[Philmont]: Transportation to Philmont - from Albuquerque

I had been preparing to post a similar question, so now that the topic is
started, I'll propose my question....

We are beginning our fact finding and preparations for our 2004 trip to
Philmont. After having explored central and southern Colorado on our three
recent pre-Philmont trips, we are leaning toward flying into Albuquerque.
On our first trip, in 1999, we used a full service transportation outfit
(Adventure Trails). We loved that, but on each subsequent trip we have
become more comfortable, confident, and independent. Now, as we research
our options for 2004, we are wanting to find a compromise between maximum
flexibility and cost.
We will fly into our destination city on Saturday, June 19, 2003 and want
to be at the Welcome Center at Philmont by 8 AM on Wednesday, June 23rd.
We want to experience some of the highlights of north-central New Mexico
during our 3 1/2 days of pre-Philmont touring. We want to spend as much
time as possible at higher elevations (6500' or higher). We also would like
to camp on one or more (but not ALL) of the nights. If the logistics work
out, we would like to stop at the NRA's Whittington Center (about half way
between Raton and Cimarron) and possibly camp there - perhaps in one of
their cabins.
We have two full crews (24 people). We are willing to drive, rented vans,
all or part of the time - if it is cost effective. We could also use a
transportation company - IF - we could go where we want/when we want and
cost was competitive.
With 24 people and all of the gear I am afraid that we cannot comfortably
fit into just two 15 passenger vans...

I am looking for some creative solutions, so I turn to you.
My questions to Philmont veterans and/or residents of the area include:
1 - If you have experience with rented vans (or other vehicles), what
advice would you share?
2 - Any ideas about where to rent vans in Albuquerque (other than the
obvious national rental outfits)?
3 - I am particularly concerned about the "per day" fees as they relate to
setting in the Philmont parking lot for 11 days - any thoughts on this? Any
ideas on how we could shuttle them back to rental agency or find someone to
do same?
4 - If you only have a couple of days to spend in this area (say a 200-300
mile radius around Cimarron), what would you recommend we see and do - we
already have some ideas, but want to make sure we consider all possibilities.
5 - Keeping in mind that the Scouts are going to want physical challenge
and adventure, not museums and endless miles of sightseeing, how does that
affect your recommendations?
6 - For sleeping accommodations, do you have any specific (or general)
recommendations - both in terms of camping (tent or cabin) or some other
youth friendly location that one may not normally think of? .... state
parks, national forests, military bases, Scout camps, church camps, etc.......
7 - any other advice or local contacts?
8 - we already know about Cimarrons accomodations, as well as base camp
camping. We know a little about Toas and can find info about common hotels
around the area - Please help us find some great destinations,
accomodations, or adventures!

My current thinking is, if vans can be rented,for the entire duration, for
a similar cost to a transportation service, we will do that. Our second
choice would be some kind of hybrid arrangement - where we rent vans for
most of the time, then turn them in and have a bus take us to and from
Philmont.

I and going to contact Blue Sky Adventures just to see what they have to
offer and to have a point of comparison.

Thanks in advance,
Rick Neff
Scoutmaster, Troop 31
State College, Pa.
Philmont Advisor 1999, 2002, 623-F1 2004

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Received on Wed Jul 23 13:13:22 2003