Aiden and I completed a 12-day backpacking trip at Philmont Scout Ranch. This was my second time first time visiting the ranch. (read about details of previous Philmont Trek in 2024 here) These are very special trips, as you get to experience dramatic and beautiful view, be a part of an adventure with your crew, and observe young men grow and gain confidence.
Day 0 (6/12) -Travel to Philmont
Day 1 (6/13) -Camping Headquarters
Day 2 (6/14) – Zastrow Trail Head to Abreau staff camp (homestead demos, animals, cantina) to Old Abreau trail camp
Distance: 3.3 miles, Ascent 1155 ft, Decent: 663 ft
Day 3 (6/15) – Old Abreau to Fish Camp trail camp (via stairmaster trail, Lookout Peak)
Distance: 10.7 miles, Ascent 5302 ft, Decent: 4005 ft
Day 4 (6/16) – Fish Camp to Beaubein staff camp (mountain ranching demos, branding, chuckwagon dinner, campfire show, showers)
Distance: 5.3 miles, Ascent 2009 ft, Decent: 1195 ft
favorite trail, lots of river crossings
Day 5 (6/17) – Beaubein to Porcupine trail camp (food pickup at Phillips Junction)
Distance: 3.6 miles, Ascent 976 ft, Decent: 1243 ft
Day 6 (6/18) – Porcupine to Crooked Creek staff camp (pioneer homestead demos) to Clear Creek staff camp
Distance: 8.1 miles, Ascent 3118 ft, Decent: 1959 ft
Day 7 (6/19) – Clear Creek to Comanche Peak trail camp (Mount Phillips, Comanche Peak, extra trip for water)
Distance: 11.4 miles, Ascent 3733 ft, Decent: 3006 ft
Day 8 (6/20) – Comanche Peak to Cyphers Mine staff camp (mine tour, campfire program)
Distance: 4.7 miles, Ascent 570 ft, Decent: 2188 ft
Day 9 (6/21) – Cyphers Mine to Sawmill staff camp
Distance: 7.6 miles, Ascent 2075 ft, Decent: 2171 ft (+ 4 miles + 600 ft for conservation project)
Day 10 (6/22) – Sawmill to Ute Gulch commissary to Devil’s Wash Basin trail camp
Distance: 9.9 miles, Ascent 2165 ft, Decent: 3022 ft
Day 11 (6/23) – Devil’s Wash Basin to Harlen staff camp
Distance: 4.7 miles, Ascent 458 ft, Decent: 1561 ft
Day 12 (6/24) – Harlen to Turkey Creek Trailhead to Travel Home
Distance: 3.8 miles, Ascent 206 ft, Decent: 1283 ft
