philmont trek map

• 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 .

3D Philmont Maps .

Custom 3d maps, capture your individual trek in a handheld model, your custom trek preserved perfectly.

With a perfect model of your trek through the mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch, you will always remember those long hikes, steep gradients, late nights, early mornings, amazing views, group camaraderie, and the fulfilling finish of your trek with the people you had shared the amazing experience with.

Customized to you

Each map is created from your individual trek with your trek number or map from philmont.

Wording to remember

Custom wording printed directly in the sides of the model allow you to preserve your trek information.

3D printing simulates topographical 2d-maps through the layered printing process.

The Perfect Gift

This map is the perfect gift for your leader, father, son, or friend you completed your trek with.

Trek 7-17 2021

Trek 23 2019

Custom Design Process

3d printing, using your trek number or battle-hardened phimont map, a 2d sketch of your path is traced into computer-aided-design..

After matching your map with the terrian, this path perfectly resembles your actual Philmont Trek.

• Using your Trek number, your path can be found in the itinerary guidebook.
• If you have your path traced on your map, simply take a picture to upload.
• Any additional day-hikes or detours can be added.

After creating a 2D-sketch, your path is overlayed on the actual terrain to create an exact 3D-topographical path.

Every peak, valley, and hillside is perfectly matched to your Philmont Trek.

Your trek information, crew number, and year are inset into the sides of the 3D model.

Highly customizable, any wording can be added.

• Trek Number
• Crew Number

Simply describe your wording during checkout.

After hours of custom design, your model is 3D printed over 13-17 hours.

The 3D printing process creates elevation layers in the model, imitating 2D topographical maps.

Post-printing, your piece is a single part that will last for years to come, bringing joy to you or anyone else who enjoyed the indescribable experience of Philmont.

• Lifelong memories
• Birds-eye view of Philmont's Mountains
• Custom colors availible

Hear from customers

What a wonderful way to remember an epic adventure. And it's also a good way to understand the complexity of the terrain.

This is amazing and is a perfect gift for my husband and stepson.

The model was a perfect gift and it turned out great! Thank you!

Very quick shipping and well constructed!

3D Printed - Small

• Custom Trek
• Custom Wording
• Custom Colors
• 5 x 3.75 in

3D Printed - large

• 7.5 x 5.5 in

Philmont Epoxy

• Entire Philmont Area
• Philmont Scout Ranch Outline
• Epoxy Construction
• Three color options
• Customized Trek/Wording

Frequently Asked Questions

You can either type the trek number in the personalization box, send it through the Etsy messenger, or email it to me at [email protected] .

If you would like any specific colors please reach out to see what is availible.

Please reach out with any questions!

[email protected]

How To Use the Philmont Trail Guide

Main navigation, itineraries.

A Philmont itinerary is the outline for your trek – it defines the 12 camps you stay at during each of your 12 nights at the Ranch.  How you get between the camps is largely up to you, but you must be in your assigned camp each night.

From the Itineraries menu item in the top navigation bar, you reach a list of all 35 itineraries .  Going to any of the individual itineraries gives you several views of that itinerary.  Common to each view is the blue sidebar on the left showing a brief summary of the itinerary including distance, elevation gain and loss, layovers, and highlights.

Itinerary: Overview

The initial page is the Overview ("Overview is highlighted in light text on a dark background below the main navigation bar) - an example is shown to the right.  It shows an outline map of the itinerary at the top of the page and an elevation profile graph below that. You may need to scroll down to see the elevation profile depending on your screen settings. 

The map shows the recommended route in red; side hikes or optional routes are shown as black dotted lines.  An outline of the ranch and a few key geographic features (like Black Mountain, the Tooth of Time, etc) provide you with general reference points.

Each night's camp is numbered with the day of the trek you hike there. The symbols for the camp tell you if it's staffed (a building with an orange square) or unstaffed (a teepee with an orange triangle).  Waterless camps are marked with a purple label ("DRY"). A water glass symbol with a blue circle shows nearby water.In the example to the right, the camp ending your 5th day at Philmont (in this case, Mt Phillips Camp) is dry; water is available to the southeast (in this case, Red Hills Camp).

