ScoutSmarts

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

philmont trek list

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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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.

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Welcome to Build-a-Trail

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

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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 .

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Trails in Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico, United States 23180875 | AllTrails.com

Best Trails in Philmont Scout Ranch

Map of trails in Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico

Top trails (29)

  • Philmont Road Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Hard • 4.4 ( 86 ) #1 - Philmont Road Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Philmont Scout Ranch Length: 11.1 mi • Est. 5h 7m Trail within the Philmont Scout Ranch. Registration required to enter, hike, and camp in the park.
  • Baldy Mountain Loop [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Hard • 4.6 ( 42 ) #2 - Baldy Mountain Loop [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Philmont Scout Ranch Length: 7.1 mi • Est. 4h 48m This is a private trail with access limited to those in the Boyscouts. Please see the Philmont Scount Ranch for more information on the trail: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/
  • Maxwell Trailhead to Miranda [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Moderate • 4.6 ( 53 ) #3 - Maxwell Trailhead to Miranda [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Philmont Scout Ranch Length: 3.6 mi • Est. 1h 39m
  • Lover's Leap Camp [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Moderate • 4.5 ( 47 ) #4 - Lover's Leap Camp [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Philmont Scout Ranch Length: 4.6 mi • Est. 2h 2m Trail within the Philmont Scout Ranch. Registration required to enter, hike, and camp in the park.
  • Hunting Lodge Staff Camp to Tooth of Time to Tooth Ridge Trail Camp [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Moderate • 4.5 ( 28 ) #5 - Hunting Lodge Staff Camp to Tooth of Time to Tooth Ridge Trail Camp [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Philmont Scout Ranch Length: 8.4 mi • Est. 4h 43m Trail within the Philmont Scout Ranch. Registration required to enter, hike, and camp in the park.
  • Campos Heck - T- Rex Track Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Easy • 4.4 ( 42 ) #6 - Campos Heck - T- Rex Track Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Philmont Scout Ranch Length: 4.2 mi • Est. 1h 29m Trail within the Philmont Scout Ranch. Registration required to enter, hike, and camp in the park.
  • Indian Writings Staff Camp to Ponil Staff Camp [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Moderate • 3.8 ( 34 ) #7 - Indian Writings Staff Camp to Ponil Staff Camp [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Philmont Scout Ranch Length: 4.4 mi • Est. 2h 15m

philmont trek list

  • Lover’s Leap to Miners Park [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Moderate • 4.6 ( 26 ) #9 - Lover’s Leap to Miners Park [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Philmont Scout Ranch Length: 5.7 mi • Est. 2h 26m This route is on Private Property and is only accessible by members of the Boys Scouts of America.

philmont trek list

Top national parks

White Sands National Park

Top state parks

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Activity type

  • Backpacking
  • Bird watching

Attractions

  • Challenging
  • Moderately challenging
  • Wildflowers

Suitability

  • Dogs on leash
  • Kid friendly

Points of Interest

  • Shaefers Peak
  • Tooth of Time
  • Stony Point
  • Comanche Peak
  • Bunkhouse Bare Point
  • Mount Phillips
  • Wilson Mesa

Frequently asked trail questions about Philmont Scout Ranch

Where is the best place to hike in philmont scout ranch.

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Philmont Scout Ranch is Philmont Road Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY] , which has a 4.4 star rating from 86 reviews. This trail is 11.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,856 ft.

What is the longest trail in Philmont Scout Ranch?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Philmont Scout Ranch is Philmont Scout Ranch Trek [PRIVATE PROPERTY] . This trail is estimated to be 69.8 mi long.

How many trails are in Philmont Scout Ranch?

There are 29 trails in Philmont Scout Ranch. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 541 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Philmont Scout Ranch?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Philmont Scout Ranch has you covered. Philmont Scout Ranch Trek [PRIVATE PROPERTY] boasts the most elevation gain with 13,110 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Philmont Scout Ranch Trek 9 [PRIVATE PROPERTY] , which will get you 11,840 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Philmont Scout Ranch?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 20 camping trails in Philmont Scout Ranch and the most popular is Philmont Road Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY] with an average 4.4 star rating from 86 community reviews.

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.

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

backpacksidea

What To Pack For A Philmont Trip: [A Lightweight Packing Guide]

  • Post last modified: 27 April 2023
  • Post author: Nick Johnson
  • Post category: BackPack Tips

You are currently viewing What To Pack For A Philmont Trip: [A Lightweight Packing Guide]

Planning a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch can be an exciting yet challenging task, especially when packing for the terrain and weather conditions. Philmont’s elevation ranges from 6,500 to over 12,000 feet, so it’s important to pack accordingly.

