Philmont Scout Ranch

"Philmont" redirects here. For other uses, see Philmont (disambiguation).

Philmont Scout Ranch
Black Bull, symbol of Philmont
Owner	Boy Scouts of America
Location	Cimarron, New Mexico
Country	United States
Coordinates	36°27′15″N 104°57′21″W
Founded	1938
Founder	Waite Phillips
Attendance	35,054 campers (2013)
Website Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Scout Ranch is a ranch located in Colfax County, New Mexico, near the village of Cimarron; it covers 140,177 acres (56,728 ha) of wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the east side of the Cimarron Range of the Rocky Mountains. Donated by oil baron Waite Phillips, the ranch is owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America. It is a National High Adventure Base where crews of Scouts and Venturers take part in backpacking treks and other outdoor activities. By land area, it is one of the largest youth camps in the world. During the 2019 season, between June 8 and August 22, an estimated 24,000 Scouts and adult leaders backpacked through the Ranch's extensive backcountry. That same year 1,302 staff were responsible for the Ranch's summer operations.

Philmont is also home to the Philmont Training Center, the National Scouting Museum and the Seton Memorial Library. The Training Center is the primary location for BSA's national volunteer training programs. Philmont is a working ranch, maintaining small herds of cattle, horses, burros, and bison.

The only documented Tyrannosaurus rex track in the world was discovered within the camp's boundaries in 1993 in North Ponil Canyon by the Anasazi Trail Camp. It was formally identified in 1994.

There are three other high adventure camps that the BSA owns and maintains: the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases in Minnesota, as well as Manitoba and Ontario in Canada; Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys; and Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in southern West Virginia.

Location and geography

Mount Baldy, from the peak of Mount Phillips

Main article: Geography and ecology of Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Scout Ranch elevation map

Philmont is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. The closest village is Cimarron, New Mexico. The address of the ranch is usually given as 17 Deer Run Rd., Cimarron, New Mexico, 87714. It is also about 20 miles (32 km) west-northwest of Springer, New Mexico, and 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Raton, New Mexico. Philmont is about 12 miles (19 km) across (east to west) at its widest point, and about 30 miles (48 km) long (north to south). There are no mountains to the south or east of Philmont. The interior of the ranch is mountainous but a small part of the eastern area is prairie.

Philmont's lowest point is the southeast corner at 6,500 feet (2,000 m) and the highest point is the peak of Baldy Mountain, located on the ranch's northwest boundary, at 12,441 feet (3,792 m). Aside from Baldy, the ranch contains a number of prominent peaks. The South Country is home to a series of six difficult peaks, namely Mount Phillips, Comanche Peak, Big Red, Bear Mountain, Black Mountain, and Schaefers Peak, as well as Trail Peak, which is popular for its nearness to Beaubien, and the wreckage of the crash of a B-24 bomber in 1942 near its summit. Of the ranch's various peaks with trail access, Black Mountain is widely considered the most difficult, followed closely by Baldy and Big Red.

The most recognizable landmark is the Tooth of Time at 9,003 feet (2,744 m), a dacite monolith protruding 500 feet (150 m) vertically from an east-west ridge. Tooth of Time Ridge, and the latitude line on which it sits, marks the boundary between the central and southern sections of Philmont. The boundary between the central and northern sections is around U.S. Route 64, which runs just south of the narrowest part of the 'I'-shape, which is only a few miles across. Other prominent landmarks on the ranch include Grizzly Tooth, Window Rock, Deer Lake Mesa, Wilson Mesa and Urraca Mesa.

History

Native Americans of the Jicarilla Apache tribe and Ute tribe once inhabited Philmont. A few Native American archaeological sites exist in the northern section nearby the 'Indian Writings' camp, and various camps seek to preserve Philmont's Native American heritage.

On April 22, 1942, a B-24 Liberator crashed into the side of Trail Peak. Waite Philips led a rescue crew up, but the seven men on board died on impact. Among the casualties was Eagle Scout Roland L. Jeffries and Star Scout Charles O. Reynard Jr. Some of the wreckage still remains, including a wing and propeller, and because of its location, it is the world's most visited airplane crash site.

Private ownership

The Tooth of Time, an icon of Philmont Scout Ranch

The Santa Fe Trail crossed the plains just southwest of Philmont in the mid-1800s. The Tooth of Time owes its name to this trail; travelers knew that once they passed it, they had only one week to go until they reached Santa Fe, New Mexico. Philmont's strategic location along the trail spurred some interest in it. In 1841, Carlos Beaubien and Guadalupe Miranda obtained a large land grant from the Mexican government, including the present ranch. Soon the grant passed on to Beaubien's son-in-law Lucien Maxwell, who played an important role in developing and settling it. Maxwell sold the ranch to the Maxwell Land Grant and Railroad Company, which gave up and handed it on to a Dutch development company, which decided to parcel it out to ranchers.

One of the most prominent ranchers was Jesus Gil Abreu, who ran the Abreu Rayado Ranch from the 1870s to his death in 1901. Operating from the Rayado Settlement, he raised cattle, goats, and sheep and grew crops. The family owned this property until 1911, when they sold most of it off. One of the sons remained on the ranch near the site of Abreu, a present staffed camp, and his homestead was preserved for years. The building was made of adobe, was abandoned and eventually collapsed. The foundation of this building now serves as the foundation for the Abreu cantina. The house was reconstructed in 1998 about 100 feet (30 m) uphill.

The history of mining at Philmont dates back to the years immediately after the Civil War. U.S. soldiers were stationed in the West after the war, as the U.S. Army was driving out the Native Americans in the United States. The story is that some of these soldiers stationed at Fort Union traded with Native Americans for copper float. According to the story, some of the soldiers went up Baldy Mountain in 1866 in search of this copper but found gold. They could not stay to mine the gold due to the approaching winter and the area was overrun by miners by the time they returned in the spring. Scores of gold mines were excavated and operated into the early 20th century on what was once the Baldy Mining District, now modern day Philmont. It is a common joke at Philmont that some day the mines under Baldy will collapse and Phillips will be the highest mountain in Philmont. The Contention Mine, located at Cyphers Mine, and the Aztec Mine, located ahove French Henry, are open to guided tours.

Wealthy oil magnate and wilderness enthusiast Waite Phillips amassed a large part of the old land grant in the 1920s, totaling over 300,000 acres (1,200 km²). Phillips built a large residence in the lowlands of Philmont. He turned the ranch into a private game reserve for himself and friends, and built a number of hunting lodges and day-use camps. He chose not to provide electricity at the remote camps. A few of these original camps, including Fish Camp and the Hunting Lodge, have been preserved, complete with wood-burning stoves, oil lamps, and unique design features indicative of Phillips's often eccentric taste.

Donated to Boy Scouts

Phillips sometimes allowed others, including a few Boy Scout troops, to visit his ranch. He was so impressed with the Scouts that in 1938, during the Great Depression, he donated 35,857 acres (145.11 km²) of his land to the Boy Scouts of America. His only condition was that the property be used "for the benefit of the members of the Boy Scout organization". He donated a second, larger section of land later in the 1930s, requiring only that this section pay its fair share of taxes on any portion devoted to competitive commercial operations.

In 1941, Phillips added more Philmont property, including the Villa Philmonte, bringing the total to 127,395 acres (515.55 km²). Contrary to popular belief, Phillips did not donate his entire ranch to the Boy Scouts, but only that portion of the property that provided the most recreational value. The total donation comprised about 40% of the ranch. To help fund maintenance of Philmont, he also donated the Philtower office building in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1963, vice-president of the National Council Norton Clapp contributed funds to purchase another 10,098 acres (40.87 km²) of land within the Maxwell Land Grant, consisting of the Baldy Mountain mining area. In 2015, the Boy Scouts of America purchased 2,684 acres (10.86 km²) that was once operated as a camp called Cimarroncita Ranch.

In 1989, the Boy Scouts obtained a renewable special use permit to the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest from the United States Forest Service. This allowed Scouts to hike and camp in the area. Philmont operates three staffed camps—Whiteman Vega, Seally Canyon, and Ring Place—and two trail camps in that area. Those camps serve around 3,000 Scouts each summer. In return, each camper is asked to contribute three hours of conservation work in the Valle on projects approved by the Forest Service.

Rich Cabins, a historical farming cabin on Ted Turner's Vermejo Park Ranch, is operated as a staff camp.

Camp name

The camp was initially named the "Philturn Rockymountain Scoutcamp". The word 'Philturn' is derived from Waite Phillips' name, together with the "Good Turn" he did by donating the property. The ranch's name was changed to the "Philmont Scout Ranch and Explorer Base".

Early organization

In its early days, Philmont had a half dozen "base camps" constructed at strategic locations. Visiting Scouts lived at one of these camps for a week and could take day hikes to surrounding locations. To visit a different area, the Scouts packed their gear onto burros and hiked to another base camp. Today the program is based on backpacking, and Scouts carry all their gear, living in tents while on expedition.

Programs and activities

Entrance sign at Philmont

Trek

The standard and most popular Philmont program is the backpacking trek. A typical Philmont trek lasts 12 days and covers anywhere from 56 miles (90 km) to 106 miles (171 km).

Conservation Department

There are six divisions of the Conservation Department in the summer, each led by an Associate Director of Conservation - Work Crew, Forestry Crew, Conservationists, GIS, Environmental Education (ROCS, Trail Crew Trek), and Order of the Arrow Trail Crew. Work Crews are staff groups who are responsible for maintaining and creating campsites and trails. Trail Crews and other staff known as Advanced Teams are the first Conservation staffers to begin hiking and clearing the trails, one month prior to the first participants' arrival. Conservationists live in staff camps or spike camps and lead conservation projects for treks passing through their camp. The GIS staff map trails, campsites, and other features of the Philmont Backcountry. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the BSA, Northrop Grumman donated high-resolution geospatial data of the ranch to Philmont. GIS and the Conservation Department use the data to create enhanced maps and improve conservation efforts throughout the ranch. The Division of Forestry's priority is forest fuels reduction. Using chainsaws, a masticator, a skidder, and a portable sawmill, these crews create defensible space around staff camps and strategic shaded fuel breaks to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve the health and productivity of Philmont's forests while utilizing the wood in construction projects around the Ranch. Slash from the thinning projects is piled and burned and a prescribed fire program is being developed to maintain desired forest condition. The Forestry crews work year-round, and each staff member receives detailed training in chainsaw operations, as well as an overview of forest management and fire ecology.

