| 2023 description: 'This vista-rich itinerary has a great elevation profile with a supportive buildup, pinnacle ‘mountain-top’ experience, and a
reflective to relaxing end. While the Baldy Mountain area will bring you to new heights on day’s 5-6; it’s flanked by design to
make your trek successful and memorable. The first couple days will include initial skills taught by your Ranger while building
excitement with fantastic views of Baldy Mountain. Then, at Santa Claus, your crew will participate in an activity that brings
many guests outside of their comfort zone – shotgun reloading and shooting. Let the booming sounds wake you up and open
your eyes to the incredible space that you get to be a part of – Philmont Scout Ranch! After truly immersing yourself over the
first 3 days at Philmont, now is the perfect time to begin turning individuals into teammates at Head of Dean. Approach this
camp with the willingness to break down barriers, the humility to accept imperfection, and the courage to help others.
Communication is key. The pinnacle of your experience will likely be Baldy Mountain and your days at Copper Park. As you
explore this area, you can see, feel, and imagine the history here. Its impact is pervasive, and you’ll feel enchanted here.
Absorb the mining history and allow yourself to be transported back in time – it’s not hard to do! While there’s still vast
quantities of gold in Baldy Mountain’s interior, it’s unlikely you’ll find more than a flake or two. However, the real gold is the
memories you take home – a treasure that grows bigger and bigger through the rest of your life. As you hike down from the
clouds, through French Henry and over Wilson Mesa, Rich Cabins and Ponil are perfect camps for reflecting on your
experience as well as the experiences of historic peoples at Philmont Scout Ranch. At Rich Cabins, you’ll be able to compare
your outdoor recreation pursuits to the homesteading endeavors of the Rich Family. Further down at Ponil, you’ll understand
the ranching efforts of cowboys in the West and do some horseback riding of your own. And finally, as your bus returns to the
‘real world’, your memories will be filled with an incredible outdoor experience and the knowledge that you and your crew
accepted and conquered the Philmont Challenge' |
| 2022 description: 'This rugged South Country itinerary sees it all and will push your crew to the limits. After starting out at Zastrow Trailhead, you’ll spend the night at Old Abreu. Stop along the way to visit the New Mexican homestead at Abreu and enjoy a nice cool glass of root beer in the Cantina. Hiking through Rayado Canyon to Fish Camp on Day 3 will be a beautiful hike through this special canyon. Your next day’s hike takes you to Apache Springs where you get to experience the activities of the Jicarilla Apache, 3D archery, sporting arrows, a sweat lodge, and the sunset meadow hike to cap off a great day. Get up the next morning to complete your conservation project before hiking to one of Philmont’s newest staffed camps, Garcia Cow Camp. Here you will learn about Wildlife Conservation and the teachings of Ernest Thompson Seton. The next two days will take you to Wild Horse Camp and Clear Creek, so be on the lookout for the magnificent elk heard that frequents this area. Experience life as a mountain man working for the Rocky Mountain Fur Co. and try your hand at muzzle loading rifles and Tomahawk throwing. Get up early the next morning to side hike Mount Phillips before heading to your final trail camp at Tolby Headwaters. Though the last day on the trail is long, the journey down to the Tolby Trailhead is gorgeous and will allow you to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Wheeler Peak, the tallest peak in New Mexico. Get your cameras ready! Keep heading down this scenic route, where you will be picked up by your bus at the trailhead. Next stop… Base Camp!' |
| Day | 2023 Trek 905 Campsite | 2022 Trek 901 Campsite | Program Differences |
| 1 | CHQ Trailbound | ||
| 2 | Dean Skyline | Carson Meadows | Water included in 2023 trek 905 Land Navigation / GPS Technology not included in 2023 trek 905 |
| 3 | Santa Claus | Crags | 12 Gauge Shotgun shooting/reloading included in 2023 trek 905 Search & Rescue / Wilderness Medicine not included in 2023 trek 905 |
| 4 | Baldy Skyline | Apache Springs | Challenge Events included in 2023 trek 905 Conservation Project included in 2023 trek 905 3D Archery not included in 2023 trek 905 Jicarilla Apache Life not included in 2023 trek 905 Rayado Lodge Tour not included in 2023 trek 905 Food Pickup not included in 2023 trek 905 |
| 5 | Copper Park | Beaubien | Food Pickup included in 2023 trek 905 Mining History included in 2023 trek 905 Assaying included in 2023 trek 905 Chuck Wagon Dinner not included in 2023 trek 905 Western Lore / Branding not included in 2023 trek 905 Cowboy Campfire not included in 2023 trek 905 |
| 6 | Copper Park | Crooked Creek | Climb Baldy Mountain included in 2023 trek 905 Homesteading not included in 2023 trek 905 Conservation Project not included in 2023 trek 905 Cabin Tour not included in 2023 trek 905 Animal Care not included in 2023 trek 905 |
| 7 | Rich Cabins | Mt Phillips | Campfire included in 2023 trek 905 Homesteading included in 2023 trek 905 Food Pickup included in 2023 trek 905 Climb Mount Phillips not included in 2023 trek 905 Water not included in 2023 trek 905 Climb Comanche Peak not included in 2023 trek 905 |
| 8 | Ponil | American Creek | Cantina included in 2023 trek 905 Chuck Wagon Dinner included in 2023 trek 905 Campfire included in 2023 trek 905 Western Lore / Branding included in 2023 trek 905 Muzzle Loading Rifles not included in 2023 trek 905 Rocky Mountain Fur Company not included in 2023 trek 905 Tomahawks not included in 2023 trek 905 |
| 9 | CHQ Homebound |