During the spring and summer months, temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80°F and nighttime temperatures dropping down between 30 and 50°F. Rain is common during these seasons, so raingear is a must.

If you want to experience Winter adventure in Philmont then you can visit this place from December through March.

In this guide, we’ll provide recommendations on what to pack for a Philmont trip, including clothing, gear, personal items, and optional items, to help you be fully prepared for any weather conditions you may encounter during your high adventure camp in northern New Mexico.

Also Read: Best Backpack For Philmont 2023[Latest & Comfortable]

Some Most Essential Things To Pack For Any Type of Philmont Adventure Trip

Table of Contents

When preparing for a trip to Philmont, it’s important to carefully consider the weather and terrain of the area to ensure you pack the appropriate clothing. The following items are essential for a comfortable and safe high adventure camp:

1. Keep The Right Kind of Hiking Shoes or Boots:

It’s recommended to select a sturdy pair of hiking boots that fit well and provide ankle support. It’s crucial to break in your boots before your trip to avoid blisters and other foot injuries.

Make sure you have at least 3 pairs of socks for this trip. The socks must be high-quality, and moisture-wicking.

why carrying multiple pairs of socks is mandatory?

First and foremost, moisture is the enemy when it comes to foot health on the trail. If your socks become wet due to sweat or rain, they can cause blisters and other foot injuries. By carrying multiple pairs of socks, you can rotate them throughout the trip to ensure that your feet stay as dry as possible.

For Philmont trip must take at least one pair of pants, that should be breathable and active. It would be better if you carry pants that are Lightweight, and quick-drying.

To save space and to pack light you can also carry convertible pants that can be turned into shorts.

I usually prefer to carry one pair of long sleeve shirts. One for wearing daytime and the second one for wearing at night. Lightweight shirts made of moisture-wicking material are ideal for protecting your skin from the sun and bugs.

5. Jacket or fleece:

Make sure the jacket you are carrying for your Philmont trip must be lightweight but warm enough to cope with the challenging cold weather condition of the trail.

6. Rain Gear:

A waterproof jacket and pants are essential for protecting you from sudden rainstorms.

Food Planning and Selection for Philmont Trek

You don’t have to worry about the food when you arrive and depart from the Philmont because you can take your food in the dining halls but on the trails, Philmont provides backpackers with food in the form of trail meals and snack items, but you will also be responsible for bringing some of your own food. Here are some guidelines to follow when selecting food items to pack for your Philmont trek:

(1) Lightweight and calorie-dense:

Although there are various options for taking food items during your trip, you should carry some quick-pick food items such as nuts, nut butter, jerky, energy bars, and dehydrated meals in your backpack.

(2) Pick your meal from the backcountry commissary camps:

During a Philmont trek, hikers will have access to designated backcountry camps every 3-4 days, where they can pick up pre-packaged trail meals. These commissary camps are typically located at specific points along the Philmont trail and are used to distribute food and other supplies to backpackers.

The food item is packed in a durable and fully recycled plastic bag, and one pack is enough to feed two people. For your convenience, you have also a choice to choose swap box from where you can pick up the most recently left unopened food package or leave your sealed package for others.

You don’t need to worry about if you would get variety for your meal or not because, during a 12-day Philmont trek, each crew will consume a total of 30 different meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This number is derived from the fact that crews spend 10 days in the backcountry, and each day requires three meals.

How Much Water You Should Take For Your Philmont Trip

As a general rule of thumb, backpackers should plan on carrying at least two to three liters of water per day. This should be enough to meet your basic hydration needs and allow for cooking and cleaning. However, if you are hiking in hot or dry conditions, you may need to carry more water to prevent dehydration.

What to Pack for Sleeping on the Philmont Trip

To ensure you can take a good sleep without losing comfort and warmth during your Philmont trip you must have these essentials in your backpack:

(1) Sleeping bag:

Keep a sleeping bag that is rated to 20°F and keep it in a waterproof stuff sack. If your current stuff sack is not made of waterproof material then you can line the inside of the garbage bag to make it waterproof.

Also Read: Best Sleeping Bag For Philmont 2023[Light & Compact]

(2) Sleeping Pad:

Must carry a comfortable sleeping pad along with a sleeping bag and attach it with a lashing strap to the bottom or top of your backpack.

(3) Sleeping Cloth:

Don’t forget to carry full sleeve shirt, T-shirt, and shorts to wear at night.