Roving Outdoor Conservation School

The Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS), started in 2000, is a twenty-one day trek program that is open to males and females between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one. ROCS is an educational backpacking experience rooted in conservation and environmental science education. Throughout the trek participants have lessons rooted in environmental science, visits from guest speakers, and the opportunity to work on conservation projects with the Philmont Conservation Department and the U.S. Forest Service in the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest. While on the trail participants learn about ecology, botany, dendrology, geology, hydrology, forestry, soil science, fire ecology, environmental policy, leave no trace principles, environmental ethics, conservation techniques, and wildlife, range, and land management practices. Participants tackle conservation projects ranging from trailbuilding to meadow encroachment to timber stand improvement to erosion control to streambed restoration. Participants are exposed to the land management challenges facing the West, as well as the rest of America. The program focuses on empowering participants so that they may transfer what they learn on the trail to their lives back home.

Trail Crew Trek

Trail Crew Trek is a fourteen-day education experience rooted in service through conservation. Participants build trail for seven days and then go on a seven-day educational trek throughout Philmont, involving hands-on experience with a variety of conservation projects on the ranch and visits from guest speakers involved in conservation and resource management.

Order of the Arrow Trail Crew

Order of the Arrow Trail Crew is a fourteen-day program for Order of the Arrow members aged 16 to 21 that gives participants an opportunity to work on various conservation projects around the ranch. Order of the Arrow Trail Crews follow the same format as Trail Crew Treks - one week building trail and then a self-planned, week-long trek. Many Order of the Arrow lodges and sections offer scholarships to Order of the Arrow members.

Rayado Program

File:Rayado Program.png

The Rayado Program patch

The Rayado program is a select, strenuous twenty day backpacking program designed for experienced Scouts. Rayado crews are accompanied by two rangers and experience a number of challenges geared toward developing personal growth, a sense of stewardship for the environment, and leadership skills. Rayado participants are challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually as they hike Philmont's most challenging trails, visit parts of the backcountry that are never seen by regular trek participants, and take part in activities that are not available to other Scouts. This includes difficult rock climbing and instruction in outdoor leadership, wilderness problem-solving, and advanced outdoor skills which include wilderness backpacking, navigation and travel, expeditio behavior and group dynamics, advanced cooking, wilderness stewardship, and wilderness first aid and backcountry emergency procedures. A Rayado Trek encourages personal growth, teamwork, and leadership ability.

Participants must be at least 15 and less than 21 years old, be in excellent physical condition, and skilled in Leave No Trace camping. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from an adult Scouter detailing their character and back country experience. Applications must be approved by a parent or guardian, a unit leader, and the local council executive. During 2019, two Rayado programs are scheduled. The cost per person is $800 in 2019 and $845 in 2020. Rayado scholarships, presented by the Philmont Staff Association, are annually awarded to deserving campers who wish to take part in the Rayado program. Scholarships generally cover the full cost of the Rayado Program, but a number of smaller partial scholarships are also available and all Rayado participants are encouraged to apply. Transportation to and from Philmont is the responsibility of the camper and is not covered in the scholarships.

Rayado crews are put together by Philmont staff and consist of people from different parts of the country. A person may only be a Rayado participant once; a ranger may only be assigned to a Rayado crew once; and staff members are disqualified from participation in Rayado treks except as rangers.

The Rayado Program was once known as the Kit Carson Program.

Ranger Department

A Ranger helping Scouts on their first day at Philmont

Service Academy Rangers undergoing training

The Ranger Department was founded in 1957 by Clarence E. Dunn, Jack Rhea and Dr. Ray Loomis, the former of which served as chief ranger for 14 years. Rangers are responsible for ensuring that all participants know all required skills and procedures needed for backcountry treks, and for coaching the youth leadership to help them develop their skills and confidence and have a successful trek. They hike along with crews on the 12-day treks for the first two days on the trail, during which time they teach and observe the crew. They are also responsible for Search and rescue on Philmont property and in surrounding areas. The Ranger Department also includes Mountain Trek Rangers who lead the week-long Mountain Treks that originate in the Philmont Training Center.

Ranger Trainers, experienced staff who have finished one or more seasons as a Ranger, train and supervise Rangers. Each trainer oversees from 8-10 Rangers in a Ranger Training Crew and are expected to lead two backpacking crews per summer. In the summer of 2013 there were roughly 240 people in the Ranger Department, organized into 25 training crews. Upper ranger leadership consists of coordinators for the Rayado, Mountain Trek, Service Academy, and scheduling programs, four Associate Chief Rangers, and the Chief Ranger. During the summer of 2007, the Philmont Staff Association coordinated a 50th Anniversary Ranger Reunion at the ranch. Over 300 former Rangers attended this event.

Ranch Hands

A program in which young men and women can earn a discounted eight-day Cavalcade trek at Philmont by participating in an eight-day work session. Participants work with the Horse Department staff taking care of Philmont's 250 head of horses and 80 head of burros. Participants help by hauling hay and feed, saddling horses, helping keep the horses shod, and assisting on Philmont trail rides. The work can be strenuous and requires top physical and mental conditioning. After the eight-day work session, the Ranch Hands crew gathers together and embarks on an eight-day Cavalcade under the leadership of a Horseman and Wrangler.

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience

Main article: National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is a high-intensity Boy Scout leadership course taught at Philmont Scout Ranch. It is based on backcountry high adventure skills and began in the summer of 2006 replacing the previous National Junior Leader Instructor Course. The course is available to Boy Scouts and Venturers aged 14 through 20 who have completed their local council National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course and is held during six one-week sessions. Based at Philmont's Rayado Ridge Leadership Camp and taught at various locations across Philmont Scout Ranch, the program hones youth leadership skills through ethical decision making and participation in Philmont Ranger backcountry training.

Other programs

• Cavalcades are similar to standard treks, but are conducted on horseback. The packing restrictions are even more intense than a regular trek as participants are only allowed one standard sleeping bag stuff sacks to pack everything into, including their sleeping bags. The participants focus more on horse care than on other programs at the camp, though they still do take part in many other activities. Cavalcades last only 7 days total, with 2 days being in base camp.

• Mountain Treks are six-day backpacking experiences for youth PTC participants.
• Philmont Autumn Adventure program
• Guided activities such as fishing, winter camping, and skiing, are offered throughout the year.

Historic programs

Philbreak

The Philbreak program ran from 2003 to 2009, and returned in 2019. It was an "alternative spring break" program started in 2003 to help restore Philmont Scout Ranch after devastating forest fires. From 2004 to 2007, the participants worked on the Urraca Trail, which is intended as a day hike for those attending the Philmont Training Center. Participants in the seven-day program were expected to work eight- or nine-hour days in all types of conditions. The program took place during three separate weeks during March. Participants also had an opportunity to take a ski break at Angel Fire. In 2008, the design of the program switched to mirror that of Philmont's Kanik. Participants spent three days and two nights in Philmont's backcountry as well as provided service on the final day. The program ended in 2010. In 2019, after the Ute Park Fire in 2018, Philbreak returned with four week-long sessions in March to help with fire mitigation.

Philmont facilities

Camps

Base camp's "Tent City" where departing and returning treks are staged

Philmont operates from one large base camp, including Camping Headquarters, the National Scouting Museum, the Philmont Training Center and Villa Philmonte, fire response facilities, cattle headquarters, and an administration area. During the 2012 season there were 34 staffed camps and 77 unstaffed or "trail camps". Only some trail camps have a potable water source. Camps without water are referred to as "dry camps". Most of Philmont's camps are about 2 miles (3.2 km) apart. Old camps are closed or relocated and new camps are opened every few years. Some camp sites are closed due to changing safety protocols. For example, camps were once located on top of Urraca Mesa and in the Baldy Saddle but these are unlikely to reopen because the locations are at risk for lightning strikes.

Current staffed camps

Abreu

A Mexican homestead beloved for its Cantina, which serves snacks and root beer. Its other program includes a Mexican dinner, goat-milking, and other farm-related activities and maintenance. It is set in the year 1912. Jesus Gil Abreu and his wife Petra, a daughter of Carlos Beaubien, established the Abreu settlement shortly after Lucien Maxwell's departure from the area in 1857; in addition to a successful ranch. Beaubien died in 1864, leaving the Abreus one-twelfth of the Beaubien-Miranda land grant, which in 1867 they sold to Maxwell for $3,500. Gertrude and Ramon Abreu built a house in the same year on the site that is currently Abreu. The house no longer remains, but its foundations serve as the base of the cantina. Waite Phillips largely abandoned the house, but built what is now called Old Abreu Camp to serve as a logging and sheep-raising center. Under BSA ownership, this became a staffed base in the 1960s, until it burned down twice and flooded three times, the last time being a part of the extensive 1965 floods. Program was shifted back to the old homestead site, known as "New Abreu" and later simply as "Abreu", where it was initially a camp for western lore and horse rides, and later for burro-packing, hunter safety, and fishing; in its early days it also served as a commissary. One early program which is still active as of 2007 is the Mexican dinner, though it was moved to Harlan from 1975 to 1990. The cantina program began in 1978 in the old cabin. That same year, with the advent of the adobe program, scouts began construction the current cantina itself as part of the program. It shifted to its present interpretive format in 1989. The new cabin, meant to be an example of a typical house of the period, was built as a conservation project by the cabin restoration crew during the summer and fall of 1998.

The staff at Abreu interpret the daily life of the family of Petra and Jesus Abreu and work on an example of a small homestead. They interpret characters to explain the history of the area and the family, while leading participants in daily activities, such as goat-milking, adobe brickmaking, animal care and other aspects of homestead life. Also, there is always an opportunity to play with the animals, fish in the creek, or relax in the Cantina. Trekkers usually regard the Cantina as their favorite of the camp. An adobe building with an attached courtyard and grape arbor, it serves as a place for exhausted crews to sit down and relax. A staffer sells root beer, peanuts, other foods, and critical supplies like maps, while also offering games for participants. Special events at Abreu include cantina activities, burro-racing, and baking in an horno (adobe oven).

Elevation: 7,240 ft (2,210 m).; location: South Country; water: purified from spigot; facilities: showers, latrines.

Apache Springs

Located in the far southwest corner of the ranch, Apache Springs sits on the edge of a large alpine meadow. While not an interpretive history camp (staff are not dressed in period clothing) the program relates the history and culture of the Jicarilla Apache who inhabited the region up until the mid 19th century. The camp features a small "village" of teepees where talks are given on the history and lifestyle of the Jicarilla as well as the opportunity to handle genuine artifacts. Scouts have the opportunity to make real arrowheads and experience a "sweat lodge". Apache Springs has the backcountry's only archery course, as well as a commissary where crews can resupply food, and white gas as needed. Named after the La Jicarilla Apache Indian tribe that dominated this area in the early 1700s. First opened as a staff camp to relieve the camper load at Fish Camp, following the 1965 flood.

