In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northeastern New Mexico, 12 scouts and leaders from South Tempe’s Troop 172 set out on a journey that would test their endurance, teach lifelong lessons, and ignite a deeper appreciation for the wilderness. Chartered by American Legion Post 64 and meeting weekly at Dayspring United Methodist Church, Troop 172 is known for its adventurous spirit—and they put that to the test at the iconic Philmont Scout Ranch.
Philmont, a 214-square-mile stretch of rugged backcountry owned by Scouting America, is one of the most revered high-adventure bases in the nation. Getting there wasn’t as simple as packing a backpack and heading west. Planning began over 18 months in advance.
More Than a Hike
Preparation began with the trek lottery system—just getting selected is a feat in itself. “Once selected, we built our crew, trained hard, managed logistics, and prepared for every scenario—physically and mentally,” says Eric Flottmann, Scoutmaster of Troop 172. Logistics and training included: CPR and outdoor first aid certifications, transportation, route planning, training hikes, shakedown trips, gear decisions, and even designing custom T-shirts.
“Philmont is truly a transformative experience,” Flottmann explains. “It requires crews to be self-sufficient. The effort you put into preparing directly impacts the fun and confidence you feel once you’re on the trail.”
Scouts carried their own food—often up to four days’ worth at a time—as well as all gear, water, and supplies. In true bear country fashion, “smellables” had to be hoisted into trees each night in bear bags.
“Meals weren’t fancy, but they were substantial,” Flottmann says. “Dehydrated dinners, snacks like trail mix and jerky—it was enough to fuel our days, but you definitely look forward to the rare hot meal.”
Reaching New Heights
The physical peak of the trek came with the summit of Baldy Mountain, the highest point on the trail at 12,441 feet. The crew set off at 4 a.m. from their camp at Baldytown, determined to beat the notorious afternoon storms.
“The climb was challenging, but the scouts crushed it,” Flottmann recalls. “The views from the top were incredible. You could see Taos to the southwest and endless plains to the east. It gave you a real sense of where you were in the world—and how far you’d come.”
Campfires, Cowboys, and Cow Ball
Over 13 days (including 10 nights on the trail), the crew camped at both staffed and backcountry sites. One highlight included a campfire at historic Pueblano Camp, where staff dressed in period clothing reenacted 1800s logging life through storytelling and live bluegrass music—featuring mandolin, upright bass, and three-part harmonies.
Other nights brought simpler joys. At Ringtail Camp, the crew arrived just before the midpoint of the trek and were rewarded with sweeping views of Baldy Mountain, wild turkeys in the meadow, and a much-needed moment of quiet reflection.
“That evening was unforgettable,” says Flottmann. “After everything we had already accomplished, sitting down to dinner with that view—it really hit us.”
Another highlight? A quirky Philmont tradition called Cow Ball, a zany twist on volleyball involving silly costumes and intentionally chaotic rules. “The boys had a blast,” says Flottmann. “It was the perfect release after so many days of serious hiking.”
Learning by Doing
Each Philmont crew is also required to complete a service project, and Troop 172’s contribution was trail building. Scouts dug into the hillside, removed boulders, and cut switchbacks—learning firsthand about the importance of trail sustainability and land stewardship.
“The work was tough, dusty, and absolutely rewarding,” Flottmann says. “You could physically see the impact you were making.”
The next evening, the crew enjoyed a hearty chuck box dinner at a staffed camp—chili, cornbread, and cobbler. “After days of trail food, that hot meal was everything,” Flottmann adds.
A Taste of Civilization
After ten days in the backcountry, even the simplest luxuries felt extravagant. On the way home, the crew made a stop at Cree-Mee Drive-In in Cimarron, New Mexico. Burgers, fries, and soda with ice never tasted so good.
Favorite activities among the scouts included western action shooting, spar pole climbing, bouldering, and—unsurprisingly—Cow Ball. But for Flottmann, the best moments were more personal.
“My favorite photo is one of me and my son, Logan, sitting at Ringtail Camp,” he shares. “That moment of stillness, surrounded by everything we’d accomplished, is something I’ll treasure forever.”
Advice for Future Trekkers
His key advice? Train early and often—both physically and mentally, participate in shakedown hikes to test your gear and endurance, and bring a camera and journal to capture the memories. “So much happens in 12 days,” he says. “You’ll want those stories to look back on—for yourself and for the next generation of scouts behind you.”
“Philmont is truly a transformative experience—the effort you put into preparing directly impacts the fun and confidence you feel once you’re on the trail.”