Other Essential Items

Go through the below-mentioned table to keep other small but very essential things in your backpack:

In conclusion, careful consideration of essential items is necessary for a safe and enjoyable Philmont trip. It is crucial to pack appropriate clothing, footwear, food, and water, as each item plays a critical role in making the journey comfortable and successful.

Be sure to take into account the weather and terrain when packing, and prioritize lightweight and necessary items. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on an unforgettable adventure at Philmont.

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

philmont trek list

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.

philmont trek list

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.”

philmont trek list

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.  

philmont trek list

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.”

philmont trek list

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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The 10 essentials for hiking at Philmont

  • Clinton Pedigo
  • July 13, 2019

philmont trek list

Photographed by Chris Langlois . 

There’s a lot of talk at Philmont about the “10 essentials.” These pieces of gear are the make-or-break items a crew brings to stay safe on the trail. The Tooth of Time Traders has several different options for each of the 10 essentials available at Philmont and online. To make choosing easier, the Tooth of Time staff have provided their recommendations for what to bring.

philmont trek list

Philmont Overall Map

The Philmont Overall Map is a great addition to anyone’s personal gear.  The whole landmass of Philmont and our neighboring properties is shown on the map, which makes it a clear choice for a big-picture view. Also available are maps of North and South country, but be sure to know your whole itinerary and which half of Philmont you’ll be on before picking one of those. Be sure to get a compass as well to make your map effective.

philmont trek list

Water Bottles 

The iconic Philmont Nalgene bottle is an excellent choice to store water on the trail. Nalgenes are durable and feature a volume scale on the backside, making them functional for cooking water measurement. They also come in a myriad of different colors for easy identification and

philmont trek list

A small multi-tool like a “Leatherman” is infinitely useful on the trail. The pliers and screwdriver functions are a lifesaver when gear repair is needed on the trail. Though knives are a Scout staple, the multi-tool’s adaptability to any scenario makes it a much better investment.

philmont trek list

Lighter and Match

It’s recommended to have both a lighter and matches for stove and fire lighting. A simple, lightweight lighter and regular box of matches is all you need. Simplicity is the key here – anything too advanced will likely add weight. For your matches, we recommend having a waterproof matchbox as well, just in case the rain slips under your pack cover.

philmont trek list

Personal First Aid Kit

It’s always a great idea to have your own stash of first aid supplies. Products like the Ultralight Medical Kit .5 or the Day Tripper Light have a wide assortment of bandages and some medications to keep you prepared on hiking days. No matter which first aid kit you choose, we recommend investing in extra moleskin, just in case.

philmont trek list

Any Philmont hiker knows the importance of rain gear on the trail. The Red Ledge Thunderlight jacket is a cost-friendly piece that keeps you cool and dry while hiking. The jacket also comes in a stuff sack for portability. Just make sure you dry the jacket thoroughly before you stuff it back in.

philmont trek list

It may not be a part of the Scout Law but, a Scout is punctual! A watch is one of the most underrated pieces of gear. Sometimes, a simple watch with an alarm function is all you need to begin your hike early and make it to program on time. If you’re looking for a watch to stand the test of time (and rain, and dust, and etc.), we recommend this Timex watch available in the store.

philmont trek list

The Survive Outdoors Longer Rescue Howler whistle is the Tooth of Time Traders’ whistle of choice due to its low weight and high volume capability (110dB). Having a whistle on your person at all times can be a game-changer if you ever find yourself lost, or looking for someone who may be.

philmont trek list

Sun Protection 

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen is one of the leading outdoor-performance sunscreens on the market. Always keep yourself protected from the sun – especially at altitude. Make sure you’re using the appropriate SPF for your skin tone and reapplying every few hours for maximum effectiveness.

philmont trek list

A headlamp ( such as the Black Diamond model pictured ) is an excellent hands-free way to work on gear after dark. It also helps to make sure those midnight excursions to the Red Roofs don’t end in disaster. A model with multiple lighting modes helps to conserve battery so it’ll last much longer.

Mark Cordeiro

Mark Cordeiro

Mark Cordeiro is a second-year Philmont staffer out of Edmond, Oklahoma. He’s currently a senior at the University of Oklahoma studying professional writing. Mark spent several summers of his youth at the PTC’s youth programs and went on his first trek in 2014.