Elevation: 9,400 ft (2,900 m).; location: South Country, 36°23′16″N 105°08′36″W

Baldy Town

Baldy Town, at the base of Mount Baldy in Colfax County, New Mexico, was a mining town serving as a base for mining operations on the mountain before mining in the area ceased and the town was abandoned. Among the ruins of the town, at an elevation of 10,000 feet (3,000 m), Philmont now runs a staffed camp and commissary, which includes a trading post and showers. Baldy Town has a living history program interpreting the history of the Baldy Mining District. Its programs include a history of the town and occasionally gold panning. Baldy Town also serves as a common stop on the way up Baldy Mountain, which is the highest on the ranch at an elevation of 12,441 feet (3,792 m).

The land around Baldy Town and Mount Baldy was purchased in 1963 by Norton Clapp, vice-president of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The purchase added 10,098 acres (40.87 km²) to Philmont Scout Ranch.

Beaubien

Located at the northerly end of wooded Bonita Canyon, Beaubien is the hub of the South Country. Virtually all treks that route through the South Country come here. Some treks spend a "layover" here – they stay here for two nights allowing for rest and relaxation during their trek. The program features the life of the cowboy, both historical and modern, with horseback rides, branding, a chuckwagon dinner partially prepared by the staff, and a western campfire. Many campers choose to brand their hiking boots, belts, and other brandable articles with either the Slash Crazy S and/or the Bar P Crazy S brands of Philmont. Beaubien is named in honor of Carlos Beaubien who, along with Guadalupe Miranda, owned the original Mexican land grant of which Philmont is now a part. Beaubien is Philmont's largest camp, with 34 campsites. Named after Charles Beaubien who was a French Canadian trapper who deeded a tract of land with Guadalupe Miranda that ended up being over 1,000,000 acres. Beaubien camp was known as Rincon Bonito in the 1940s.

Elevation: 9,330 ft (2,840 m).

Black Mountain

Black Mountain is at the site of a cabin used by Samuel Matthews in 1897-1898. That same cabin is still used today and its an example of a small homestead that many settlers established on the Maxwell Land Grant. It's one of two staff camps that cannot be reached by vehicle (the other being Crooked Creek). The camp also has a blacksmithing forge, campfire ring, and rifle range. Crews who come here take a step back in time in a way that few other interpretive history camps at Philmont are able to do. The program is a hybrid of homesteading, mining, and early western settlement, set in reconstruction era America. Staff portray the roles of civil war veterans who have come west to carve out new lives, work for the Cimarron Indian Agency, and perhaps begin a settlement. Black-powder shooting skills and blacksmithing are taught in a manner where participants can appreciate the range of skills that were necessary to settle the West. Because this camp is inaccessible to vehicles, the staff must bring provisions in and garbage out of camp on foot. For this reason, staff does not accept garbage from crews. The camp is located along the North Fork Urraca Creek at the southwesterly base of Black Mountain, one of the more prominent peaks on the ranch. Latrines are back-to-back and sit in the open.

Elevation = 9,040 ft (2,760 m); 36°26.58′N 105°05.50′W; water: stream, must be treated

Carson Meadows

Opened in the summer of 2004, Carson Meadows was converted to a staff camp during the summer of 2005 it is the southernmost camp on the Ranch. Located above the Rayado Canyon to the south, it is a short hike from Abreu, turning south at the Old Abreu trail camp. Carson Meadows is situated on a gorgeous meadow surrounded by thick woods. From the cabin there are views of the Tooth of Time, framed by Fowler Mesa to the west and Urraca Mesa to the east. Carson's program is Search & Rescue/Wilderness Medicine.

Chase Cow

Although Chase Cow had been a trail camp before, in 2019 it became a staffed camp in order to replace Dean Cow's program, as the latter had been lost in the 2018 Ute Park Fire. It is located on the Chase Ranch property and utilizes the many natural rock formations for natural rock climbing and bouldering.

Chase Ranch

A staffed camp established in 2014 on a neighboring landowner's property. The program includes lodge tours.(see Chase Ranch)

Cimarroncita

Also known as "Cita", this former girl scout camp was incorporated into Philmont as a staffed camp in the 2021 season. The program includes 3-dimensional archery, hunter safety, and laser shooting range.

Cimarroncito

The hub of the Central Country, also known as "Cito", this camp provides rock climbing and an excellent conservation site. Its conservation staff have been working to restore the meadow to its former state to improve the water table for the village of Cimarron. In 2015, the Conservation Department worked on constructing a new trail through Hidden Valley. Cito contains camper shower facilities and chapel services. Cimarroncito was the location of the Central Country commissary until 1979, when Ute Gulch opened slightly to the north. The old commissary building is now occupied by the indoor climbing gym. Cito has 28 campsites. Originally known as Black Mountain Base Camp. Cimarroncito is spanish for “little wild boy.” Up through 1978, Cimarroncito was also a commissary camp. In 1979 the commissary and trading post was moved to the new camp Ute Gulch. After the Ute Park fire in 2018 and the closure of Ute Gulch, Cimarroncito is once again functioning as a commissary camp.

Clarks Fork

A living history camp, interpreting the life of the western cowboy, with programming such as horseback rides, branding, chuckwagon dinners and a western campfire. A very busy camp and typically gets extremely crowded with crews moving in both directions. The camp also contains a steer-roping practice area and two sets of horseshoe pits. Due to its proximity to Philmont's base camp and its function as a funnel for crews finishing their treks via the Tooth of Time, Clarks is a large and busy camp. For dinner, Scouts and leaders are served a "chuckwagon" beef stew, a signature of Philmont. Many crews take trail rides on the camps horses. Rides can be reserved in advance by crew leaders. Clarks Fork is a place to get belts, boots and other gear branded with the Philmont horse brand or cattle brand.

Elevation: 7,530 ft (2,300 m); Sites: 21; 36°28′07″N 105°02′54″W; water: in-camp spigots; facilities: showers; program: Western Lore, Horse Rides, Chuckwagon Dinner.

Clear Creek

This camp features the history of the fur trade prior to 1840. Program includes loading and shooting muzzleloading black-powder rifles, a demonstration of beaver trapping techniques, tomahawk throwing, and a talk on the history of the North American fur trade and examination of artifacts in the "trappers cabin". Evening activities consist of the telling of "yarns", or folklore tales from the days of the fur trade. At approximately 10,200 feet (3,100 m), Clear Creek is the highest staffed camp on the ranch. Cold, wet weather (even snow) is not uncommon during the summer months at this elevation. Clear Creek is located near the headwaters of the Rayado River and is named after the original name of Mount Phillips, Clear Creek Mountain. The actual Clear Creek flows off of the north side of Mount Phillips within the Cimarron Canyon Wildlife Area. It was the first interpretive staff camp at Philmont.

Crater Lake

This camp sits on a large incline above 8000 feet on the eastern slopes of Fowler Pass between Fowler Mesa and Trail Peak. The theme of the camp is early 20th century logging, and staff portray the historical Continental Tie and Lumber Company, which operated to the north in the Ponil Canyons. Activities include spar pole climbing and hand-hewn railroad tie construction. The staff also hosts a campfire with a clear view of the Tooth of Time. The lake more closely resembles a pond and is not actually located in a crater. It was formed by a rock slide from the slopes of Fowler Mesa which created a natural bowl fed by a spring. Waite Phillips used Crater Lake as a pack station for his trips to Rayado Lodge (Fish Camp). It has been a staff camp since 1947.

Elevation: 8,398 ft (2,560 m).

Crooked Creek

One of the more primitive staffed camps, Crooked Creek is similar to Black Mountain in that it is not accessible by vehicle. The camp is located on the edge of a large, high meadow and features programs related to the life of the homesteader. Originally a staffed camp, Crooked Creek became a trail camp until 1990, when homesteading was added to Philmont's interpretive history camps. In 1990, Crooked Creek was among the first camps (along with Cimmaroncito and Abreu) in Philmont's history to feature coed staff. Like many other of Philmont's interpretive history camps, the staff live as primitively as the life they portray. Set in the year 1875, Crooked portrays a homesteading family making a living on a small portion of the Maxwell Land Grant. Named Crooked Creek because it lies next to an area of the Rayado Creek that bends. Crooked Creek was a trail camp until 1990 when the Homesteading program was introduced. It is one of two staff camps that cannot be reached by vehicle.

Cypher's Mine

This camp is located along the upper reaches of the North Fork Cimarroncito River. The program revolves around gold and other "hard rock" mining that historically occurred in the area. The program highlight is touring of the Contention mine, a small prospect mine within the camp. Other program activities include Blacksmithing and gold panning. The camp is named in honor of Charlie Cyphers who was a manager for the Colorado Consolidated Verde Mining and Milling Company. Cypher's Mine is one of the two camps on the ranch where crews do not pitch tents at their campsites(The other being French Henry). Due to the narrow, rocky canyon in which the camp is located, campsites contain three-walled roofed structures officially referred to as "adirondacks". Local camp vernacular for them, however, is "muck shacks". A variety of original structures and artifacts from the mining days of the late 19th century are featured at this camp. Cypher's Mine features an evening musical program called a "Stomp" inside one of the old structures, modeled after the evening revelry of miners. “Charlie's Cabin” is still used every evening for the “stomp.”

Dan Beard

Located in the burn zone from the 2002 Ponil Complex Fire, Dan Beard is a home to a challenge course similar to those found at Urraca and Head of Dean. First used as a staff camp in 1969, the program was Dutch oven cooking. The camp closed and used as a trail camp until 1989, when the current program was started. The program is designed to teach teamwork and critical thinking skills within a group. In 2006, Dan Beard received a new challenge course wall and new campsites to replace those lost in the fire. Three sites are located a short hike up a hill in the canyon, while the rest of the camp sites are nestled in the hills behind the challenge course. During the summer 2011 season, the Dan Beard staff also included a nightly yoga program. Named after Bob Dean, a one-time cattle foreman in the area.

Elevation: 7,990 ft (2,440 m); location 36°40′42″N 105°05′15″W.

Fish Camp

In 1908, George H. Webster (for which Webster Pass is named after) built a cabin for the use of his Urraca Ranch. Waite Phillips then used this location for his fishing lodge which he called the Rayado lodge. Formerly known as Rayado Lodge, Fish Camp is the site of the three original hunting and fishing lodges of Waite Phillips, located in the South Country. The camp is interpretive, set in the year 1927, and features lodge tours, fly tying, and fly fishing. Fish Camp is notable as one of Waite Phillips's "favorite spots on the Ranch," according to son Chope who used to visit every year until he passed away in 2015.

Elevation: 8,564 ft (2,610 m).

