Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s premier High Adventure™ base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Council Trek
Take a hike and join us at the Boy Scouts of America’s largest National High Adventure Base. The mountains of New Mexico will offer you unforgettable adventures in backpacking, horseback riding, gold panning, burrow packing and chuckwagon dinners. Memories and friends will be made and challenges will be overcome while rock climbing, mountain biking and sport shooting in the rugged outdoors of the rocky trails all while enjoying the amazing views from peaks over 10,000 feet tall.
The Great Rivers Council contingent to Philmont will leave LaPlata, MO on June 7, 2025 and return June 21, 2025. The total contingent fee will not exceed $1,950.00.
Our crews will be formed with a maximum of 12 persons (minimum 8 persons) including a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 adults. All participants require the approval of their unit leader as well as that of the GRC contingent leader. Youth participants must be 14 years old or have completed the 8th grade prior to leaving for the trek. Youth participants require parental approval. A $100 non-refundable non-transferable deposit per person is required. Registrations will not be accepted without a participant’s name and parent’s permission.7
Philmont Treks
As the traditional backpacking trek at Philmont, treks give crews the opportunity to hike for up to 12 days in the backcountry, with an arrival/departure day in Base Camp on each end of the journey. Crews will be welcomed and accompanied by a Philmont Ranger for their first 3 days and will participate in program activities throughout their trek. Crews cover 50-120 miles over the course of their trek, and also complete the 3 hours of conservation work necessary to earn the Philmont Arrowhead Patch.
Learn more here.
Fall & Winter Programs
Hiking in the Philmont backcountry during the autumn season, crews will enjoy warm, sunny days, and cool, crisp nights. They will get to see the aspen trees changing to gold and witness the wildlife preparing for winter.
Cold-weather camping is the ultimate test of your ability to camp and travel in the backcountry and learn to live in harmony with the environment. Training in winter camping will prepare you to safely enjoy many winter adventures and to teach others to enjoy these unique experiences.
Philmont Training Center
Learn best practices for Scouting from world class faculty and share experiences with Scouters from across the country at one of more than 50 conferences. You can bring the whole family, as a family programming is available for conference attendees.
Learn more here.