PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH HIGH ADVENTURE TREK

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.

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 completed parts A/B/C medical form and pass BSA height/weight requirements.  Please do NOT request or expect any exceptions to this rule. 

WHEN

Departure: Wednesday, June 10 –>           Bound for Cimarron, NM

Acclimation Day: Thursday, June 11 –>    Villa Philmonte, National Scouting and/or Kit Carson Museum

Day One: Friday, June 12 –>                         First day of adventure with Ranger Training at Base Camp

Day Twelve: Tuesday, June 23 –>               Last day of adventure with return to Base Camp

Return: Wednesday, June 24 –>                  Bound for home

WHAT YOU PROVIDE:

FEES

• Total GCC Contingent Fee is $2,125. Fees include…
  • Philmont Trek
  • Round trip transportation
  • Custom crew shirt
• Scholarships to help defray the costs involved may be available through Philmont. Link below.
• Fee Schedule
  • At Registration – $300 Deposit to secure a spot on the crew and to apply for scholarship
  • October 1, 2025 – $787.50 Philmont Scout Ranch Advance
  • February 1, 2026 – Deadline for scholarship applications
  • March 1, 2026 – $787.50 Philmont Scout Ranch Balance
  • May 1, 2026 – $250 Remainder
  • All fees paid are non-refundable

COMMITMENTS

All participants become part of a youth-led crew that will plan and train together for a successful trek and maximize their enjoyment from the experience under the guidance 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 meeting during week of June 23rd, 2025 (More information TBD)
  • 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 2026 timeframes.
• Willingness to have a great experience in the outdoors with lifetime memories!

USEFUL REFERENCES

• Philmont Scout Ranch: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/
• Health and Medical Record: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/philmonttreks/healthform/
• Gear Link: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/philmonttreks/whattobring/
• Trek requirements: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/treks/trekrequirements/
• Tooth of Time Traders: https://store.philmontscoutranch.org/
• Philmont Scholarship Application Page: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/treks/trek-resources/fees/

For More Information:

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