Here is a link to the things in the pack: https://lighterpack.com/r/oz43ah

base weight is 18.82 lbs. Sorry about the organization, i wasn't really sure how to group some things so I ended up with an "other" section.

Please let me know your thoughts!

Bit of a last minute thing but I was just curious if anyone on here has ever done a Winter Adventure out at Philmont? If so, what kinda boots should I pick out for the trails? I used trail runners for my summer trek so that’s out of the question. Anyhow! Any advice is greatly welcome and happy holidays!

I need to get a new tent for my trek next year and am considering the X-Mid. I love the weight but am concerned about the durability.

I’ve never used a tent that works with trekking poles instead of having its own poles. What are the pros and cons, aside from weight savings?

I’ve been doing some hikes (5-7 miles) with a full pack (40-50lbs) with my crew for training. I’ve never hike so far with so much weight and am pleasantly surprised at how well I’m doing.

I am noticing that I feel it in my hips after the hike and especially the next day.

Is that a sign that I have my weight distributed well and my pack strapped properly?

Also, are there some good exercises that I can do build up those muscles?

Likely coming back for another Summer, last summer or well this year technically I worked in the mailroom. Now I did yearbook photography in High School; should I do MPS or Mail room?

First time going to Philmont. Does Philmont provide for a food drop/resupply during your trek where they bring you your food, additional fuel, batteries, and such to you? How does this work?

The relevant factors include

—scouts may prefer to use isobutane canister fuel stoves they are used to. I understand that backcountry commissaries may have canisters for sale, but can we have Philmont staff resupply us in route with canisters we brought or purchased at Tooth of Time? We prefer to use MSR iso pro fuel.

—one scout has dietary restrictions and may need camp meals they bring rather than Philmont provided food. If so, would they be able to carry 3-4 days of food and be resupplied by Philmont with food they brought to Philmont.

—one parent uses a CPAP and wondered about being resupplied with fresh batteries for their CPAP machine.

Thank you!

I got a conditional job offer for being a photographer on the MPS team for 2025. This will be my first summer on philmont staff and first summer ever living out west. Is anyone else on here a female staff member, has been on mps or has experience with the mps team? I would like to know what to expect and to best prepare for the summer time.

This summer I had a trek in mid July and caught Philmont Fever. It was my first time really "Out West" and I loved it and was really considering applying for staff. I've heard and read on here that it's the best summer of staffers lives; however, I'm studying Civil Engineering at University right now and an internship would be great for my career and just look good on my resume.

I was curious to hear about staff experiences from people who really worked / work out there. Obviously a whole summer is a lot longer than 12 days and I think I'm scared that I'll regret it when I get there. Any thoughts would be appreciated!! Thank you!

How many new (first time) seasonal staffers are current scouters vs those who are hired and then register as a scouter?

Coffee is my luxury item on the trail. Do I bring a titanium cup? Any other suggestions? Been searching fb and Reddit and struggling to see what others do.

My son and I were lucky enough to get picked from a Philmont waitlist through friends. We are American expats living abroad. My daughter would like to join a crew for the same time period. She is on track to be Eagle by this summer. She is our Troops SPL and is athletic. Does anyone know how I can find a provisional group that she can join for those dates?

Per Facebook

For Immediate Release

Revitalizing a New Mexico Icon: The St. James Hotel's Grand Reopening

Father-Daughter Team, Alyse and Chad Mantz, Alongside M Vacation Properties, Breathes New Life into the Historic St. James Hotel in Cimarron, NM—Reopening for Adventure Seekers and History Buffs

CIMARRON, NM—The historic St. James Hotel, a landmark of the Old West, is poised for a grand reopening under the enthusiastic guidance of father-daughter duo, Chad and Alyse Mantz.

Drawing from their Kansas heritage, this project promises an enchanting blend of history, adventure, and culinary delights, establishing the hotel as a must-visit destination in New Mexico for travelers, food lovers, and history aficionados. Positioned along the renowned Santa Fe Trail, the St. James Hotel aims to reconnect guests with the rich narratives of the Old West while offering modern hospitality. The Mantz family's dedication to preserving history and catering to the trend of “memory-driven” travel ensures an unparalleled experience for those desiring authentic, immersive adventures in the American Southwest.

