Dining in the Backcountry
Philmont will provide all the food that crews require on the trail. The crew
will carry a few days' supplies at a time, picking up food at designated camps
along the trail. Each camp commissary staff will issue a specific menu according
to a prearranged plan. This plan enables crews to eat a different menu each day
on the trail.
Packaged in durable, disposable plastic bags, these lightweight trail meals
have been carefully developed and checked for quality and quantity for rugged
mountain hiking and backpacking needs of energetic young people and leaders who
hike Philmont trails.
The trail food diet is, by necessity, a high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet
rich in wheat, milk products, and sugars. Explicit cooking directions are
indicated on each food packet for your convenience. Follow these instructions
closely. Your crew may find it helpful to practice cooking freeze-dried or
dehydrated food before your trek begins.
Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
A participant with allergies to some food products or who requires a special
diet for medical or religious reasons may need to buy suitable trail food at home
and bring it to Philmont. (Note: There is no reduction in the Philmont fee for
individuals who bring their own food.)
Should this be necessary, follow these guidelines:
- Menus should be much higher in calories and carbohydrates than
normal to provide additional energy.
- Lightweight, non-perishable, low-bulk foods are recommended for
backpacking. Dehydrated and freeze-dried items work best.
- Meals should be packaged in lightweight, watertight, and disposable
containers such as heavy-duty plastic bags.
- Package each day's meals separately and write the participant's
name and expedition number on each package.
Upon arrival at the ranch, the participant should provide their food to the
ranger, who will take it to Logistics. Arrangements will be made to transport it
to the appropriate backcountry commissaries for your crew so that the participant
will not have to carry it all at once.
For meals taken in the dining hall, appropriate substitutions can be arranged
by speaking to the dining hall manager upon arrival at Philmont.
Philmont asks that food substitutions be requested only for medical (including
allergies) or religious reasons. If there is any question about food substitutions,
please contact Philmont by telephone (505-376-2281) or in writing.
List of Meals
For a complete list of meals and all ingredients, click here.