ahead, “so that, upon your arrival, you won’t be surprised or overwhelmed.”
• Get your crew together often and do as many shakedown activities as time will allow.  “Practice the skills you will have to know.”
• Work with your crew leader so that they have the same info you do. “Give them your best advice, and then let them lead.”
• Learn to relax and enjoy your surroundings. “If you are having a good time, most likely they will be, too.
• Don’t press too hard or bite off more than you can chew. “Don’t let the trek’s challenges become more important than what you’re there for.”

Why he does it

Yes, Hostetter returns to Philmont again and again because it’s a magical place filled with beauty. Like someone rewatching a favorite film or revisiting a beloved book, Hostetter finds something new to love about Philmont every time.

“Every trek I have been on, even as an adult, I have learned something about myself,” he says. “When I was younger, the mountains were smaller. Now that I’m older, the challenge is greater. The mountains are taller, and the packs seem heavier.”

But he goes back not for himself as much as for the young people for whom he helps deliver life-changing experiences.

“How gratifying it is to meet someone you took on a great adventure 20 or 30 years ago,

and their first comments are about our adventures together in mountains of Philmont?” He says. “How could I not want that opportunity for all Scouts?

“You just have to do everything you can to make that happen for them. That is why I wanna go back to Philmont.”

Plan your next high-adventure trip today — and start making your own memories.

Support the BSA National High Adventure Base Camp Scholarship Fund

Your support can help bridge the gap between ambition and access, allowing Scouts to participate in life-changing experiences at BSA’s National High Adventure Bases. Help make epic adventures a reality that will ignite a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

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Troop 55 High Adventure Blog

Philmont 2014 trek part 1.

Philmont 2014 was a really fun, but LONG trek.  On paper, it looked really interesting.  It started in the lower east corner by the Kit Carson museum.  Then traveled west, then north past the Tooth of Time and all the way north to Baldy Mountain.  Then west to Indian Writings.  The only corner we missed was the south west corner.  This was trek 28.  It is listed as 82 miles.  By my GPs, it was 114.7 miles.

This post will be very long, so it will be split into 3 parts.  All 3 parts are now complete.  Just continue scrolling down to find the other 2 parts.

Travis and Cullen play cards  

Just got off the train. Time to make a pack line while waiting four our bus to pick us up and take us to Philmont.  

The bus ride to Philmont.

The dining hall.  Great food while you are in camp.  It’s hot food and you don’t have to cook it!

The administration buildings. During the day of check-in, you will spend a lot of time in this area.

More of tent city.

The sign will get you anywhere you want to go.

Waiting for the tour to start

One of the final pack lines before leaving

Our last pack line in camp.

Packing up the bus to leave.

At the Kit Carson museum, we got to do some blacksmithing.

We had help as our ranger was going over orienteering. Yea, she was adorable.

Our first night was at Backache Springs.

Our water source

Yes, this is how you get water from the pond.  We filtered some and used Micropur for the rest.

The next morning we climbed to the top of the mountain next to camp for the sunrise.

Mike snorts a tree.  The mature ones smell like vanilla or butterscotch. They really do!

Looking through the trees is a great view of the Tooth of Time.

This is a logging camp. It’s really fun! Their main program is Spar Pole Climbing. It’s not as easy as it looks, but lots of fun!

Dan was our instructor for Spar Pole Climbing.

Getting ready for supper.

Aaron won one of their challenges.  He got pudding and a photo shoot.

The crew put on a great show.  Good music and funny skits.

More to come as the next 2 posts go up.

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Philmont TREKS 2023

NOTE: Philmont has published the Philmont Treks 2024 Guidebook . The latest upload was 12/20/2023, 9:54:19 AM — it has numerous errors. Most of these are somewhat trivial and relate to the program/itinerary cross-reference files. Some have minor errors in the Program Features descriptions. I have uploaded the Program Survey forms and Itinerary Selection spreadsheets that are as accurate as possible at the current time. As Philmont updates/corrects the Guidebook , I’ll incorporate those changes.

For your Philmont trek, you will follow an assigned “itinerary.”  This itinerary defines which campsites you will go to each night, the programs you will participate in, where you will pick up food, and where water may be found.  The itinerary will also have side hikes — these are generally nearby peaks you can climb.

For the summer of 2024, there are thirty-four 12-Day itineraries, fifteen 9-Day, sixteen 7-Day, and nineteen Cavalcade itineraries defined by Philmont.

