Re-live the Great American West at Philmont

Philmont Scout Ranch and the surrounding area abounds in history. The Anasazi first lived in the area. Crews visiting Indian Writings camp can participate in an archeology program and see petrogylphs (rock drawings) they left behind. The Apache, Ute, and Comanche came later; Apache Springs camp offers crews several Indian lore programs.

The first Europeans in the area were the Spanish. The opening of the Santa Fe Trail brought Americans interested in trade. The trail passed through Philmont and wagon ruts can still be seen. Crews visiting Rayado can tour a trading post run by mountain man Kit Carson that supplied passing wagon trains. The mountain men hunted, trapped and “rendezvoused” in the high country. Miranda, Clear Creek and Black Mountain camps have mountain man programs like black powder rifle, tomahawk throwing, and others.

After the Civil War, homesteaders settled the area. Abreu, Crooked Creek, Black Mountain, and Rich Cabin camps each have programs associated with those early settlers.

Gold was discovered on Baldy Mountain in the 1870’s, setting off a gold rush that brought prospectors. Crews can tour mines and pan for gold at both French Henry and Cyphers Mine camps, and blacksmithing is offered at several camps.

The railroad came in the early 1900’s and the Continental Tie and Lumber Company supplied timber for ties. At Pueblano and Crater Lake crews climb spar poles like lumberjacks.

Waite Phillips bought the ranch in the 1920’s and constructed several back country cabins to entertain his friends hunting and fishing. Those cabins are open today for tours by crews.