French Henry

Located in a deep, narrow canyon just below Baldy Mountain, French Henry features programs revolving around the rich mining history of the Baldy country. Gold panning, blacksmithing, a mining history museum, and a tour of a small portion of the massive Aztec mine are featured here. The mine tour is in an access drift within the Ponil 1 drift of the Aztec Mine complex, which at its height contained over 80 miles (130 km) of tunnels and other workings. The main part of this camp contains the foundations of an old ore mill from the French Henry mine. This is one of the only places on Philmont where crews can consistently find actual gold in their pans. The camp contains two original structures built in between the 1860s and the 1920. The oldest serves as a mining museum while the other serves as the main cabin. Numerous artifacts from the mining operations in the area are displayed, as well as geologic maps of the Baldy country. The last building was built by Philmont and serves as sleeping quarters for the staff. French Henry is one of the camps on the ranch where crews do not pitch tents at their campsites due to the narrow, rocky canyon in which the camp is located. Campsites contain small three-walled roofed structures referred to as "Muck Shacks". Volunteer geologists working with the staff occasionally provide geology talks and gold panning lessons to campers. French Henry is named in honor of Henry Buruel, a Frenchman who mined in the area as early as 1869. Stories of the untimely death of numerous mine workers have led to the rumors that the camp is haunted. Staff often play along by making spooky noises while in the mine, and telling stories about "tommyknockers" to campers.

Elevation: 9,800 ft (3,000 m).; location: North Country, 36°38′10″N 105°11′00″W.

Head of Dean

Head of Dean is a crossroad for much of the North Country, with routes passing through from north, south, east, and west. They run a COPE course and do an evening hike to the Head of Dean as an activity. Head of Dean's name is derived from its location, situated at the start of Dean Canyon. Head of Dean was originally a staffed camp from 1971 through 1976 with a program of Lumbering and Astronomy. It was a trail camp from 1977 through 1982. It was staffed again in 1983 with its current program.

Elevation 8,840 ft (2,690 m)

Hunting Lodge

Centered on the well-maintained cabin built by Waite Phillips for his many hunting excursions, the Hunting Lodge is located in a busy area of the ranch's central country, and serves as a hub for vehicles and for trekkers passing between Cypher's Mine, Clarks Fork and Cimarroncito. It also serves as a major attraction for the youth participants of the Philmont Training Center. Built in 1926, this is the site of Waite Phillips’ Hunting Lodge. It is also where the original Cimarroncito Base Camp was located. The remains of the old Cimarroncito shower houses, dining hall and cabins can be seen on both sides of the road. The camp was re-opened as a staff camp in 2001 and has been giving lodge tours ever since.

Indian Writings

Indian Writings hosts many petroglyphs on the large rock faces around the camp. There are a few excavation sites and archaeological digs corresponding to these ancient writings, each with their own stories. Campers usually take the hour to an hour and a half tour of the easy-to-reach writings and excavation sites. Crews beginning and ending their trek are the most common, as it is located close to 6-Mile Gate turnaround. Program includes museum tours, tours of the petroglyphs and excavation sites, as well as atlatl throwing. Indian Writings is one of the oldest staff camps on the Ranch, opened in 1939. Indian Writings is named for the Anasazi Native American petroglyphs which exists in this area. It is one of the oldest Philmont camps, first used in 1939 as part of Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp. In the old days, it was referred to as “scribblins,” but now it's called “IW.”

Metcalf Station

One of Philmont's newest staff camps, opened in 2014, Metcalf Station is situated on the former site of the Cimarron & Northwestern Railway, approximately halfway between Indian Writings and Dan Beard. Named for Colfax County Deputy Sheriff William Metcalf who was ambushed during the Settlers War. The program includes railyard blacksmithing and railroad construction, using ties from Crater Lake and Pueblano camps' tie-making programs. The staff performs a music show for campers in the evenings.

Miners Park

This South Country camp is noted for its rock climbing and traverse wall. The camp is built around a large meadow, in which mountain lions may appear to hunt mule deer and other such prey. The program area is arguably the farthest on the ranch from the actual campsites, typically a 30-minute hike up to the rock formation known as "Betty's Bra." The meadow here once served as a Sunday gathering spot for miners and their families in this area. Miners Park has been staffed since 1966

Elevation: 7,977 ft (2,431 m).

Miranda

This North Country camp is home to a large meadow with a black-powder rifle range along with a throwing tomahawk range. The staff portray a mountain man/fur-trappers rendezvous, and display various trappers and traders wares in the cabin and the teepees in the meadow. Miranda is noted for its evening activity, Mountain Ball, a variant of baseball with five bases and two teams in the field at any one time. After Mountain Ball, it is tradition for all participants to yell "We are the finest Mountain Ball players in all the land! Bring us your finest meats and cheeses!" towards Head of Dean camp. As it is uncommon for crews to beat the staff in Mountain Ball, crews that do defeat the staff earn prizes such as pudding or powdered donuts. As with Ponil, campers can pick up and drop off burros at Miranda. Named after Guadalupe Miranda. He and Carlos Beaubien petitioned the Governor of Mexico for the original land grant in 1841. Beaubien recruited Miranda to obtain the land grant because he was a friend of Mexican Governor Manuel Armijo.

Phillips Junction

Established in 1975, this is the South Country hub. The camp features the commissary, a well stocked trading post, showers, latrines, and purified water.. Originally named Porkado, this camp has been used as a commissary since 1974. It changed names to Phillips Junction in 1975 and is commonly referred to as PJ. For many years, burros were used to haul food from PJ to Apache Springs, Clear Creek and Fish Camp. In 1989, an experiment using llamas to make food runs was conducted, but was switched back to burros the following year.

Elevation 8,840 ft (2,690 m).

Ponil

The former base camp for the Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp, Ponil has a commissary and trading post. Ponil is named after the Apache plume, a knee-high bushy plant that has five points, just as five canyons converge at this location. Initially, Ponil was referred to as "5 points." Ponil provides camping and a Western Lore program. Western Lore program includes: A cantina, cantina show, chuckwagon dinner and breakfast, lassoing, branding, horse shoes, and Cowboy Action Shooting. Cowboy Action Shooting involves Colt Single Action Army replica revolvers, Winchester Model 1892 replicas, and double-barrel shotguns. Crews can also learn from the wrangler staff how to pack burros, and then take them along with them until they reach Miranda. There is a fifty pound weight limit for how much the burros can carry, which typically is equal to three days of trail meals. Many crews also take horseback/dude rides here, in which the wrangler staff take campers on a scenic ride of the forest and surrounding area. Ponil is the starting and ending location for many North Country Cavalcades, where instead of backpacking for 10 days, a crew rides horses from camp to camp along a set itinerary.

Elevation: 7,050 ft (2,150 m).; location: North Country, 36°37′56″N 105°00′07″W

Pueblano

Set in 1914 as a logging camp of the Continental Tie and Lumber Company, Pueblano immerses scouts in the ways of the logger. Pueblano is Spanish for “little village” and was originally a part of the Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp. This is where the Continental Tie and Lumber Company was started in 1907 to make railroad ties and timber for mines from the trees in the Ponil Canyons. Their program offers scouts the opportunity to spar-pole climb, as well as teaching them how to use period tools in creating their own hand-hewn railroad ties, which are used at Metcalf Station. In the evening, Scouts play "Loggerball" and attend the Company Meeting. Loggerball is a game similar to baseball, but played with slightly modified rules and played on a sandlot style field. The teams are either the Loggers, also known as the South Ponil Log Dogs, vs Campers or the teams are split up evenly. The Company Meeting is a campfire style show featuring period songs and stories.

Elevation: 8,100 ft (2,500 m).; location: North Country, 36°37′30″N 105°06′51″W.

Rayado

Located on the first permanent settlement of the Beaubien-Miranda Land Grant. It was the site picked by Lucien Maxwell the late 1840s and Kit Carson lived here from 1849-1851. Rayado currently means “striped” in Spanish, but formerly meant “line” -- as in boundary line. It was used as a base camp in 1947 and at the time was called Carson-Maxwell or Car-Max. Located 7 miles (usually traveled by bus) from base camp, Rayado features a replica 1860s hacienda once owned by mountain man Kit Carson. Program includes interactive tour of the Kit Carson Museum, demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodworking, cooking, or tomahawk throwing. Situated on Highway 21, this is one of the few areas of Philmont open to the public.

Rich Cabins

Rich Cabins is located outside Philmont boundaries, on Ted Turner's Vermejo Park Ranch. The Rich family lived at this location from the late 1880s to the 1920s. Named after the five Rich brothers, who originally came from Austria in the 1890s. They bought the land from Timothy Ring of Ring Place and used it for ranching. The heart brand that they used was later purchased by the Chase Ranch. The camp's program is focused on homesteading, with activities including historical cabin tours, gardening, milking goats, milking cows, shoveling manure, tending to the burros, and various other projects that the staff may be working on to improve the camp. Rich Cabins also has a commissary. Staff perform a musical variety show for campers in the evenings.

Ring Place

Ring Place is located off-ranch in the Valle Vidal, on the site of Timothy Ring's homestead. Named after Timothy Ring, a one-armed Civil War veteran pioneer homesteader. Ring purchased the 320 acre ranch on the Maxwell Land Grant in 1890 for $960. Program at Ring involves meteorology, astronomy, commissary services, and history lessons about the Valle Vidal. Campers can learn how to construct rudimentary weather equipment such as manometers, anemometers, and barometers, as well as learning about local weather patterns. At night, staff offer participants a chance to use the camp's 19 inch Newtonian telescope to view stars, planets, nebulae, globular clusters, and even galaxies. Campers often elect to hike to Whiteman Vega for mountain bike program during the day. Ring Place is located on Forest Road 1950, and is accessible to the general public whenever the Valle Vidal is open to visitors. This program was originally located at Santa Claus until 1992, when the camp was closed due to the well drying up.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus's program is primarily reloading and shooting 12-gauge shotgun shells. Santa Claus was reinstated to staffed camp status in the 2019 season, following the 2018 Ute Park Fire which made it impossible to use Harlan for program. Santa Claus was a staffed camp through 1996 with an astronomy program. One of the main reasons it closed was because the well stopped pumping enough water to sustain a full staff. The area suffered during the 2002 Ponil Complex fire, though the abandoned cabin still stands. In 2000, lightning struck one of the bear cables and the bear bags on the line exploded, leaving the trees charred from where the bear cables were attached.

Sawmill

Sawmill has a wood-fired boiler for hot showers as well as a commissary and a program focused on high-powered rifle shooting. The name comes from a logging operation that once logged in this canyon before Waite Phillips purchased the property.