Gear Report

Podcast: Philmont Trek Talk Q&A

philmont trek list

 by  Jeff

 by Jeff · Published 12Sep23

Philmont Q&A – 2024 prep, Autumn & Winter Adventure – Philmont Trek Talk

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek.This month we explore other opportunities to go to Philmont outside of summer treks, and answer questions for 2024 crews, etc.

philmont trek list

 by Jeff · Published 15Aug23 · Last modified 7Sep23

Philmont Q&A – Aug 2023 More Trek Reports – Philmont Trek

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek.This month we talk to two Scouters who recently completed Philmont Treks in 2023 to get their thoughts on trek prep, check-in at Philmont, surprises on the trail, etc.

philmont trek list

 by Jeff · Published 11Jul23

Philmont Q&A – 2023 Early Trek Reports – Philmont Trek

This month we talk to three Scouters who recently completed Philmont Treks in June/July 2023 to get their thoughts on trek prep, check-in at Philmont, surprises on the trail, etc. 

philmont trek list

 by Jeff · Published 13Jun23

Philmont Q&A – Bears & 2023 Treks – Philmont Trek

This month we talk to Darrel about how things are going so far at Base Camp. And Brett Johnson talks about bears on the ranch.

philmont trek list

 by Jeff · Published 9May23

Philmont Q&A – Is it time to Panic? – Philmont Trek

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek.This is our last live chat before crews start arriving at Philmont for 2023 summer treks.

philmont trek list

 by Jeff · Published 11Apr23 · Last modified 12Apr23

Philmont Q&A – Tooth of time Traders Updates & where your crew should be now – Philmont Trek

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek. Ashley from ToTT stopped in to let us know what the official Philmont stores offer and the panel talked about where in the prep process crews should be with just a couple of months before 2023 summer treks start.

philmont trek list

 by Jeff · Published 14Mar23

Philmont Q&A – A Scout is Clean – Backcountry Hygiene – Philmont Trek

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek. Lets talk about the various ways we can Philmont trekkers can keep themselves and their gear clean and healthy while on the trail.

philmont trek list

 by Jeff · Published 14Feb23

Philmont Q&A – New cooking method guidance, trek prep – Philmont Trek

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek.

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek. Lets talk about what we learned on summer 2022 treks.

 by Jeff · Published 13Jan23

Philmont Q&A – What we learned from 2022 Treks – Philmont Trek

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek. Lets talk about what we learned on summer 2022 treks.

Philmont Q&A - Gear & Gift Ideas - Philmont Trek

 by Jeff · Published 12Jan23

Philmont Q&A – The Science of Picking an Itinerary – Philmont Trek

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek. Lets talk Philmont gear and gifting.

How to Pick a Philmont Trek Itinerary

 by Jeff · Published 11Jan23 · Last modified 12Jan23

This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek. Lets demystify how to pick your Philmont Trek itinerary!

philmont trek list

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IMAGES

  1. Philmont Itinerary 24 : Photos, Diagrams & Topos : SummitPost

    philmont trek list

  2. 103 Miles in 12 Days: The Philmont Trek

    philmont trek list

  3. My framed Philmont map with the paths we took on both treks mapped out

    philmont trek list

  4. Map of treks : r/philmont

    philmont trek list

  5. Philmont 2017 Trek 31

    philmont trek list

  6. Philmont Trek Day 4: The Ascent to Baldy

    philmont trek list

VIDEO

  1. T7 Philmont 2023 Trek 12-27 Tour

  2. Philmont Trek Vlog Episode 5

  3. Philmont 2022

  4. Philmont Trek Vlog Episode 4

  5. Philmont Mountain Biking

  6. The Darkness and the Light Should be on a Best of Trek List

COMMENTS

  1. Treks

    STEM Trek. 12 days and nights. Fee: $1,575 (2024)— $1,675 (2025) Register: By individual. Season: Summer. Age: 14 years old by the start date and not yet 18 by the end date. Crew Size: Provisional Crew will be organized by Philmont. Leadership: 2 adult leaders provided by Philmont. Registration: Anytime.

  2. Equipment List

    If you have any questions regarding any items on the equipment list, please contact Philmont's Tooth of Time Traders at 575-376-2281 or [email protected]. You will need 1-2 synthetic insulating layers. All must fit comfortably over each other so they can be worn in combination.

  3. Philmont TREKS (12-day)

    About. 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.

  4. Traditional Treks 2024 • 12-Day, 9-Day, and 7-Day

    Philmont's core and renowned traditional backpacking treks provide an unforgettable adventure in backpacking across miles of rugged, rocky trails. ... As the traditional backpacking trek at Philmont, 12-day treks give crews the opportunity to hike for 10 days in the backcountry, with an arrival/departure day in Base Camp on each end of the ...