Honoring History and Legacy

Since its founding in 1872, the St. James Hotel has hosted numerous Wild West legends, including Jesse James, Wyatt Earp, and Buffalo Bill Cody. It serves as a living tribute to the spirit and allure of Cimarron, the "Gateway to the Enchanted Circle." With roots close to Dodge City and Fort Larned along the Santa Fe Trail, Chad and Alyse possess a deep personal connection to the Old West's storied past. For them, the St. James transcends mere business; it represents a commitment to continuing the region's historical legacy.

A Culinary Renaissance

One of the most anticipated aspects of the St. James revival is the reopening of its cherished bar and restaurant, now featuring the culinary talents of Bila Conchas.
This establishment will serve as a true gathering place for adventurers, offering a unique setting to share stories and savor flavors inspired by Mexican cuisine. The bar will showcase New Mexico's finest craft beers and inventive cocktails, celebrating local flavors and traditions, making it a genuine Old West social hub.

The new restaurant will present authentic Mexican dishes with a twist, utilizing fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and incorporating distinctive spices and family recipes. Guests can expect signature offerings such as sizzling fajitas, homemade tamales, and enchiladas adorned with rich, smoky sauces—ensuring a culinary fiesta that will captivate food enthusiasts nationwide.

Cimarron: The Gateway to the Enchanted Circle

Cimarron is celebrated as the "Gateway to the Enchanted Circle," a scenic route renowned for its stunning vistas, vibrant culture, and endless outdoor activities. The St. James Hotel, with its iconic legacy, is set to become the nucleus of Cimarron, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in history amid the breathtaking beauty of Northern New Mexico.

Boosting the Local Economy and Community

The reopening of the St. James is anticipated to significantly enhance the local economy. The hotel’s revival will attract more visitors to Cimarron, support local businesses, and create job opportunities for those eager to share and preserve New Mexico’s rich heritage. From organizing guided historical tours to enticing travelers into the Enchanted Circle, Chad and Alyse's vision aims to positively influence the region’s tourism and community engagement.

An Invitation to Experience History and Flavor

Guests can look forward to a fully immersive experience, from the hotel’s historic charm to the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant and bar. A diverse array of events, including live music, whiskey tastings, reenactments, culinary nights, and storytelling sessions, are planned throughout the year, ensuring that the St. James will once again be alive with the spirit of adventure, embodying the true essence of the West.

Join the St. James Family

As the grand reopening (12/20) approaches, the St. James Hotel is actively seeking team members passionate about history, hospitality, and outstanding service. Positions are available in various departments, including guest services, culinary arts, and event planning. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a significant and enduring legacy, contributing to a culture of connection and community.

About the St. James Hotel

Situated in Cimarron, New Mexico, at the entrance to the Enchanted Circle, the St. James Hotel is more than just a lodging destination; it offers an invitation to immerse oneself in the history, flavors, and rugged charm of the Old West. Originally under the stewardship of Bob Funk Sr. and the Funk family since 2009, the reopening under Chad and Alyse Mantz will ensure the family’s love for Western heritage continues into the future. With their leadership, this historic hotel and its acclaimed bar and restaurant are set to reclaim their status as New Mexico’s premier destination for adventure, hospitality, and unforgettable dining experiences.

Philmont is in the midst of a great winter storm. The national weather service is calling for 20 - 40 inches of snow above 7,500 feet. This is actually the third good snow of the season. The second snow was just this past Sunday with the USDA's snow monitoring station below Clear Creek camp recording 15 inches from that storm. As of this morning (before today's storm) Angel Fire ski area was reporting 20 inches of snow so far this season.

This amount of snow is certainly not abnormal, but it is very early in the season to be getting this much. To put it into perspective, liquid equivalent precipitation is 348% of the 30 year average so far this water year. The water year begins on October first. It is good to see the region getting some much needed moisture.