Urraca

Urraca is situated on the north side of Urraca Mesa with a view to the North, looking toward Base Camp. The camp program includes a challenge course like Dan Beard or Head of Dean. These activities designed to help instill a sense of teamwork within the crew while teaching them to be willing and ready to think outside the box. Spanish for “magpie”, a large black and white bird that is frequently seen around the area. It became a staff camp in 1969 and has featured astronomy, rock climbing, bow hunting, survival and search and rescue before becoming a challenge course camp. Campsites are neatly separated from the program area and sited along a hillside in the ponderosa pines next to a meadow. Most crews arrive at Urraca after the grueling climb up and over the mesa. Legend holds that Urraca Mesa is haunted, with tales ranging from eerie blue lights to "imps" running around at night. Crews crossing the mesa might encounter some cattle.

Whiteman Vega

A Valle Vidal camp. Whiteman Vega is situated in a large grassy meadow, with views of Baldy Mountain and Little Costilla. Staff at Whiteman offer a mountain bike riding program on the only official trail in the Valle. Whiteman Vega is Philmont's only camp to offer this program. Named after Donald Whiteman.

Trail camps

Trail camps do not have permanent staff. Trail camps typically contain several campsites, but are spread out over half a mile of trail or more, to avoid a sense of crowding. Each trail camp is identified by a map, attached to a tree or the side of a latrine at every trail which passes through it. Trail camps do not necessarily have a nearby water source. Camps without a nearby water source referred to as "dry camps".

Individual campsites are marked by a wooden sign nailed to a tree which indicates the campsite number. Signs should not be touched by anyone, to preserve them. Camps have a metal fire ring, which may be used for small fires unless a fire ban is in place, which is often the case, given Philmont's dry climate. A bucket/ pail of water must always be readily available in the case that the fire grows out of control. There is also a sump, an L-shaped plastic pipe, with a partly exposed two-foot vertical section and a ten-foot perforated horizontal section underground. The exposed pipe is capped with a piece of mesh. Sumps are used to dispose dirty dishwater. Dishes and pots must stay around the sump to not attract bears.

There are some trail camps that do not have any infrastructure or campsites. These trail camps are called "Leave No Trace" camps. Leave No Trace campsites are not marked and have no exact boundaries. At these camps, participants utilize the principals of low impact camping meaning impact is spread out. This is in contrast to the standard trail camp where concentrated impact is practiced. The goal of concentrated impact is to minimize the area of effect of any impact from camping. All impact should be concentrated to designated campsites and infrastructure.

Several campsites usually share a bear cable away from the campsite. This is a metal cable strung between two sturdy trees at least ten feet above the ground; it is used to hang bear bags containing items that might attract animals.

A "Red Roof", an outhouse in Philmont's back country.

Campsites also share a latrine or toilet. Philmont latrines have the possibility of housing spiders below the seat, which is why campers are encouraged to remove possible pests on the underside of the boards with a stick. The latrines come in different configurations, but all of them are for excrement only, and are not to be urinated in, in order to reduce smell. The open-air style latrine with two adjacent seats is affectionately called the "pilot to copilot" design; this results from the joking conversation which often takes place between two campers using the toilet simultaneously. The other open-air configuration latrine, called the "pilot to bombardier", is generally preferred because its two seats are back-to-back and offer somewhat more privacy than the "pilot to copilot". Occasionally a "single pilot" - one open-air seat — may be found. The enclosed configuration, with walls and a red roof, is known as a Red Roof also often referred to as a Red Roof Inn, in joking reference to the hotel chain. Older Red Roof Inns contain two adjacent seats and no doors (also known as "pilot to copilot"), while newer models have two back-to-back seats (also known as "pilot to bombadier"), with a wall between. Portable toilets (sometimes colloquially referred to as "Time Machines") are rare in the backcountry and as of 2022, are only found at the French Henry camp.

