Beautiful Treks / Places to see at Philmont



a. Fish Camp to Abreu - The trail follows along the south side of the Rayado River canyon where the hiker has continual views of the river and the mountains to the north. Be sure and use the caterpillar method (see On The Trail) so that all crew members will have a chance to view the canyon.

b. Ponil, Sioux, and Bent to Pueblano over Wilson Mesa - Several years ago, Wilson Mesa was devastated by a forest fire which destroyed its trees but provided for some exceptional views north into Colorado and west towards Baldy Mountain.

c. Abreu to Crater Lake via Stonewall Pass - This hike has some special views of the Tooth of Time just outside of Bear Caves camp.

d. Miners Park to Shaefers Pass - This trail offers a close up view of the "Grizzly" Tooth.

e. Shaefers Pass to the Tooth of Time - The view from Shaefers Peak is outstanding. The path along Tooth Ridge is exceptional, with huge rock outcroppings and great views. Be sure to look to the north and pick out Baldy Mountain. Once past the Tooth, the trail becomes a hot, dusty walk into Base Camp that never seems to end.

f. Hidden Valley, Window Rock and Cathedral Rock - Although the north and south trail heads to this trail are somewhat hard to find, it provides exceptional views of the Tooth of Time and base camp. Hidden Valley is a special place, soft and quiet.

g. Cimarroncito to Sawmill - This path goes through Grouse Canyon and Sawmill Canyon. The views along the canyon walls are outstanding.

h. Sawmill to Thunder Ridge - About a quarter of a mile north of the radio tower, there is an unmarked side trail that leads 100 meters to some spectacular views of Baldy Mountain, Wheeler Peak (New Mexico's highest mountain), Eagle Nest Lake and Colorado. As you reach treeline at Thunder Ridge, look again to the west for some more great views.

i. Thunder Ridge to Comanche Peak - There are several overlooks that offer views of Baldy Mountain and Wheeler Peak to the west.

j. Visto Grande to Harlan - This hike takes your crew through two beautiful meadows.

k. Harlan to Cimarroncito - Words cannot describe this trail with views of Cathedral Rock, Window Rock and the back side of the Tooth of Time.

l. Dan Beard to Bent via Bonita Canyon - The crew should use the caterpillar (more in the On The Trail section) technique to provide an opportunity to see the view of the canyon.
m. Indian Writings to Dan Beard - Along the trail, there are several outstanding rock formations. The views north to Little Castilla Mountain are unique.

n. Ponil to Indian Writings - The views from Hart Peak are great, but the view from the top of the canyon leading to Indian Writings is exceptional.

o. The High Peaks - Baldy Mountain or Mount Phillips are tough, but the struggle up is well worth the view. The loop from Baldy Town over Baldy Mountain and through Copper Park is particularly impressive.

p. The new trail from Baldy Skyline to Head of Dean provides some exceptional views west to Baldy and Touch Me Not Mountain.

2012 Philmont Reservations - Update

Just received email below from Philmont. Check out the link(www.philmontscoutranch.org) for lots of good info!


Dear 2012 Philmont Advisors:
I apologize in having to send another update to you regarding the mailing of the 2012 Council & Unit Planning Guide. The guide revisions were finalized and it was sent to the Print Shop this week. Our hope is to have it mailed by Sept 1. This mailing will also include your financial statement and a transmittal to use with your advance payment of $320/person due October 1, 2011.

The 2012 Council and Unit Planning Guide has been added to our website now and can be accessed online at www.philmontscoutranch.org, press the Camping & Operations tab – you will then see the icon on the right hand side of the screen. It will give you a start with your planning and give you the requirements that are in place for a crew to attend Philmont. In December we will send you a supply of the 2012 Annual Health and Medical Record forms for your group and the final mailing will be in March 2012 of the Advisor packet that will contain the 2012 Treks Itinerary Guide and other documents necessary to finish the planning of your Philmont Adventure.


Great Link on What to Bring to Philmont!

Fundraisers!

Parents of 2012 Philmont Scouts: We need ideas for fundraisers to help offset the cost of Philmont. If you have any ideas, please let me know as we need to set up something soon. The first payment for Philmont will be due at the end of September, with the remaining balance due March 2012.

Philmont Tips from the Philmont Web Site

Here are some great tips for those who have not been to Philmont before:
CLICK HERE

Tooth of Time Traders

Here's a link to the Philmont gift shop/ souvenir shop- bring your wallet $$$$
They have a lot of stuff- from trinkets to trail gear:

CLICK HERE

50 Miler Award

All treks at Philmont have the potential for qualifying for the 50-Miler Award. However, the requirements include ten hours (per person) of conservation work. Three of the ten hours will be earned at Philmont during the crew’s required Conservation project, but the other seven must be earned at home. It is suggested that the additional seven hours be a part of your crew development program, and all crews are encouraged to include these additional hours to earn this desired award. Ingersoll has opportunities for crews to obtain service hours. Contact the camp for potential service projects and track your service hours.

Tips for a Great Trek

1. A Philmont crew is youth led – the Advisors’ responsibility is to prepare the youth to lead

2. Each crew member must be in excellent physical condition. Body weight and blood pressure must be under control and well within the recommended ranges (not just below the limits). Of special importance is proper hydration – start now to improve your water drinking habits.

3. Advisors must know the medical history of each crew member. Even if you cannot schedule your physical when you get your copy of the Medical Record, complete the self-history section and give a copy of it and your most recent camp or sports physical to your crew Advisor. As soon as your doctor has completed his portion, make a copy for your files, a copy to carry in your expedition travel bag, and give the original to your crew Advisor.

4. It’s Not Just a Hike! Philmont is much more than a walk in the mountains – many find the backcountry programs, based on the environment created by nature and the spirit of the people who populated the country, to be a life altering experience.

5. Hiking is a Team Sport! everyone must be trained to be committed to the success of the entire crew and to ask at all times, "What can I do to make this hike a success for my crew mates?"


Philmont 2012! Woo Hoo!

Welcome to Troop 85's Philmont 2012 page.
Between now and our departure date, I will add important info regarding Philmont. If anyone comes across something interesting, please let me know and I will add it to the site.
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Our temporary Crew # is 623-110 
The expedition begins at Philmont on June. 23th, 2012, and ends  July 5th, 2012(not including travel time).