Philmont's webcam is back up and running. https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/about/webcam/

The water year chart from the Tolby (Clear Creek) monitoring station. https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/reportGenerator/view/customChartReport/daily/934:NM:SNTL|id=%22%22|name/CurrentWY,CurrentWYEnd/WTEQ::value,WTEQ::median_1991,PREC::value,PREC::median_1991?fitToScreen=false

I'm 18, dead set on coming back to Philmont this summer but I do want to try to get some real work experience. I'll just be coming off my first year as a natural resource and ecology management major with a concentration in wildlife ecology. What would be the best positions to apply for?

For experience I'm an eagle scout, Brotherhood in my lodge and have held several positions (treasurer rn) and I did a troop trek in 2023, OATC in 2024.

Hi All,

I'll be staffing base camp (Activities and Show Staff) this coming summer, 2025! I'm looking for a riding buddy. I ride gravel, and I'm bringing my bike for something to do on my off days. Also, routes, general advice for staff, or connections with anyone else staffing base camp next summer would be appreciated!

I bought a used Nemo Hornet 2p for our trek, the old kind, not the OSMO. I’m going as the only woman in our Troop so I need my own tent and need to go lightweight since I’m not sharing. Did I make a good choice? Does anybody have experience with this tent in the Philmont rain and terrain? I’d love some feedback.

I know they provide crews small 16x16x24 lockers and possibly 2 of them but in terms of flying out, potentially doing some rafting etc afterward that seems pretty small for a group of 11 folks. Does philmont offer any paid for lockers people can also utilize or anything like that?

Our troop had two crews go this summer (boys and girls) and I went along as one of the advisors with my son. I make a bunch of videos for my hikes and climbs in WA state so also made a video of our trip to share with our entire troop and thought you guys might enjoy it as well.

Philmont Trek 2024

Trip report for those interested in the details:

The scouts picked a pretty aggressive trek (12-25), with 75 miles and a climb of Little Costilla. We had 7 scouts and 3 advisors. Several of our scouts were very experienced hikers, and we had a few that really hustled to get ready on our prep hikes. One of my concerns going into the trip was whether everyone would be able to carry their + group gear but that ended up not being a major issue as the more fit scouts competed on how much weight they could carry. We did end up with several scouts with pretty bad blisters on a couple of days.

The biggest challenge ended up being team cohesion and morale. There were several challenging evenings when it took us a long time to get everything done so we were going to bed late. A part of this was that we only had 3 prep hikes and never really had the whole group together, another big part was scouts finishing their part and then giving up instead of helping out and making sure everything was done.

Weather was also a bigger factor than expected. We had to go into lighting positions a few times. Once right when we got to camp (Pueblano) before we setup. Rangers ended up calling a bunch of us over to the porch where we waited out a lot of the storm, then ended up setting up our tents in a dry spot under a tree before moving them out. Second time was in the middle of our hike to Middle Ponil, didn't last long and the rest of the hike was dry. Then we got major hail right during dinner at Chase Cow, luckily everyone got under the dining fly (except the cook who used my umbrella). That ended in time for us to go play cowball. Finally, we got more rain and hail on our hike out.

We almost ended up losing gear to a major windstorm at Ring Place right as we got there and were trying to set up camp. It got bad enough that we abandoned the setup, put all the loose tents under a tree under our heavy packs and had to wait for the wind to die down before we could resume.

We brought our own tents: 2 REI Halfdome SL2+, and one SL3+ for the scouts. Adults had solo tents (Tarptent moment and 2x Big Agnes Copper Spurs) which worked out great. For our dining fly, I brought a Warbonnet Thunderfly, which was a little smaller than the dining fly that Philmont provides but significantly lighter, and it worked out great, we fit everyone under it a couple of times, raising up the corners with hiking poles really helped to increase the area under it.

We did bring a water filter but never ended up using it. Most of the camps had water buffaloes and some had potable water. Our first dry camp was supposed to be Beatty Lakes but we camped right by a water wheel and it was windy so fresh pumped water. Second dry camp was Rabbit Ear, but that was just up the hill from Dan Beard so we carried extra water from there. One mistake we made was throwing away the used tablet pouches, keep those and then trade them in for fresh ones. Worst looking water was the creek at Middle Ponil: slightly green, and there were tons of cows around. Worst tasting was Indian Writings.

