Philmont Scout Ranch holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just a place or a scout camp; it’s an experience woven with memories, challenges, and breathtaking vistas. My adventures there in 2017 and 2021 with my sons Ryan and Sean were transformative and strengthened my passion for the outdoors and created lasting memories. Each trek presented its own unique set of challenges, testing our endurance while deepening our connection to this extraordinary place, and each other!
The 2017 Trek with Ryan
In 2017, I embarked on my first Philmont trek with Ryan and Troop 911 (Pleasanton, CA). No words can capture our excitement as we saw the boots hanging from the Philmont gateway and after some short orientation hit the rugged trails, eager to experience everything Philmont offered. We didn't get our first itinerary choice, not even our second and I'm not sure we remembered that our third choice was Itinerary #31, rated as "Super Strenuous" with planned distance of 84 miles (YMMV, especially if you get lost😉!). On our longest (and last) day, we trekked almost 14 miles from Clark's Fork, over the Tooth of Time and into base camp. With aching feet, tired minds and backcountry BO, it sometimes felt endless. Yet, the stunning views from peaks like Baldy Mountain—standing at 12,441 feet—rewarded our efforts and made each step worthwhile.
In the end, as Ryan is fond to tell anyone who will listen, "We hiked 101 actual miles in 10 days." Quite the introduction to Philmont. At least we had the weather to our advantage, it was almost perfect, with the occasional overnight rain that did nothing to dampen our spirits.
The 2021 Trek with Ryan and Sean
Fast forward to 2021, I embarked on a new trek through the southern region of Philmont with Troop 832 (Fort Mill, SC). This time, I was joined not only by Ryan but also by Sean, who begrudgingly agreed to attend, only to be transformed by the experience more than any of us (more on that later!). Being in the midst of the pandemic brought its own challenges and uncertainties, but it also brought us together as only hiking with a mask can do. The weather was a far cry from my original experience; you know it's bad when the word "rain" is banished and a new word "sky-water" becomes necessary to prevent inadvertently calling more down upon our heads.
This unexpected weather in the first half of the trek, cold and rainy, not only tested our fortitude like never before, but even pushed the limits of the Philmont Staff; supply roads were muddy and nearly impassable and hiking through the same is perfectly captured by the word "slog". But it also created some amazing memories--spending the majority of the day at Zastrow camp, playing games, eating a myriad of snacks and drying ourselves and gear in front of a roaring fire, is hard to forget. Especially since it was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 2022, reminding us how fragile things can be and to enjoy every moment.
COVID also kept us from enjoying many of the great traditions of Philmont; eating in the grand dining hall surrounded by troop neckerchiefs hanging from the rafters and chanting our troop yell, assembling for stories and songs at the Ranger Bell, being able to attend Chapel and campfires without a huge distance between your troop and the next, experiencing the crush of eager scouts in the Tooth of Time Traders Depot or the snack shop getting well-deserved ice cream and sodas. When as much of the experience is the comradery, it didn't feel quite the same -- and Ryan and I just had to share "this is how it was in 2017."
Eventually the weather returned to what we were all expecting, cool nights and warm sunny days (and COVID was less of a factor on the trail). While not quite forgotten, with the bad weather behind us, the rest of the trek seemed that much more glorious. With Sean’s infectious enthusiasm and Ryan’s steady presence (spoken as only a proud dad can), we navigated the rest of our journey. Our connection with Philmont and each other deepened, and rather than being setback due to the challenges, all of these moments led to unforgettable memories and a realization that we were truly capable of more than we thought.
The Call of Philmont
No doubt, each trek was different, yet the collective experiences fueled an intense desire to return. Whether it was the long miles of 2017 or the unpredictably challenging weather of 2021 or simply being a part of something so cherished, each trek uniquely nurtured my growing love for the great outdoors. And it was all made sweeter by getting to experience it with my sons.
Perhaps a bit hokey, but Philmont isn’t just a destination, it's a journey. It captures everything that resonates deeply within me. The thrill of stepping into the wild, of testing personal limits alongside good friends, with only the gear we bring (no going back to the car!) and the preparations we made, is an experience I truly enjoy. It’s a space where one can emerge not only as a hiker, but as a person.
Anticipation for a Different Adventure
I'm itching to lace up my boots and hit the trails of Philmont once more. The treks I'd experienced with Ryan and Sean reinforced my longing to return, they were SO different, strengthening the belief that new adventures await me on the trails. Whether it’s the sense of community, the unparalleled landscape, or the memories we create, Philmont calls to me. This time I'll be preparing the crews for their treks, sharing in their excitement for this great place. For anyone who hasn't yet visited, I highly recommend making the journey; I promise you'll return transformed, ready for your next great adventure!
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