  5. Philmont Scout Ranch Explained: A Scout's Best Prep Guide

    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 ...

  6. Shakedown Guide

    Shakedown Guide. This guide is intended to be an all-encompassing tool for crews to utilize in order to prepare for an upcoming Philmont trek. It is highly recommended that crews participate in at least two shakedown hikes prior to their trek. To help facilitate this, we have split this guide into two separate PDF documents to allow the crew to ...

  7. Philmont TRAILS

    About. 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.

  8. Philmont Trek Itinerary Selection Q&A

    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

  9. 10 Best Hikes and Trails in Philmont Scout Ranch

    Philmont Scout Ranch. Length: 4.6 mi • Est. 2h 2m. Trail within the Philmont Scout Ranch. Registration required to enter, hike, and camp in the park. Hunting Lodge Staff Camp to Tooth of Time to Tooth Ridge Trail Camp [PRIVATE PROPERTY] Moderate • 4.5 (28)

  10. Planning Calendar

    Trek Registration Timeline. Many things must be done in order to be prepared for a Philmont excursion. Planning and preparation should commence almost a year in advance. Here is a calendar that should be helpful in keeping your crew organized and on track. The notation (cc) means "council contingent," while (u) means "unit.".

  11. How To Prepare For A Philmont Trek

    Gear. The right gear can make your Trek much more enjoyable. The wrong gear can make your trek a 12 day nightmare. Check out our Best Budget Backpacking Gear - Philmont - Boy Scouts article to help sort out what gear is right for you. I wouldn't get too hung up on the Philmont Gear List, as it has too much stuff on it.Spend more time getting everyone up to speed on the philosophy of ...

  12. 2024 Crew Packet

    Dear Philmont Advisor: Greetings from Philmont Scout Ranch, Boy Scouts of America. We look forward to your crew's arrival and are pleased to provide your 2024 Advisors Packet. It contains everything required to complete your planning for a successful Philmont trek. The following items have been mailed to you:

  13. Itinerary Selection Toolkit

    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.

  14. Philmont Itineraries

    Itinerary 32. 85 miles (48:43) South, North. Itinerary 33. Itinerary 34. Itinerary 35. 113 miles (63:03) South, North, Valle Vidal. The Philmont Trail Guide provides maps and descriptions of itineraries, camps, and routes at Philmont Scout Ranch to help plan your Philmont adventure.

  15. Philmont Gear List Shakedown #1

    Packing for Philmont? What to Pack for Philmont?Philmont Gear is a series. How to build your gear list for a 12-day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch. Watch how ...

  16. What To Pack For A Philmont Trip: [A Lightweight Packing Guide]

    During a Philmont trek, hikers will have access to designated backcountry camps every 3-4 days, where they can pick up pre-packaged trail meals. These commissary camps are typically located at specific points along the Philmont trail and are used to distribute food and other supplies to backpackers.

  17. I Wanna Go Back: What this Scouter learned from 25 treks at Philmont

    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 ...

  18. The 10 essentials for hiking at Philmont

    Mark spent several summers of his youth at the PTC's youth programs and went on his first trek in 2014. About Philmont Scout Ranch Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's premier High Adventure™ base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness.

  19. PDF OFFICIAL PHILMONT SHAKEDOWN GUIDE, PART 1

    Thunder Ridge tent specifically for use at Philmont. The MSR Thunder Ridge is a two -person, three-season tent and is available for crews to use free of charge while on their Philmont trek. Each MSR Thunder Ridge tent is washed using Nikwax Tech Wash® upon returning to Base Camp to ensure all Philmont-issued tents are clean and waterproof.

  20. Philmont Scout Ranch

    Gear Report's Step by step guide to getting to Philmont, knocking out all pre-trek tasks in Base Camp, and hitting the trail. Want more Philmont info? Check ...

  21. Recommendations for Philmont treks. : r/CampingandHiking

    I did Philmont when I was 14 and it was an awesome experience. Changed my outlook on things, built confidence, made new friends, just all around amazing. I would encourage any scout to take advantage of the opportunity if it is available. We had a day trek up to the highest peak in Philmont- definitely recommended.

  22. Philmont Trek Talk Q&A

    Philmont Q&A - Aug 2023 More Trek Reports - Philmont Trek. This live Q&A w/ audience questions to help you prep for a great Philmont trek.This month we talk to two Scouters who recently completed Philmont Treks in 2023 to get their thoughts on trek prep, check-in at Philmont, surprises on the trail, etc. 11Jul23.