For coffee, I brought a Jetboil, a bunch of instant options (REI has Verve which has several good flavors, and Alpine Start), and some pouches from a local coffee roaster for lazier mornings.

The food wasn't as bad as I expected and the whole cooking process ended up working out great. We got the Fozzils folding bowls, our scouts always ate all the food, scraped the pot really well and licked the bowls clean so cleanup was usually easy. A lot of the peanut and cheese options were traded in. The spam was pretty bad until we started cooking it in a Jetboil, then it was a hit.

The programs ended up being the best part. Chickens at Rich Cabins were a surprising hit. All the climbing flavors: bouldering, spar-pole climbing, and top roping, were a lot of fun. Mountain biking at Ring place got rained out right as we started in the evening so we did it in the morning. Railroading and blacksmithing at Metcalf station went too fast. The Petroglyph tour at Indian Writings was also great, not something I expected, but the rangers there were hilarious characters (taught our scouts to act like chimpanzees any time they saw the Ranch pickups and they did that for the rest of the trip). The 3 campfires on the trail were a definite highlight, my favorite was the porch program at Rich Cabins.

The hardest part of the hiking was our day hike up Little Costilla. We had a long hike the day before and it took us a while to find a good site at Middle Ponil: all the flat areas are pretty rough so we ended up going pretty high on the hillside where there's what looked like an old road-bed, but that meant that getting water required a steep hike back up from the creek. On our way in, we also chatted with another crew who had attempted Little Costilla that day (first day it was open) and had turned around because of the weather.

We woke up early and started moving right at first light (5:15am) since we had a hard turn-around time of noon. Instead of going back down to the trail we went cross country up to a higher road which worked out great since we could stop at a campground for a bathroom break. We followed roads to the trailhead where we had breakfast at 7:20am, then followed the barbed wire (which is a real hazard in places, we had an advisor trip and get a nasty scratch) up. There are some really steep sections at the start, but then it levels out more. We hit the saddle around 10:30am, it was super windy here but we could see the summit (or what we thought was the summit). Staying lower down to the right kept us out of the worst of the wind. There are several false summits here so the last part felt like it took forever but we ended up all making it up just before the cutoff. Downhill from the summit there's a little rock wall where we had a snack (with hot coffee for the adults :D) and then headed down just as there were some scary clouds blowing in. This was a real achievement for several of our crew as they kept going despite their obvious exhaustion. Beef stroganoff around a campfire back at camp never tasted so good.

One big lowlight was the trails: a lot of the hiking, especially in the Valle, is on active or former roads which is not really exciting as it's not really wild. Also, lots of fences and cows to deal with, so feels like you're hiking in someone's backyard. There were some pretty views but not compared to WA. Some of our training trips a couple of hours from Seattle were much grander vistas, especially next to the Enchantments.

I brought a bunch of gear to document the trip and most of it did not survive. Since a lot of our trip was in the Valle Vidal (national forest), I brought a drone after emailing Philmont rangers and calling the Valle office. It was a DJI Mini 3 Pro so small, light, and not very loud once it's up in the air. It managed to barely handle the winds on top of Little Castilla so I got some cool footage there. On the hike back, one of our scouts raised his pole as I was doing a flyover and the drone crashed into that and broke a couple of the propeller blades. Then I crashed it into a bush doing a spin around a tree and busted the gimbal. The main video device was an Osmo Pocket 3, a small gimballed video camera. I managed to drop this at the start of the trip and bent the head a little but it kept working until I dropped it in a creek on the second to last day and didn't realize it until 10 mins later. The backup device was a GoPro 11 which I used during rainy weather and for the last couple of days. Ended up with 200 GBs of files. (The drone and Pocket 3 both had accident coverage through DJI so got replaced through that once I got home.) For batteries, I had the 3 drone batteries, then a 20 Ah and 10 Ah power banks. I charged using the drone batteries at the start (since I couldn't fly the drone on Philmont property and the batteries automatically discharge a small amount anyways), then the power banks at the end. Ended with 30% on my 20Ah bank. I left a bunch of gear under my tent fly and the hail on the last night at Chase Cow splashed up a ton of wet sand all over it so the 20Ah bank died several days later as well.

