PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH HIGH ADVENTURE TREK – AN ADVENTURE YOU’LL NEVER FORGET

Would you like to experience unforgettable backpacking adventures in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch, including incredible mountain summits?

Would you like to experience the Old West through living history camps and activities ranging from climbing to mining to shooting sports and much more?

Join Scouts from throughout the Grand Canyon Council in the wilderness in Cimarron, New Mexico for an adventure of a lifetime! Memories and friends will be made and challenges will be overcome—Philmont is one of Scouting’s greatest adventures.  

THE PHILMONT BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE

Philmont is 137,493 acres of challenging Scout adventure set among the mountains and mesas of northeastern New Mexico. It was the gift of Waite Phillips, who “donated and dedicated (it) to the Boy Scouts of America for the purpose of perpetuating faith, self-reliance, integrity, freedom, and principles used to build this great country by the American Pioneer.” Philmont’s mountain terrain ranges in elevation from 6,600 feet at Headquarters to 12,441 feet at the top of Baldy Mountain. Summer daytime temperatures often reach into the 90’s, but nights cool to the 40’s. Wildlife is abundant on Philmont’s forested mountains and grassy plains. Deer, elk, mountain lion, bear, bobcat, buffalo, and antelope are frequently spotted by observant campers on the ranch.

WHO

The Grand Canyon Council is sending a crew of up to 12 members, consisting of Scouts and adult Advisors. We are excited to offer openings to both male and female participants pending commitment from the requisite Advisors. A minimum of three adult (21 and over) Advisors are required, including at least one registered male and female for coed crews.

The GCC Contingent offers a tremendous opportunity for individuals and small groups who lack the critical mass in their own units to form a Philmont crew of their own. Meet Scouters from throughout the Grand Canyon Council and expand your horizons!

Youth participants must be registered members of the BSA who will be 14 years of age OR have completed 8th grade and be at least 13 years of age prior to participation. Participants 18 to 20 years of age may be counted as youth or adult crew members.

All participants must have a medical form and pass the BSA height/weight requirements.  Please do NOT request or expect any exceptions to this rule. 

WHEN

Departure: Saturday, June 12 –>              Bound for Cimarron, NM

Acclimation Day: Sunday, June 13 –>       Villa Philmonte, National Scouting and/or Kit Carson Museum

Day One: Monday, June 14 –>                 First day of adventure with Ranger Training at Base Camp

Day Twelve: Friday, June 25 –>                Last day of adventure with return to Base Camp

Return: Saturday, June 26 –>                   Bound for home

WHAT YOU PROVIDE:

FEES

• Total GCC Contingent Fee is $2,180. Fees include……
  • Preparation Shakedown Treks
  • Custom crew shirt
  • Round trip transportation
  • Philmont Trek
• Scholarships to help defray the costs involved are available through Philmont. Link below.
• Fee Schedule
  • At Registration – $300 Deposit
  • October 1, 2025 – $815 
  • February 1, 2026 – Deadline for scholarship applications
  • March 1, 2026 – $815
  • May 1, 2026, Final balance due.

All fees paid are non-refundable

COMMITMENTS

All participants become part of a crew that will plan and train together for a successful trek and maximize their enjoyment from the experience under the leadership of experienced Advisors. As such, crew members will commit to the following…

• Timely fee payments
• Supply required personal backpacking gear
  • Backpack, sleep system, proper clothing, etc., as indicated in the Philmont Guidebook to Adventure
• Preparation and Practice
  • Informational meetings June 30th & September 21st
  • Successful completion of physical and submission of BSA Medical Form Parts A/B/C
  • Proper physical conditioning (periodic crew hikes and personal workouts)
  • Shakedowns (minimum of two weekend-long backpacking treks as a crew). Typically held in Feb/March, March/April, and April/May time periods.
• Willingness to have a great experience in the outdoors with lifetime memories!

USEFUL REFERENCES

• Philmont Scout Ranch: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/
• Resource Toolbox: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/resources/
  • Preparing for Philmont: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/resources/preparing-for-philmont/
  • Health & Safety: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/resources/preparing-for-philmont/health-medical-records/
  • Food & Cooking: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/resources/food-and-cooking/
  • What to Bring: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/resources/what-to-bring/
  • Traveling to Philmont: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/resources/traveling-to-philmont/
  • Itineraries: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/resources/itineraries/
  • Maps: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/resources/maps/
• Tooth of Time Traders: https://store.philmontscoutranch.org/

For More Information:

Contact Jeff Hall, Lead Advisor at jeff_w_hall@msn.com or Tom Kube, Philmont Ambassador at kubeandco@aol.com.