Philmont Scout Ranch, Summer of 2025

In July of 2025, our crew took on the 12-12 Rugged trek, a 60-mile journey through the mountains and history of Philmont Scout Ranch. Starting at Zastrow Trailhead, we trained with our Ranger before heading deep into the backcountry. Along the way, we experienced a balance of challenging hikes, rich program activities, and unforgettable scenery.

Here are some of the photos we took during our trip.

The mountain ranges we were hiking in have a July monsoon season. So the semi-arid climate was bursting with beauty.

This is Josh and me on top of Mt Phillips, our highest climb of the trek.

This was our itinerary for our trek.

We hiked 61 miles over 12 days at elevations between 7,000 and 11,000 feet.

This post is the only post on this site that isn’t about amateur radio. I brought my Elecraft KH1 but kept it in a locker while on the hike. We had a busy itinerary and I wanted to focus on Philmont activities with the crew and my son.

Abreu

Abreu is a themed camp where staff members portray the Abreu family in 1912 as they lived on this homestead.

Carson Meadows

Some of our best views were from Carson Meadows.

This photo shows the Tooth of Time over Carson Meadows. In nine days we would be watching the sun rise from the top of the Tooth itself.

A bear!

Between Carson Meadows and Fish Camp we we ran into this bear. Josh was in the front of the crew so he got a good photo of it with his disposable camera.

Crooked Creek

Crooked Creak is an themed homestead from 1875 New Mexico

Comanche Peak

On the way to Mt Phillips (see the photo of Josh and me above) we stopped at Clear Creek and shot some black powder rifles.

Then we had our longest hike and highest elevation of the trek. Because Comanche Peak was a dry campsite with no water. I was carring 8 liters of water in my pack (~ 55 lbs).

That evening when we pulled into our site I had just enough energy to pitch my tent and get in bed.