Philmont Trail Camps

Campground	Area	Coordinates †	Elevation †	Water	Operational Status	Number of Campsites	Comments
Agua Fria	South Country	36°23′3.3612″N 105°5′59.9994″W	8,720 feet (2,657.9 m)		In-use	5
Aguila	South Country	36°23′57.4578″N 105°1′27.0294″W	8,260 feet (2,517.6 m)		In-use	5
American Creek	CS Ranch	36°28′4.1736″N 105°12′4.8954″W	9,860 feet (3,005.3 m)		In-use	Leave No Trace
Anasazi	North Country	36°36′21.9456″N 104°58′50.0334″W	7,040 feet (2,145.8 m)		In-use	11	This camp is often used as one of the starting camps for many treks. Named after a prehistoric Indian tribe that settled in the North Ponil Canyon from 500-1000 A.D. Although 'Anasazi' is a Navajo word, this tribe was not related to the Navajo, but the Hopi and Zuni tribes.
Antelope	Central Country	36°30′27.237″N 104°59′18.5418″W	7,300 feet (2,225.0 m)		Retired		Last used in 1981
Arrowhead	Central Country	36°27′48.2256″N 105°1′32.9874″W	7,440 feet (2,267.7 m)		In-use	9
Aspen Springs	Central Country	36°30′13.5432″N 105°3′37.3674″W	8,000 feet (2,438.4 m)		Retired	7	last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Azurite	North County	36°38′4.3974″N 105°11′49.2714″W	10,640 feet (3,243.1 m)		Retired	7	Last used in 2021
Backache Springs	South Country	36°23′37.3446″N 104°58′37.1172″W	7,850 feet (2,392.7 m)	Untreated spring northeast of camp	In-use	4
Badger	South Country	36°26′22.8084″N 104°58′44.2662″W	6,930 feet (2,112.3 m)		Retired
Baldy Skyline	North Country	36°36′48.5388″N 105°8′37.896″W	9,140 feet (2,785.9 m)	Spigot - treated	In-use	7
Bear Canyon	South Country	36°23′54.315″N 105°8′5.8662″W	9,240 feet (2,816.4 m)		In-use	4
Bear Caves	South Country	36°24′17.2866″N 105°2′1.8882″W	8,411 feet (2,563.7 m)		In-use	6
Beatty Lake	Valle Vidal	36°43′5.4762″N 105°7′18.462″W	8,400 feet (2,560.3 m)		In-use	Leave No Trace
Below Shuree	Valle Vidal	36°46′2.01″N 105°11′45.6426″W	9,240 feet (2,816.4 m)		Retired	Leave No Trace	Last used in 1992
Bent	North Country	36°38′10.0752″N 105°3′58.7304″W	7,320 feet (2,231.1 m)		In-use	5	Named for Charles Bent who, along with his brother William, built several forts along the Santa Fe Trail, including Bent's Fort near La Junta, Colorado. He was also a friend of Charles Beaubien and a partner in the land grant. Charles Bent was the first civilian governor of the American Territory of New Mexico. After only six months he was killed, starting the Taos Revolt, which protested the American occupation of New Mexico during the Mexican-American War.
Black Horse	North Country	36°36′38.0694″N 105°11′19.8744″W	10,000 feet (3,048.0 m)		In-use	4
Black Horse Mine	North Country	36°36′58.122″N 105°11′49.8582″W	10,750 feet (3,276.6 m)	Dry	In-use	4
Black Jacks	North Country	36°34′36.4656″N 105°2′54.1788″W	8,160 feet (2,487.2 m)		Retired		This camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire. Named for Thomas "Black Jack" Ketchum, a notorious outlaw who with his gang, hid out in Turkey Creek Canyon after robbing a train near Folsum, New Mexico and escaping with an estimated $50,000. The posse found them at their hideout and in the ensuing gun battle, Sherriff Farr and Marshall Love were killed while "Black Jack" and his brother Sam who was wounded escaped.
Bluestem	North Country	36°36′36.579″N 105°3′17.1858″W	7,900 feet (2,407.9 m)	Dry	In-use
Bonita Cow	South Country	36°24′11.0514″N 105°5′4.83″W	9,120 feet (2,779.8 m)		Retired		Last used in 1969.
Buck Creek	South Country	36°24′40.305″N 105°7′49.5084″W	9,160 feet (2,792.0 m)		Retired	4	Last used in 2021.
Campos Heck		36°34′22.1196″N 104°58′21.9894″W	7,080 feet (2,158.0 m)		Retired	Leave No Trace	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Cathedral Rock	Central Country	36°29′.6714″N 105°2′52.7238″W	7,420 feet (2,261.6 m)		Retired	12	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Chase Canyon		36°37′22.4796″N 105°57′23.4102″W	7,200 feet (2,194.6 m)		Retired	6	Last used in 2021.
Cimarron River	Central Country	36°33′48.2472″N 105°4′1.1742″W	7,200 feet (2,194.6 m)		In-use	7
Comanche Creek	South Country	36°26′28.9818″N 105°9′14.9502″W	9,540 feet (2,907.8 m)	Stream	In-use	10	A stream-side camp with plenty of water.
Comanche Pass	Central Country	36°28′.2928″N 105°6′32.6736″W	10,020 feet (3,054.1 m)		Retired
Comanche Peak	Central Country	36°28′48.9936″N 105°8′17.7792″W	11,100 feet (3,383.3 m)	Dry	In-use	11	A dry camp located immediately to the east of Mount Phillips, Comanche Peak is spacious and well-shaded by ponderosa pines. Provides views of sunsets over Mounts Phillips and Baldy. Wildlife, including mule deer, elk and black bear, abounds in this area.
Cook Canyon	North Country	36°40′20.0244″N 105°3′54.36″W	7,760 feet (2,365.2 m)		In-use	5	Cook Canyon is named for Deputy Sheriff George W. Cook. In the 1880s he was employed by the Maxwell Land Grant Company to force settlers along Ponil Creek to either purchase their farms or leave. The flood of June 27, 2015 significantly changed Cook Canyon. Several campsites were eliminated or moved to be on higher ground.
Copper Park	North Country	36°38′28.9212″N 105°12′0.7554″W	10,480 feet (3,194.3 m)	intermittent Spigot	In-use	13	This camp is hidden among the trees on the side of Mount Baldy, Copper Park is a common place for crews to stay two nights in order to ascend Mount Baldy.
Cottonwood	North Country	36°38′24.2604″N 104°59′56.6406″W	7,360 feet (2,243.3 m)		In-use	6
Crags	South Country	36°22′1.0662″N 105°3′47.0946″W	8,020 feet (2,444.5 m)		In-use	5	Crags is located on the banks of Rayado creek southeast of Fish Camp.
Daves Lake	UU Bar Ranch	36°22′36.8688″N 105°7′23.4516″W	9,310 feet (2,837.7 m)		In-use	6
Dean Cutoff	North Country	36°36′56.8044″N 105°3′5.5224″W	7,300 feet (2,225.0 m)		Retired	4	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Dean Heck		36°32′40.6536″N 104°57′2.9016″W	7,100 feet (2,164.1 m)		Retired	Leave No Trace	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Dean Skyline	North Country	36°36′20.3898″N 105°3′5.9328″W	8,400 feet (2,560.3 m)	Dry	In-use
Deer Lake	Central Country	36°30′30.798″N 105°1′33.5562″W	8,280 feet (2,523.7 m)		Retired	9	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Deer Lake Mesa	Central Country	36°31′49.3602″N 105°3′2.613″W	8,460 feet (2,578.6 m)		Retired	8	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Devils Wash Basin	Central Country	36°31′32.2674″N 105°3′23.4642″W	8,560 feet (2,609.1 m)		Retired	7	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Divide	Central Country	36°28′12.018″N 105°7′51.8118″W	10,560 feet (3,218.7 m)	Dry	In-use	6
Elkhorn	North Country	36°36′42.4974″N 105°5′4.8366″W	8,560 feet (2,609.1 m)		In-use	5
Ewells Park	North Country	36°37′26.3166″N 105°10′18.9726″W	9,440 feet (2,877.3 m)		In-use	12	This camp is located near Baldy Town and French Henry, and some treks stay here when attempting Baldy Mountain.
Flume Canyon	North Country	36°37′28.9662″N 105°5′11.3964″W	7,680 feet (2,340.9 m)		In-use	7
Fourmile	North Country	36°35′39.228″N 105°0′28.6452″W	7,050 feet (2,148.8 m)		Retired		Last used in 1978.
Fowler Mesa	South Country	36°23′45.2574″N 105°3′37.494″W	9,180 feet (2,798.1 m)		Retired		Last used in 1973
Garcia Cow	UU Bar Ranch	36°23′45.2574″N 105°3′37.494″W	9,700 feet (2,956.6 m)		In-use	12	Garcia Cow is a former staffed camp, last staffed in 2021. Located two miles west from Apache Springs on the UU Bar Ranch property; to get to it you must meadow walk from the end of the Philmont property to the old Garcia homestead. This camp was new to the 2019 season following the loss of several camps due to the 2018 fire. Garcia Cow was an interpretive history camp set during the height of Ernest Thompson Seton's involvement with the Boy Scouts; the staff portrayed early 20th century conservationists. Activities included nature "saunters," landscape drawings, an opportunity to look at specimens, and nighttime games selected from the first Boy Scout Handbook.
Greenwood Canyon	North Country	36°41′45.06″N 105°10′55.056″W	8,580 feet (2,615.2 m)		In-use	Leave No Trace
Hawkeye	Central Country	36°33′42.9732″N 105°3′29.5596″W	7,440 feet (2,267.7 m)		Retired	7	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Heck Meadow	Central Country	36°28′6.7398″N 105°1′5.124″W	7,085 feet (2,159.5 m)	Dry	In-use	9
Hells Fire Canyon		36°35′34.9836″N 104°55′59.217″W	6,840 feet (2,084.8 m)		In-use	Leave No Trace
Herradura	South Country	36°24′58.554″N 105°0′41.3496″W	7,520 feet (2,292.1 m)		In-use	6
Horse Canyon	North Country	36°39′31.395″N 105°3′37.314″W	8,050 feet (2,453.6 m)		In-use	7
House Canyon	North Country	36°36′20.3112″N 104°58′2.9568″W	7,160 feet (2,182.4 m)	Dry	In-use	5	Trail camp between Anasazi and Old Camp, opened in 2007.
Iris Park		36°43′41.271″N 105°9′25.0122″W	8,527 feet (2,599.0 m)		In-use	Leave No Trace	Iris Park was a staffed camp between 1994 – 1998 with a program of mountain biking.
Lambert's Mine	Central Country	36°28′39.594″N 105°6′33.6636″W	8,960 feet (2,731.0 m)		In-use	6	An unstaffed camp relatively close to Cypher's Mine Camp with several abandoned mineshafts in the vicinity
Line Camp	South Country	36°21′40.5972″N 105°0′34.722″W	7,760 feet (2,365.2 m)		Retired	9	Affected by the 2022 Cook's Peak fire
Little Costilla		36°47′52.7172″N 105°13′5.3322″W	10,020 feet (3,054.1 m)		In-use	Leave No Trace
Little Twin		36°35′43.2774″N 104°56′22.8078″W	7,250 feet (2,209.8 m)		In-use	6
Lookout Meadow	South Country	36°22′57.4602″N 105°4′11.4522″W	9,420 feet (2,871.2 m)		In-use	5
Lost Cabin	South Country	36°23′.2322″N 105°8′8.1924″W	9,200 feet (2,804.2 m)		In-use	5	Located slightly east and south of Apache Springs, a staffed camp, Lost Cabin is the former location of a mining operation and cabin. It served as a staffed camp in 1963, but was flooded in 1965 and permanently replaced by Apache Springs.
Lost Gap	Central Country	36°30′34.3182″N 105°2′12.9942″W	8,440 feet (2,572.5 m)		Retired	6	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Lovato	UU Bar Ranch	36°22′21.972″N 105°8′27.0744″W	9,650 feet (2,941.3 m)		Retired	6
Lovers Leap	South Country	36°25′11.7294″N 105°1′.6522″W	7,450 feet (2,270.8 m)		In-use	13
Lower Bonito	South Country	36°23′33.5754″N 105°4′17.1732″W	8,960 feet (2,731.0 m)		In-use	7
Lower Sawmill	Central Country	36°31′12″N 105°4′40.008″W	8,320 feet (2,535.9 m)		Retired	6	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Magpie	South Country	36°25′43.809″N 104°59′18.5418″W	7,385 feet (2,250.9 m)	Dry	In-use	9
Martinez Springs	Central Country	36°32′6.759″N 105°2′5.0532″W	7,420 feet (2,261.6 m)		Retired	7	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Maxwell	North Country	36°36′12.8448″N 105°9′13.7448″W	8,480 feet (2,584.7 m)		Retired	5	Last used in 2021.
McBride Canyon	North Country	36°35′55.9026″N 104°59′36.6822″W	7,080 feet (2,158.0 m)		In-use	5
McCrystal Creek		36°48′13.323″N 105°8′35.433″W	8,400 feet (2,560.3 m)		Retired	Leave No Trace	Last used in 2021.
Metcalf Canyon	North Country	36°40′34.1868″N 105°1′34.2654″W	7,400 feet (2,255.5 m)		Retired		Last used in 1972
Middle Ponil		36°45′28.314″N 105°11′47.3814″W	9,060 feet (2,761.5 m)		In-use	Leave No Trace
Midnight View	Central Country	36°31′58.6056″N 105°0′57.207″W	6,960 feet (2,121.4 m)		Retired		Last used in 1984. Midnight View Camp is named for the view of Midnight Mesa located on the north side of Cimarron Canyon. Established as a starting camp to replace Antelope Camp, it was only used four years before being replaced by Vaca Camp.
Minnette Meadows	Central Country	36°32′25.965″N 105°5′12.57″W	7,840 feet (2,389.6 m)		Retired	6	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Mistletoe	North Country	36°35′1.1076″N 105°4′23.2206″W	8,295 feet (2,528.3 m)	Dry	In-use	8
Mt. Phillips	Central Country	36°28′33.5064″N 105°9′20.9442″W	11,650 feet (3,550.9 m)	Dry	In-use	12	Mt. Phillips Camp, located atop Mount Phillips, the second tallest mountain on the ranch, this is the highest camp in Philmont and provides excellent views.
New Dean	North Country	36°35′35.0478″N 105°2′54.3336″W	7,680 feet (2,340.9 m)		In-use	7
North Fork Urraca	South Country	36°26′10.104″N 105°2′31.4874″W	8,080 feet (2,462.8 m)	North Fork Urraca Creek which flows through center of camp	In-use	4
North Ponil	North Country	36°40′25.1724″N 105°2′41.9604″W	7,580 feet (2,310.4 m)	North Ponil Creek at base of canyon	In-use		North Ponil was opened for the 2019 season. No red roof as of yet.
Old Abreu	South Country	36°22′36.3612″N 105°1′32.6274″W	7,560 feet (2,304.3 m)		In-use	4
Old Camp	North Country	36°39′50.313″N 105°1′42.3624″W	7,280 feet (2,218.9 m)		Retired	6	Last used in 2013
Olympia	South Country	36°22′7.824″N 104°57′58.804″W	6,720 feet (2,048.3 m)	Rayado	In-use	6	Moved south and uphill from a former location near the trail running along the south bank of the Rayado River. The Red Roof is still near the trail.
Pinyon Flats	South Country	36°21′49.554″N 104°59′10.3446″W	6,930 feet (2,112.3 m)		Retired	8
Ponderosa	Central Country	36°27′53.2116″N 105°1′35.2704″W	7,400 feet (2,255.5 m)		Retired		Last used in 1980.
Ponderosa Park	Central Country	36°27′32.5008″N 105°2′46.647″W	7,610 feet (2,319.5 m)	Dry	Retired	9	Last used in 2020.
Porcupine ("Porky")	South Country	36°25′22.2528″N 105°7′46.6536″W	9,120 feet (2,779.8 m)		In-use	11	Common camp for the day after Mt. Phillips, this camp features an abandoned cabin and campsites along Rayado Creek. This was once a staffed camp, usually comprising a single staff member that served more as a camp host than a program counselor. Also featured in the Philmont Ranger Song.
Pueblano Ruins	North Country	36°37′44.616″N 105°8′7.908″W	8,360 feet (2,548.1 m)		In-use	9	Satellite camp for the staffed camp located at Pueblano. Campers often take part in program activities and enjoy the evening campfire at nearby Pueblano.
Rabbit Ear	North Country	36°40′48.6114″N 105°5′2.3238″W	8,160 feet (2,487.2 m)		Retired	9	Last used in 2021
Rayado River	South Country	36°22′34.3158″N 105°0′27.741″W	7,120 feet (2,170.2 m)		In-use	10
Red Hills	Central Country	36°27′57.204″N 105°8′23.0388″W	10,400 feet (3,169.9 m)		In-use	10
Rimrock Park	South Country	36°22′32.1744″N 105°1′5.2248″W	7,280 feet (2,218.9 m)		In-use	5
Ringtail	North Country	36°36′26.5356″N 105°8′42.8172″W	8,600 feet (2,621.3 m)	Dry	In-use	6
Saladon	CS Ranch	36°26′23.9748″N 105°11′54.9234″W	9,880 feet (3,011.4 m)		Retired	Leave No Trace	Last used in 2021
Seally Canyon	North Country	36°45′8.946″N 105°6′3.168″W	8,085 feet (2,464.3 m)	Dry	In-use	Leave No Trace	A Valle Vidal and former staffed camp. The program featured search and rescue lessons and wilderness first aid. Due to the lack of trails in the Valle, crews often get lost in the area. Staff from Seally often put their training to use locating and assisting these crews. Seally Canyon is one of the most remote camps at Philmont, and has extremely limited vehicle access. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach Seally by vehicle from Base Camp.
Shaefers Pass	Central Country	36°26′55.0314″N 105°2′42.8418″W	8,785 feet (2,677.7 m)	Dry	In-use	10
Sioux	North Country	36°37′29.139″N 105°3′20.8542″W	7,380 feet (2,249.4 m)		In-use	7	Located just above Ponil camp, this dry camp is a common starting camp for treks.
Six Mile Gate	North Country	36°35′7.4394″N 104°57′52.0194″W	6,712 feet (2,045.8 m)		Retired	0	Last used in 1970
Slate Hill Heck		36°31′59.8074″N 104°58′21.4674″W	7,720 feet (2,353.1 m)		Retired	Leave No Trace	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Stockade Ridge	South Country	36°26′15.5832″N 105°0′27.4782″W	7,258 feet (2,212.2 m)	Dry	In-use	7	Frequently used as the turn around for Day 1 circle rides on southern itinerary cavalcades.
Stonewall Pass	South Country	36°24′31.05″N 105°0′41.7384″W	7,900 feet (2,407.9 m)		Retired		Last used in 1971. Stonewall pass was the boundary between the Urraca Ranch to the north and the Rayado Ranch to the south. In the 1860 before the common use of barbed wire, this was how ranchers kept their livestock from wandering.
Thunder Ridge	Central Country	36°29′14.9244″N 105°7′53.5254″W	10,328 feet (3,148.0 m)	Dry	In-use	3
Tolby Headwaters		36°28′16.9422″N 105°13′12.201″W	9,800 feet (2,987.0 m)		In-use	6	Tolby Creek is named for Pastor Franklin J. Tolby, outspoken critic of the new owners of land grant company who were forcing off squatters and settlers allowed by Lucien Maxwell. The 33-year-old minister was found shot to death in Cimarron Canyon, midway between Elizabethtown and Cimarron during the Colfax County War. The headwaters are now part of the CS Ranch which was founded in 1873 by Charles Springer from some of the lands of the original Maxwell Land Grant. Over 130,000 acres in size, the ranch serves as a livestock operation, hunting outfitter, and a farm. Philmont will be utilizing a portion of the American Creek area for trail camps and hiking access. Leave No Trace hiking and overnight camping are only permitted at established camps and areas.
Tooth Ridge	Central Country	36°27′2.826″N 104°59′52.2594″W	8,240 feet (2,511.6 m)	Dry	In-use	14	Tooth Ridge Camp is often the last camp that backpacking crews use before a return to Philmont's base camp. Tooth Ridge Camp sits immediately beneath The Tooth of Time in the midst of tall, broad ponderosa pines.
Toothache Springs	South Country	36°23′56.2956″N 104°59′29.8644″W	7,840 feet (2,389.6 m)		In-use	3
Touch-Me-Not Creek	North Country	36°36′11.268″N 105°10′6.3294″W	8,855 feet (2,699.0 m)		In-use	9
Trail Canyon	North Coutry	36°35′38.5836″N 105°0′21.6792″W	7,040 feet (2,145.8 m)		Retired	5	Last used in 2020. Trail Canyon Camp is at the same location as the old Fourmile camp last used in 1978. It was first shown on the 2015 Philmont map, but not used on any itineraries until 2019.
Turkey Creek	North Country	36°33′52.5522″N 105°1′16.5324″W	7,620 feet (2,322.6 m)		Retired	3	Last used in 2014.
Upper Bench	Central Country	36°32′27.1134″N 105°3′27.6732″W	8,160 feet (2,487.2 m)		Retired	5	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Upper Clarks Fork	Central Country	36°27′34.2822″N 105°2′57.2784″W	7,850 feet (2,392.7 m)	Dry	In-use	6
Upper Dean Cow	North Country	36°36′8.9064″N 105°5′21.0228″W	8,480 feet (2,584.7 m)		Retired	9	Last used in 2019.
Upper Greenwood	North Country	36°40′31.4724″N 105°13′33.7188″W	9,200 feet (2,804.2 m)		In-use	Leave No Trace
Upper Sawmill	Central Country	36°31′10.2138″N 105°5′26.7858″W	8,600 feet (2,621.3 m)		Retired	4	Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Ute Meadows	North Country	36°37′8.3526″N 105°10′48.3672″W	9,200 feet (2,804.2 m)		In-use	11	This camp is located just below Baldy Town and is used as a layover camp for crews climbing Baldy
Ute Park Pass	Central Country	36°31′35.169″N 105°4′10.653″W	8,240 feet (2,511.6 m)		Retired		Last used in 1971.
Ute Springs	Central Country	36°30′22.485″N 105°3′13.575″W	7,660 feet (2,334.8 m)	Stream	Retired	15	Established in 1970. Prior to 1975, Ute Springs was known as Ute Gulch Camp. Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Vaca	Central Country	36°30′55.5588″N 105°0′37.0686″W	7,360 feet (2,243.3 m)		Retired	11	This camp has an unpurified solar well and is located on a large meadow of black eyed susans, it is a short hike to Harlan staffed camp. Midnight View Camp was named for the view of Midnight Mesa located on the north side of Cimarron Canyon. Established as a starting camp to replace Antelope Camp, it was only used four years before being replaced by Vaca Camp. Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Visto Grande	Central Country	36°33′18.99″N 105°4′11.3298″W	7,600 feet (2,316.5 m)		Retired	11	Prior to 1975, Visto Grande was known as Bench Camp. In 1945, John Westfall wrote the Philmont Hymn while on a trek. The music was later written while on the train ride home, matching the click-clack of the train wheels as they passed over the breaks in the rails. In 1947, while working as a staff member at Bench Camp, he taught the song to the crews passing through at his nightly campfire. Eventually the song was renamed “The Philmont Hymn,” and became the official song of Philmont Scout Ranch. Last used in 2018, this camp was affected by the 2018 Ute Park fire.
Webster Lake	Central Country	36°28′55.704″N 105°1′33.5562″W	7,120 feet (2,170.2 m)		Retired	6	Last used in 1971
Webster Parks	Central Country	36°30′4.9608″N 105°4′44.1474″W	8,750 feet (2,667.0 m)		In-use	8	Not far from the large, staffed camp, Cimarroncito.
Webster Pass	South Country	36°23′42.864″N 105°5′21.9156″W	9,460 feet (2,883.4 m)	Dry	Retired		Last used in 1970
Whistle Punk	Central Country	36°30′16.5342″N 105°7′9.015″W	9,900 feet (3,017.5 m)		In-use	5
Wild Horse	South Country	36°26′26.6388″N 105°10′36.0516″W	10,400 feet (3,169.9 m)		In-use	9
Wild Horse Park		36°25′16.3992″N 105°10′53.5074″W	10,040 feet (3,060.2 m)		In-use	6

