Philmont Scout Ranch is the largest High Adventure Base owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America.  Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range near Cimarron, New Mexico, it is the best known Boy Scout camp in the world.  Scouts from all 50 states, Europe, South Africa and Japan backpack its rugged and beautiful terrain every year. Philmont comprises 137,493 acres or about 215 square miles of scenic mountain wilderness. The terrain is challenging for all backpackers with base camp at 6500 ft. and mountain peaks rising to 12,441 ft. (Baldy Mountain).  The vast expanse leads the camper to experience a variety of weather patterns from 100° temperatures in desert regions to hail and snow in the mountains.  There is abundant wildlife, such as brown bears, elk, pronghorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, beaver, wild turkeys, and mini-bears (squirrels, chipmunks and ground hogs). There are thirty-four staff camps and fifty trail camps operated by the Ranch.  Each year, more than 20,000 Campers come to the Ranch to hike its trails, climb its mountains, and learn about themselves and the wilderness.  In the summer a team of nine hundred seasonal staff works to ensure that every camper's Philmont experience is something that will change them forever.