Soon I will be leaving for my annual summer camp adventure, but before I go I will be going on a trek to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. I have included the trek details below for those who may be interested.

Here’s the itinerary for my upcoming trip to Philmont.

Formatting note: Activities tend to happen after the backpacking is done. Elevation changes are estimates. There may be some side hikes to places not on our itinerary that will add some distance and allow for some additional opportunities and photos.

Day 1- Opening Campfire

Day 2- Ranger Training (Philmont Training), See the World’s Only Tyrannosaurus Rex Track-
Backpacking Distance- 2 Miles
Elevation Change- Not much
Ending Elevation: 7200 feet

Day 3-Archaeology, Tour Petroglyphs, Conservation Project
Backpacking Distance- 2 Miles
Elevation Change- about 1000 feet
Ending Elevation: 8200 feet

Day 4- Western Lore, Horse Rides, Cantina Show, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Breakfast(no dehydrated food)
Backpacking Distance- 5 Miles
Elevation Change- about 500 feet
Ending Elevation: 8500 feet

Day 5- Rock Climbing and Rapelling
Backpacking Distance- 6 Miles
Elevation Change- about 1000 feet
Ending Elevation: 9500 feet

Day 6- Burro Racing 12 Gauge Shotgun Shooting and Reloading
Backpacking Distance-7 Miles
Elevation Change- An up and down day, last 3 miles gain about 1000 feet.
Ending Elevation: 10200 feet

Day 7- Trail Camp- No Activities
Backpacking Distance: 5 Miles
Elevation Change: Another up and down day last two miles push us over 11000 feet
Ending Elevation: 11500 Feet

Day 8- .30-06 rifle and Reloading
Backpacking Distance: 5 Miles
Elevation Change: Next two days are all downhill (-1500 feet)
Ending Elevation: 10000 feet

Day 9- Gold Mining and Panning, Mine Tour, Blacksmithing, “Stomp” show
Backpacking Distance: 7 Miles
Elevation Change: Continuing downhill mostly (-2000 feet)
Ending Elevation: 8000 feet

Day 10- Cabin Tour@Hunting Lodge, Western Lore, Branding
Backpacking Distance: 6 Miles
Elevation Change: Up and down but not much of a change
Ending Elevation: 8000 feet

Day 11- Side Hike Tooth of Time
Backpacking Distance: 5 Miles
Elevation Change: Up and Down day (1000 feet up and down during the day)
Ending Elevation: 8000 Feet

Day 12- Return to Base camp
Backpacking Distance: 5 Miles
Elevation Change: (-1000+ feet)
Ending Elevation: <7000 feet

Backpacking Distance (not including any side hikes): 54 1/2 Miles
Highest Elevation: 11800 feet
Longest Day: 7 Miles

Looking for more information?
Check this site out: http://www.philsearch.org/ Click on Treks. Scroll down the page and click on Trek 5. There is our itinerary. You can also see photos from previous groups. I hope to submit some of my own after the adventure.