Commissaries

Campers and hikers initially obtain camping food from the services building at Base Camp. Commissaries at Philmont are usually a small warehouse that is stocked weekly with trail food for campers, groceries for backcountry staff, and various other supplies. Some commissaries include a trading post that sells a small variety of odds and ends, including postcards, postage, and games, along with repair kits, white gas for crews' stoves, and other backpacking necessities. To limit the quantity and weight of consumables carried by a crew, most crews stop at a commissary every 3–4 days to replenish their food supplies. Commissaries are located at Baldy Town, Phillips Junction, Ute Gulch, Ponil, Apache Springs, Rich Cabins, Ring Place, and Miners Park.

Kit Carson Museum

The Kit Carson Museum is a living museum that operates in the summer in Rayado, located 7 miles (11 km) south of Philmont's headquarters. Interpreters demonstrate 1850s period frontier skills and crafts including blacksmithing, cooking, shooting and farming. The museum also features exhibits about frontiersmen Kit Carson and Lucien Maxwell who founded a colony at Rayado.

Chase Ranch

Starting Nov. 1, 2013, Philmont Scout Ranch started running the adjacent Chase Ranch. The ranch is near the Ponil Creek, a mile north of the Cimarron River. Chase Ranch, like Philmont, is a working cattle ranch with Herefords, that were introduced to the ranch in 1883.

Gretchen Sammis Chase started Chase Ranch Foundation with the goal of educating young people in the ranching experience.

Chapels

Philmont has a Protestant, Catholic, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Jewish Chapel at the Camping Headquarters. There is an interfaith chapel at the Philmont Training Center. There are also several chapels in the backcountry.

In the Rayado campground, Philmont has the Chapel of the Holy Child, on the east side of State Road 21 in the old town of Rayado, New Mexico.

National Scouting Museum

National Scouting Museum - Philmont Scout Ranch

Main article: National Scouting Museum

In 2018, the National Scouting Museum opened at Philmont.

The National Scouting Museum features exhibits about the Boy Scouts of America, Philmont history, and the history, art, and natural history of the area.

Housed within the National Scouting Museum, the Seton Memorial Library contains the library, personal art, and natural history collections of a co-founder of the Boy Scouts of America, Ernest Thompson Seton. This research library contains Seton's personal collection and an extensive collection of volumes pertaining to western lore and the history of the area.

Awards

By meeting the challenge of Philmont, participants are considered to be worthy of awards. The awards represent the Philmont experience that can never be sold or traded; only earned.

File:Philmont Scout Ranch arrowhead.png

Arrowhead Award patch

Arrowhead Award

An individual camper award is presented by their adult adviser when they have:

• Attended opening campfire--"The New Mexico Story."
• Completed a Philmont-approved itinerary with your crew.
• Completed three hours of staff supervised conservation work or a camp improvement project on Philmont and took advantage of every opportunity to learn about and improve our ecology, and practiced the art of outdoor living in ways that minimize pollution of soil, water, and air.
• Fulfilled the personal commitment to the Wilderness Pledge.
• Lived the Scout Oath and Law

50-Miler Award

All Philmont itineraries can qualify crew members for the 50-Miler Award as it relates to distance. 3 of the 10 required service hours must be done at Philmont. Even if the award's requirements are completed at Philmont, the unit's leader must file an application for the group at their local council's service center.

"We All Made It"

The "We All Made It" plaque (WAMI Award) is an award presented by Philmont to each crew (leader) that:

• Demonstrated good camping practices and Scouting spirit.
• Followed an approved itinerary and camped only when scheduled.
• Fulfilled the commitment to the Wilderness Pledge.
• Took advantage of every opportunity to learn about and improve our ecology, and practiced the art of outdoor living in ways that minimize pollution of soil, water, and air.

