Don’t try and put them on the plane as luggage! Your best bet is to ship the stoves directly to Philmont and they will hold them for your arrival. They do this for over 10,000 Scouts every year and have it worked out.
The Philmont Scout Ranch is over 200 miles to the closest airport which is either Albuquerque or Colorado Springs. Most that go through Colorado fly through Denver as it is usually less expensive than Colorado Springs. The distance from Philmont to Denver International Airport is about 300 miles.
Most groups flying into the southwest for a Philmont trip hire a tour operator like Blue Sky Adventures or a reputable bus company to provide transportation. It is very expensive and inefficient to rent vans for your group and set up your own trip. Due to the size of the back packs your group will have, it is nearly impossible to get your group and its gear in one vehicle, so two or more vehicles for even a small group of 10 or 12 are required. Not only is this inefficient, but it is not safe. Asking a volunteer to fly cross country and then drive nearly 300 miles in unfamiliar territory with a group of kids can be dangerous proposition. Spend a little extra money and let us handle your trip for you!
A rough rule of thumb is that the actual Philmont fee is about one third of your overall budget. The balance is spent on airfare, ground transportation, meals, tour and sightseeing expenses, crew gear and training. Total trip expenses for a typical group range from $1,750 – $2,500 per person.
Philmont provides each crew with a 2’x2′ locker at base camp. This locker must fit all of your crew’s gear that is not going on the trail. We recommend packing only a small day pack with what you need for the time between when you land to when you arrive at Philmont.
For groups flying out of Denver flights must depart after 3:00 pm. For groups flying out of Albuquerque flights must depart after 1:00 pm.