Has anyone purchased this before? Are the monthly pictures from different parts of Philmont?

https://www.philstaffstore.org/store/misc/calendars/2025-psa-scholarship-calendar/

As my title says I’m wanting to go and do Rayado this summer. I have already been to Philmont twice, once in 2021 and again this past summer.

This summer will be my last chance to do Rayado and I’m right on the line of wanting to go and I just want to hear y’all’s experiences and stories to push me over the line. I’d also like if you could share what your favorite part of your hike was.

For me my favorite experience was this past year we stopped at Abreu on our way to old Abreu and at the cantina me and a few other scouts pitched in to by 30 something root beer for our ranger. We got him to drink a dozen or so and the rest we split between a couple of the scouts in our group and gave the rest to the other scout group in the cantina. My favorite hike was the section between Philips junction up to wild horse. For me that was the most beautiful part of the ranch I had ever seen and what made it better was how the last few miles to wild horse it felt as if nobody had ever stepped of the trail and everything was left the exact way mother nature left it there.

Hi. I was on a trek this year, part of group 7037A2. This story takes place after the hike. Me and a few friends of mine were sitting outside, after just getting stuff from the Trading Post, when I took this huge stick that I found that kinda looked like Gandalf's staff, raise it over my head, and said "I summon thee: Hailstorm!". We were laughing for a bit after that, but I noticed that the sky started to get dark. Not even five minutes later, the biggest hailstorm I had ever seen comes rolling through, and it was chaos. This hailstorm went on for a solid 10-15 minutes, and then it stopped. When I went out from the cover, the sky right above us was a light blue, but with a very big dark gray circle surrounding it. This happened in July, and I don't even think Hurricane Helene was as crazy as this.

I'm working on getting a trek set up for 2026. While my previous troop had a strong tradition of high adventure, my current troop does not. So basically, we'll be starting from scratch. Does anyone have a presentation that they've used for scouts and/or parents to "sell" them on Philmont and build excitement and buy-in?

We in this sub know that it's so much more than traditional summer camp, but I do know there will be some folks who will need more than "trust me bro" when it comes to spending 5x more.

Hi all! I am a young musician and singer songwriter. I went to philmont a year ago and wrote a song about it. I'm now recording it and working on a music video. Does anyone have high quality video footage from their trip to philmont that they would be willing to let me use? I would really appreciate it!

For those who have done it, what are the pros/cons of arriving to Philmont a day early (Day 0) and staying in tent city? What is there for Crews to do that first night without any scheduled programming?

Also, the guide states that scheduled expeditions will have priority, when it comes to Base Camp accommodations, over groups arriving early or departing late and might not receive a tent. Has anyone here ever not gotten a tent on Day 0?

I'm interested in trying to organize an advanced trip for next year's fall trek. This would not be for beginners - adults or hard-core youth only. This would be south-country exclusively, and aim at hitting all the major peaks, including some that we'd have to go off trail for. This would be a bragging-rights style trip, beyond the typical "super strenuous" itinerary.

If you're interested, DM me. I'd like to organize a group where we can cuss and discuss via Zoom, investigate, and see if we could make something like this happen.

This summer, our crew received the standard orange plastic “wilderness pledge” cards to hang from our packs.

However, looking online I can see that there are other colors of these cards (blue, white, other?).

Do the other colors have significance?

Hi there! Most of you might have saw my other post about how my troop is putting on our version of a staff campfire/stomp/ union meeting. But my fellow scouts and I would like to perform songs that were sang at philmont.

But I just can’t find the sheet music for them. we are trying to perform “Union man”( from Cypher Mines, also on the Creatures of the Lake spotify) so if you have an idea of where I can find the sheet music that would be great! thanks!