Wilderness Pledge Guia

Philmont has asked each participant to sign the Philmont Wilderness Pledge which declares that he or she will do everything possible to preserve the beauty and wonder of the Philmont Wilderness and neighboring properties through good Scout Camping. Youth Crew members and adults are eligible to participate in the program.

The Wilderness Pledge includes Ranger-led training in all Philmont camping practices, including Leave No Trace, information on Philmont bear and wildlife procedures, daily discussions on the trail that focus on each of the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and to give three hours of conservation work under the direction of a member of the Philmont Staff. (This requirement is also one of the requirements to earn the Philmont Arrowhead Patch. These hours count for both awards.)

Duty to God Award

File:Philmont Scout Ranch Duty to God.png

Philmont Duty to God patch

Under the guidance of a crew chaplain's aide, each participant in a trek may work to fulfill the requirements of the Duty to God Award. Requirements include attendance at a religious service, participation in at least three daily devotionals and leading Grace before a meal.

Previous awards

File:Philmont Scout Ranch 1950s.png

"Silver dollar" patch used in the 1950s

The "P", "Dollar", or "Silver Dollar" patch set was available from 1942 through 1956. The full set consisted of the base round "P" Philmont patch ringed by six specialty segment awards, plus additional staff and "Mountainman" segments below the ring of segments. The ring segments included a Sportsman segment for shooting field sports, a Camper (black pot) segment for woods housekeeping (precursor to Leave No Trace), a Horseman yellow spur segment, a beaver lodge Conservation segment, and Woodsman and Naturalist segments. Below that ring was the coveted Mountainman award for those who completed multiple requirements while attending for three years, and who "have proven themselves to be in love with the out-of-doors".

Philmont traditions

Philmont Hymn

The "Philmont Hymn" is the ranch's official song and was written by John Benton Westfall (1928-May 9, 2009) in 1947 when he was 19. Westfall was the lone staffer at Visto Grande (then called Cimarron Bench Camp) at the time. Westfall, who at the time was a student at Pittsburg State University wrote the song on a trip home to Kansas on a train from Philmont influenced by the "click-click, click-click" of the tracks. He later became a professional Scouter in Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma and worked as a salesman for Phillips Petroleum.

Silver on the sage,
Starlit skies above,
Aspen-covered hills,
Country that I love.

Philmont, here's to thee,
Scouting paradise,
Out in God's country,
Tonight.

Wind in whispering pines,
Eagle soaring high,
Purple mountains rise,
Against an azure sky.

Philmont, here's to thee,
Scouting paradise,
Out in God's country,
Tonight.

Philmont Grace

The "Philmont Grace" (also known as the Worth Ranch Grace or simply the Wilderness Grace) is a prayer recited before meals at many Boy Scout camps and events around the U.S. It was originally written in 1929 by A. J. Fulkerson, Camp Director at Worth Ranch Scout Camp in Palo Pinto County, Texas.

The version of the grace, as it is used at Philmont, is:

For food, for raiment,
For life, for opportunity,
For friendship and fellowship,
We thank Thee, O Lord. Amen.

Natural disasters

1960 tornado

On June 25, 1960, a Fujita scale F0 tornado swept through Philmont's base camp area, downing about 300 tents located on a flat near Ranch Headquarters and depositing camping gear over Tooth of Time Ridge. Four 1960 National Jamboree troops from New Mexico—Troops 78, 79, 80 and 82—had gathered at Philmont for a shakedown camp. Three other New Mexico troops had gone to Camp Zia for their shakedown. The troops each had 32 boys, two Assistant Scoutmasters and one Scoutmaster. Troops were camping in wall tents which they had decorated before going to the Jamboree. Each wall tent had a wooden frame with a thick wooden roof pole for support. The boys were learning how to cook over charcoal fires and the fires had just been started for the evening meal. The twister arrived without warning. As the wind suddenly increased, boys ran to secure the tents, but to no avail. The winds swept up tents, fires, men and boys, rolling nearby automobiles and leveling the camp. Injuries included broken bones, blunt force injuries from flying debris—including shattered roof poles—and burns from charcoal fires and equipment ignited by the fires. The twister also leveled a nearly completed cinder block chapel. After the passage of the storm, gear and equipment could be seen in the funnel cloud as it left the area. Camping equipment was found as far as 14 miles away from the campsite and was recovered by ranch hands. Boys were housed for the night in other facilities, and the next day boys passed among piles of recovered equipment to reclaim what they could. Although there were no fatalities, 33 Boy Scouts and a Scout leader received injuries.

1965 flash flood

On June 17, 1965, a large flash flood occurred at Philmont. Heavy rain throughout the area caused waters in Rayado Canyon and the Cimarron River to rise to extreme levels; up to 12.42 feet at the highest. After June 17, water levels gradually decreased over the course of several days. The impacts of the flood included the destruction of several campsites and the loss of many old photographs and documents kept at Philmont, however no injuries or deaths resulted from the flood. The flood occurred during an El Niño year.

Ponil Complex Fire

Main article: Ponil Complex Fire

The Ponil Complex Fire started on June 2, 2002 and burned until June 17. The burn zone covered 92,000 acres (370 km²) total; 28,000 acres (110 km²) of Philmont, 4,000 acres (16 km²) of the Elliott Barker Wildlife Area, 25,000 acres (100 km²) of the Valle Vidal, 20,000 acres (81 km²) of the WS Ranch and 15,000 acres (61 km²) of the UU Bar Ranch. One third of the burn zone was totally burned while another third was only lightly to moderately burned. About one third of the burn zone escaped relatively unharmed, due to being sections of valleys that the fire jumped over or being not as dried out and likely to burn because of nearby water.

The burn zone is currently revegetating, some areas of which were reseeded while others began recovering naturally.

2015 flash flood

Staff members clear a trail after the 2015 flash flood

Main article: 2015 Philmont Scout Ranch flash flood

On the morning of June 27, 2015, heavy rain occurred in a great portion of Philmont, causing a flash flood. The flood also affected some other nearby areas in Colfax County that morning, including highways and small towns around Philmont. One youth Scout, Alden Brock, who was situated in a campsite within the staff camp Indian Writings, drowned while being swept away by the flood and died. Brock's death received nationwide attention, especially from the Scouting community.

Ute Park Fire

Main article: Ute Park Fire

On May 31, 2018, a wildfire started one mile east of the community Ute Park, New Mexico. The cause remains under investigation. By the morning of June 1, the Ute Park Fire had almost doubled in size to 8,000 acres (32 km²), burning entirely on private land, including Philmont Scout Ranch. Twelve structures at Philmont, all unoccupied and non-residential, were reported as burned. All backcountry treks at Philmont Scout Ranch for the entire 2018 summer season were cancelled, though PTC courses—including the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience—remained in session. The fire burned a total of 26,000 acres at Philmont, damaging 200 campsites.

Cooks Peak Fire

On April 17, 2022, a wildfire started 10 miles south of the Kit Carson Museum at Rayado. Heavily impacted areas of the fire include northern Mora County and southern Colfax County. The cause still remains under investigation. Zastrow Cabin, which was located in Philmont's south country, was destroyed. Philmont staff along with wildland firefighter personnel have wrapped the Fish camp Cabin, as well as other buildings within the south country. The fire was largely contained before the season began, allowing crews to proceed with their treks as normal.

Notable former staff

• Wally Berg – Ranger in the 1970s and Director of Conservation; first American to summit Lhotse in 1990.
• Steve Fossett – Ranger in 1961; also served on the Philmont Ranch Committee, Later a record-breaking aviator.
• Donald Rumsfeld – 1949 guide (forerunner to the Rangers), later United States Secretary of Defense.
• R.W. Hampton – Wrangler from 1974–1976; cowboy and later a nationally recognized singer.
• David Goldfein – Ranger in 1980; US Air Force General and 21st Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

Astronaut training

Astronaut Training at Philmont in June 1964

NASA and the USGS used the site to geologically train the Apollo Astronauts in June 1964. In the words of Phinney, the site was "...probably more like lunar geology." Training included recognizing "both igneous and sedimentary rocks, orientation with geologic maps, measuring and describing stratigraphic sections, strike and dip measurements, recording of field notes ... and geophysical traverses that included taking measurements with magnetometers, gravimeters and seismometers in an attempt to determine subsurface structure." Astronauts who would use this training on the Moon included Apollo 11's Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 12's Pete Conrad and Alan Bean, Apollo 15's David Scott, and Apollo 17's Gene Cernan. Notable geologist instructors included G.D. Robinson.

2019 mortgage

Philmont was mortgaged in March 2019, in order to support the BSA financially while it settling sex abuse cases. An oversight committee member claimed that this was in violation of the 1938 donation that gave the organization the land, but the BSA disagreed.

See also

• Chase Ranch
• James P. Fitch
• Geography and ecology of Philmont Scout Ranch
• Girl Scout National Center West
• Mount Phillips (New Mexico)
• Vermejo Park Ranch
• Wilderness Grace

Further reading

• Cass, William F. (1993). Return to the Summit of Scouting/a Scouter's Midlife Journey Back to Philmont. Wilderness Adventure Books. ISBN 0-923568-29-8.
• Cass, William F. (2000). The Last Flight of Liberator 41-1133: The Lives, Times, Training & Loss of the Bomber Crew Which Crashed on Trail Peak at Philmont Scout Ranch. Winds Aloft Press. ISBN 0-9702972-0-3.
• Connelly, Michael (2001). Riders in the Sky: The Ghosts and Legends of Philmont Scout Ranch. Merril Press. ISBN 0-936783-30-3.
• Huffman, Minor S. Sr. (1988). High Adventure Among the Magic Mountains: Philmont, the First 50 Years. TIBS Incorporated. ISBN 0-6852-7012-2.
• MacDonald, Randall M.; Lamm, Gene; MacDonald, Sarah E. (2012). Images of America: Cimarrón and Philmont. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738595276. LCCN 2011943058. OCLC 769988255. Retrieved December 2, 2019 – via Google Books.
• Murphy, Lawrence R. (1976). Philmont: A History of New Mexico's Cimarron Country (2nd ed.). Albuquerque, New Mexico: University of New Mexico Press. ISBN 0826304389. LCCN 72076828. OCLC 5396293. Retrieved December 6, 2019 – via Internet Archive.
• Zimmer, Stephen; Walker, Larry (2000). Philmont: A Brief History of the New Mexico Scout Ranch. Sunstone Press. ISBN 0-86534-293-8.

External links

• "Philsearch: An interactive trek planner and virtual ranch tour".
• "USGS Professional Paper 505". Geologic history of Philmont Scout Ranch