Expeditions and Trek Itineraries

Discover the wonder of "Scouting's Paradise"

Philmont's signature program is the High-Adventure Expedition. Available each summer from early June to late August, each 12-day expedition provides opportunities for participants to

• Explore the high country in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico.
• Experience the thrill of climbing mountains over two miles high.
• Participate in a wide array of activities that teach Scouting skills—archaeology, backpacking, camping, climbing, fishing, forestry, horsemanship, Indian lore, and much more.
• Develop leadership, group dynamics, wilderness problem-solving, and outdoor skills.

Crews hike Philmont's mountains, spending nights at various backcountry camps. At staffed camps, crews can participate in a variety of programs presented by Philmont backcountry staff. Among these programs are horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, rock climbing, .30-06 rifle shooting, archaeology, mountain biking, and interpretive programs such as homesteading and mountain man rendezvous.

Since Philmont's first camping season in 1939, more than 860,000 Scouts, Venturers, and their leaders have participated in the rugged challenge of its backpacking program.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits your group of Scouts or Venturers as each crew conquers the challenge of a Philmont trek.

Itineraries

Each expedition follows one of 35 itineraries, which are carefully planned and developed to avoid overcrowding and to enhance each crew's wilderness experience. Itineraries vary in their difficulty and in the program features each offers.

To assist crews in selecting an itinerary, the following resources are provided:

• 2008 Itineraries at a Glance
• PHILTREK GUIDE
• Itinerary Arrival Card
  

Note that this information is specific to 2008 treks only. You may wish to use it for general planning purposes for 2009 treks. The official 2009 trek itinerary information will be posted on March 15, 2009.

More detailed information about the itineraries, including maps and diagrams, can be found in the annual Itinerary Guide (called "the Treks Book"), which may be obtained from your local council or directly from Philmont Scout Ranch.

Philmont has a pristine wilderness, largely because of the planned itinerary process, the wilderness ethic, and the conservation efforts of over 860,000 past participants. Itineraries are carefully planned and developed to avoid overcrowding and to enhance your crew's wilderness experience. No change/modification in the itineraries is possible except for medical emergencies.

Who May Attend?

Philmont expeditions are available to Scouts and Venturers who are at least 14 years old by January 1 of the year they will be attending or have completed the 8th grade and be at least 13 years old prior to participation. Each crew must have at least seven and no more than 12 members, which must include at least two (but no more than four) adult advisers, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, and the remainder of whom must be at least 18 years of age. All participants must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America.

Crews may be drawn from a single unit, or may be composed of members of different units within the same local council. Coed Venturing crews are welcome to attend, but they must attend as a chartered unit and be accompanied by at least one male and one female adult leader, both of whom must be at least 21 years old.

Note: Philmont does not have facilities to accommodate family members of advisers or youth members who are participating in the camping programs. Several motels and trailer parks in Cimarron are available for those interested. Prior reservations are recommended.

Registration Procedures

Information about Web-based registration for the 2010 season is available in Adobe Acrobat format.

Cavalcades

Philmont Cavalcades are similar to regular expeditions except that, instead of hiking, crews ride horses through the rugged mountain wilderness like the famous trappers who first explored the West.

Eight-day Cavalcades with 10 to 15 people* per crew are offered on specific dates each summer. The final day of the Cavalcade is spent in competition at an equestrian gymkhana.

For the safety of the rider and the horse, there is a 200-pound weight limit for all riders.

Because of the popularity of the Cavalcade program and the limited number of horses, a drawing will be held each January for crews that have expressed a desire to participate in summer Cavalcades. A group may not participate in consecutive years.

To participate in the drawing, notify Philmont in writing. Successful groups will be notified in February by mail and will receive a reservation form that must be approved by the local council. The reservation will remain effective for 30 days, pending receipt of the reservation fee ($50 per participant) and approved reservation form.

* If the crew should number fewer than 10, the Cavalcade will be charged for 10 participants. The maximum number of crew members is 15.

Philmont Awards

The Arrowhead patch is awarded to crews who spend at least three hours in conservation projects at Philmont, complete a trek, follow their assigned itinerary, and demonstrate Scouting spirit. Philmont has several conservationists located strategically throughout the backcountry. The best location for your crew to perform a project will be shared with the crew during the final trip planning. If your itinerary does not include a project area, the Logistics staff will identify an alternate project.

The three hours can also be applied toward the Fifty-Miler Award, which requires 10 hours of wilderness conservation (the remaining seven may be acquired at home). All itineraries may be used to qualify for distance requirements of the Fifty-Miler Award as well.