A black-circled figure of a hiker shows a trailhead – where you start or end you itinerary with a bus ride. A green circle shows where you pick up food - it's either around a knife and fork symbol for food pickups on the way to another camp , or around the camp symbol if you're picking up food at the same camp you're staying overnight.

The elevation profile graph shows you altitude versus distance along your trek. Each day of travel is numbered (between the distance axis and the graph line) and separated by vertical dashed lines. Very short days (like day 2 for most itineraries ) may not be numbered; layover days are not numbered if there is no side hike suggested.

Itinerary: Google Map

The second tab, labeled “Google Map”, shows you the itinerary plotted on a Google map topographic view.  All of the typical Google map controls work as expected.You can zoom in and out using the slider control in the upper left corner of the map or by scrolling your mouse wheel. (NOTE: if you want to scroll up and down the page rather than zoom the map, move your mouse pointer off the Google map.) You can move the map around by clicking and dragging. Switch between topographic and satellite maps with the buttons on the top right of the map. The Google map lets you see the actual terrain the itinerary covers in as much detail as you wish. Superimposed on the map is an outline of Philmont for reference.

Itinerary: Description

The third tab, Description, shows a table with each day's hike.  The brown heading for each entry shows your destination camp (clicking the heading takes you to a page about that camp).  The row for each day also has a description of the recommended route , distance, elevation gain and loss, and estimated hiking time .

Itinerary: Routes

The Routes tab for the itinerary (as opposed to the Routes menu item on the top navigation bar) jumps to information about the recommended route for day 2 of your itinerary (the first hiking day) – and the new set of tabs below the itinerary view tabs allows you to select days 3 through 12.  See the example to the right.

Each day shows some route specific information on the blue sidebar including distance, estimated hiking time , and elevation gain and loss. Destination information tells you what activities are available at the destination camp . If there are staffed camps within a mile of your destination, they, and the activities available at them, are listed as nearby camps. Finally, if there are staffed camps or other points of interest along the route, they're listed with their activities under activities enroute.

The topographic map shows the route as a solid red line with a small black diamond every mile for reference. Starting and ending camps are marked as on the overview map: an orange square for staffed camps and an orange triangle for trail camps. Dry camps are labelled in purple with "DRY". Food pickups are circled in green and water sources near dry camps are circled in blue. Alternate routes or side hikes, if any, are shown as a red dotted line.

Below the topographic map (you may have to scroll down depending on your screen settings), is a graph of the elevation profile for the recommended route.

You can get some more detailed information about the route by navigating to the Routes tab on the main navigation bar, then choosing the route based on starting camp from there. These detailed Route pages will include additional information about alternate routes (if any are possible), a more detailed description of the hike, and more data on elevations. They will also let you zoom in on the Google map of that specific route.

Itinerary: Downloads

The final tab, Downloads, provides links to downloadable files: GPS waypoints and printable PDFs to take on the trail.

The Routes choice on the main navigation bar takes you to a dictionary-like page linking you to every route at Philmont.  The routes are organized based on starting camp .  For example, if you want more information about the route between Cimarroncito and Cyphers Mine, navigate to the “C”s, then select Cimmaroncito to Cyphers Mine.  For some itineraries , you are required to travel by a “non-optimal” route.  For example, day 3 of itinerary 1 requires you go from Cathedral Rock Camp to Cimarroncito with a stop at Ute Gulch to pick up food.  That route is listed as Cathedral Rock to Cimarroncito via Ute Gulch.

Once you choose a route , you'll be linked to a page with details about the route (on the blue sidebar to the left) and a topographic map of the recommended (and alternatives) route on the right.  Like the itineraries pages, this page also has tabs across the top that allow you to also view a Google map or an elevation profile for the recommended route.  The routes pages provide additional details for the recommended routes including high and low points and which itineraries share the route.

Details about Philmont's nearly 100 staffed and unstaffed camps can be accessed through the Camps choice on the main navigation menu.  A dictionary-like page from the main menu will take you to information on the camp of your choice.  Information includes activities available at the camp and other camps within about a mile (and the activities available).

If you want to find out more about how the maps and GPS downloads were made or where to find other information about Philmont (such as packing lists or training tips), check out the About choice on the main menu.

The 10 essentials for hiking at Philmont

• Clinton Pedigo
• July 13, 2019

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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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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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