New Mexico's legendary wilderness trek
Philmont Scout Ranch, located near Cimarron, New Mexico, is the BSA's flagship high adventure base. Covering over 140,000 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Philmont offers crews of 7–12 scouts a 12-day backpacking trek through spectacular wilderness.
Scouts carry all their food and gear on their backs, hiking 50–100 miles through challenging mountain terrain. Along the route, staffed camps offer unique program experiences including western lore, frontier skills, rock climbing, black powder shooting, conservation projects, and more.
Earning the Philmont arrowhead patch is one of the most coveted achievements in scouting. Troop 31 crews that have completed Philmont describe it as a life-changing experience.
Crews must obtain permits 12–18 months in advance. Scouts typically must be at least 14 and able to carry a 50+ pound pack over mountainous terrain. Pre-trek physical conditioning is essential.
View Philmont Crew Photos