Your crew has to select its itinerary from one of the defined itineraries.  This process begins when the Philmont TREKS 2024 Itinerary Guidebook is posted on Philmont’s website.  This book includes instructions that your crew uses to determine the top choices of itineraries that it wants.  Crews will enter their top six choices on an internet website (instructions are included in the Itinerary Guidebook ).  After entering your information and choices, your crew’s itinerary will be assigned by Philmont. 

When selecting your itinerary, it is recommended that you try to best fit the itinerary to your crew’s interests and abilities.  You should accurately judge the capability and experience of your crew and select an itinerary that is not too aggressive for them.  For example, if you have very young, small Scouts in your crew, it is probably not a good idea to pick a “super-strenuous” itinerary. 

You should try to fit the programs to your crew’s interests.  Obviously, with a crew of twelve, there will be widely varying desires and interests, so this is an inexact science at best!  By taking the list of programs available at Philmont and using this to survey the crew members you can find those programs that appeal to the majority of the crewmembers.  If you have mostly crew members who have not been to Philmont, you should emphasize programs and select a lower numbered itinerary that provides the maximum number of and time for programs.  Conversely, if your crew has been to Philmont and has participated in most of the programs, you may want to select either a specialized itinerary (climbing, challenges, etc.), one that climbs a number of the highest peaks at Philmont, or covers a lot of miles. Typically, these more strenuous itineraries have less time for programs.

Surveying the crew’s interests should ideally take place in a meeting of the entire crew. Distribute copies of the Survey Form to each crewmember. Then conduct a quick discussion of each of the programs available to you on your trek (12-day, 9-day, 7-day). When everyone has an understanding of what the programs are, have them fill out the survey forms and turn them into the crewmember that will process them. Discuss the various “Preferences” used in the Selection tool spreadsheet and reach a consensus of a good overall description of the crew’s capability and interests.

When all the survey forms have been completed, the ranking values are entered into the Selection tool spreadsheet. Preferences are set in this spreadsheet that describe the crew’s abilities and desires. Examine the “Results” of the Selection tool (along with the supporting worksheets) to do a sanity check on the itineraries it picked that most closely meet the crew’s interests and rankings. You may wish to experiment with various settings in the “Tables” worksheet to emphasize/de-emphasize different elements. When you’re comfortable with the results, they should be discussed with the crew and the top choices selected. These are the ones entered into the crew gateway as your crew’s choices, Philmont will assign your crew with (very likely) one of these.

There are two parts of the Itinerary Selection toolkit:

1.    Survey Form:   This is a Microsoft Word document that provides descriptions of all the programs available on a trek.  It should be printed and provided to crewmembers.  They should indicate their preference for the programs showing which they would most prefer.  Typically, crewmembers should rank the programs on a scale of 0 (meaning they could care less) to 20 (their life just won’t be the same if they don’t participate in the program).  On this scale, 10 is ambivalent. If they just don’t know, leave the ranking blank. Multiple programs may be given the same ranking value.

2.    Selection Tool:   This is an Excel spreadsheet where the rankings by crewmembers are entered.  Additionally, a set of “preferences” are entered that help describe the crew and its wishes.  When the rankings have been entered and the preferences set, an ordered list of itineraries that most closely reflect these will be created.  There are a number of supporting sheets/reports that may be used along with the rankings.  This spreadsheet is highly customizable to fit particular crew needs.  A worksheet named “Tables” contains factors that are used in calculating the ranking.  These factors may be changed as better fits for the crew are determined.

There are Survey forms and Selection tools for 12-Day, 9-Day, and 7-Day treks and Cavalcades.  All have been updated to reflect the 2024 itineraries as published in the Philmont TREKS 2024 Itinerary Guidebook .

Itinerary Selection Tools

Click on the buttons below to download the Word Survey forms or the Excel Itinerary Selection Spreadsheets

Note: If you get a “SECURITY RISK: Microsoft has blocked macros…” message after downloading a spreadsheet, you may need to use File Explorer and navigate to your Downloads folder. There, select the spreadsheet you downloaded and right-click it. Click on “Show more options” and/or search for “Properties”. Toward the bottom of the “Properties”, check the “Unblock” option then OK. Seems to occur somewhat randomly! If that doesn’t work, click on File/Options/Trust Center/Trust Center Settings and enable macros and VBA code.

Note:   These documents were developed using Office 365 on Windows 11. The spreadsheets will only run in a Windows desktop environment. The Excel spreadsheets make extensive use of macros and VBA code. You may have to enable these in the “Trust Center” to run the spreadsheets. The Word documents may require you to “Enable Editing” to make changes to them.