2012 Itinerary Guide - Philmont Document Archives

Unique Experiences!Valle Vidal ItinerariesEach year Philmont plans a number of very special itinerary opportunities, starting and finishing on Philmontproperty, that venture into the spectacular Valle Vidal section of the Carson National Forest. This 100,000+ acrewilderness borders Philmont near Dan Beard and Rich Cabins camps and Philmont’s North Ponil country. It ishome to New Mexico’s largest wild elk herd. As a part of Philmont’s special use agreement with the ForestService, we agree to do meaningful conservation services and practice Leave No Trace camping in the ValleVidal.Some of the most popular programs such as mountain biking, search and rescue, astronomy, and folk weatherforecasting are located at the Valle Vidal camps of Whiteman Vega, Seally Canyon, and Ring Place. Anothergreat feature of the Valle Vidal is the ability for a crew to ‘bushwhack” from location to location using only mapand compass or GPS. There are few established trails! There are also trail camps located in the Valle Vidalwhere your crew has a high likelihood of experiencing a night under the stars by themselves.Philmont’s crews that trek into the Valle Vidal are shining examples of Scouting’s commitment to being goodstewards of the National Forests. As our public lands become less wild, it behooves us all to take advantage ofthis rare opportunity to experience the grandeur of the amazing Valle Vidal. Philmont has redesigned the ValleVidal itineraries to offer even more exciting programs. Each crew that successfully chooses a Valle Vidalitinerary will receive a Valle Vidal sectional map at no charge. Additional sectional or overall maps may bepurchased at the Tooth of Time Traders’ online catalog by visiting www.ToothofTimeTraders.com.Demonstration ForestA Demonstration Forest has been developed at Philmont with the support of the American Tree FarmOrganization. During the summer, professional foresters teach Scouts about proper management of the 45 acreponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and white fir forest. There is also a self-guided tour with learning stations forcontinued education of timber harvests, thinning techniques, and sustainable forest management practices. Besure to take advantage of this great learning opportunity if you are hiking near the Cimarroncito Reservoir.GeologyPhilmont and private sector geologists have teamed up to provide an exciting and educational program forScouts hiking at Philmont. During the summer, professional geologists teach about Philmont’s unique geology,where the Southern Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains. They will also share their knowledge of geologybasics, mining technology, and information about the rich mining history here in northern New Mexico. Be sureto take advantage of this great learning opportunity if you are hiking through Cypher’s Mine, Baldy Town, orFrench Henry.The Philmont ExperienceEach of the 35 pre-planned itineraries provides numerous exciting programs offered at backcountry programcamps. Crews that stay in staffed camps normally have their first choice of the programs offered. Crewspassing through these camps may, if time and space allow, participate in some of the programs. Trail campsoffer crews a time to relax, bond as a team, and build lifelong memories. Philmont is a total experience! Planfor a balanced trek and enjoy the serenity of the mountains.On The TrailWhether hiking on Philmont, the Valle Vidal, or our neighbors’ land by permission, crews are expected to travelresponsibly — stay together, practice Scouting values, and use proper wilderness ethics. As the adult CrewAdvisor, you are the chief morale officer. Crews must not deviate from their assigned itinerary. Changes areonly permitted for bona fide medical emergencies and must be approved in advance by the LogisticsDepartment.2012 ITINERARY GUIDE 18 PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH, BSA