The Experience

Unlike Philmont treks, there are no pre-planned itineraries for crews who visit the Double H High Adventure Base. Each crew's itinerary will be customized. In the expedition advisor's kit, there will be a questionnaire for your crew to fill out, which will help the staff develop an itinerary that meets the goals of your crew.

Treks are generally classified according to their degree of difficulty:

Class I—A Class I Trek is designed for crews that have not participated in many high adventure activities. Your crew can e xpect to hike five to seven miles each day.
Class II—Crews with high-adventure experience can opt for a Class II Trek, which includes six to eight miles of hiking each day.
Class III—More experienced and/or older crews may select for a Class III Trek, which includes seven to nine miles of hiking per day in the rugged northeastern section of the ranch, where water is limited and changes in elevation can be extreme.

Wilderness Guides

Another difference between Philmont treks and adventures at the Double H is that there are no established trails. Therefore, each crew is accompanied by an experienced Wilderness Guide who knows the lay of the land, the locations of campsites and water sources, and is experienced in camping and outdoor skills in this environment. In addition to providing reliable advice to your crew, each Wilderness Guide carries a two-way radio that can be used to contact Camping Headquarters in case of emergencies.

Program Features

In addition to camping and hiking in the rugged wilderness of New Mexico, your crew can opt to participate in some of the following program features.

Astronomy: In addition to learning to identify common constellations, you will learn about the history of astronomy and its link to navigation. You will also learn about radio astronomy and how folks at the Very Large Array (VLA) are mapping the universe.

Black Powder: The only forms of hunting allowed on the Double H are archery and black powder. Your crew will have a chance to participate in state-of-the-art black powder at the Martin Camp.

Conservation: Double H offers opportunities for involvement, participation, and observation of conservation practices. Most conservation projects involve wildlife habitat improvement and reclamation.; Three hours of conservation work under the supervision of a Wilderness Guide is expected of each camper to earn the Arrowhead Award. Ten hours of conservation work is a requirement for the 50-Miler Award. The 3 hours earned at the Double H can be applied—the other 7 may be acquired back home.

GPS Technology: Your crew will be given a GPS to use while at the Double H. With this, you will have a chance to learn about one of the latest forms of land navigation. You will be able to record your trek into the unit.

Geo-caching: Experience this high-tech treasure hut. Spread throughout the Double H are caches for you to find using your GPS unit.

No Trace Camping: Wild land ethic depends upon attitude and awareness rather than on rules and regulations. While on the trail you will have the opportunity to learn how to enjoy wild land with respect; to hike, camp, eat meals, and dispose of trash without leaving a scar or trace

Special Trail Meals: The programs at Martin Camp include a special chuck wagon dinner. A member of your crew will help prepare these meals.

Ropes and Challenges: A series of activities that will test the teamwork, skill, and resourcefulness of your crew awaits you on the trail. While the challenges can be met by every crew, the real contest is with yourself. Did you do your best? How would you do better next time?

Wilderness Medicine/Search and Rescue: This exciting informative program will enable your crew to "Be Prepared" to meet emergency First Aid needs in a true wilderness environment. Every year many people become lost in the outdoors. Scouts are often called upon to help search for these people. Your crew will enjoy a mock scenario learning how to correctly conduct an organized search.

Camping at the Double H Ranch

Camping is the major activity at the Double H. You will camp every day on your trek in areas that vary from vast meadows to narrow valleys. Elevations at some camps are less than 7,500 feet; others exceed 9,500 feet. Your itinerary will include several different types of camps with some being dry.

The Martin Camp is supervised by a camp director and program counselors, who provide unique program features. It has water, supplies, and two-way radio communications with the Camping Headquarters. It also has a trading post and commissary; however, showers are not available.

All camping areas are located near a water source. A map will be located at the water sources, giving you details on location of the sump latrine and bear box, if available.

Some campsites are classified as "Dry camps" because they have no access to water. These sites are used because they provide scenic vistas, pleasant campsites, and valuable training. Vast stretches of the great Southwest are dry, and early pioneers traveling the Santa Fe Trail in covered wagons had to conserve every cup of water. Sometimes they had to drink the blood of their oxen and other animals to survive. You will not have to endure this much hardship, but you may need to carry water for several miles before arriving at your dry camp. Your Wilderness Guide will help you in planning your trek.

Dining in the Backcountry

Ten different trail menus are issued. Packaged in durable, disposable 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 the Double H trails. Concentrated foods do not always look or taste the same as fresh, frozen, or canned foods, but when properly prepared they are appetizing and nourishing. Your crew may find it helpful to practice cooking freeze dried/dehydrated food before your trek begins.

Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food packet for your convenience. Follow these instructions closely. Remember to make allowances for high-altitude cooking. High-altitude cooking is different than at lower elevations—it takes longer. At 7,000 feet, water boils at 199°F. At 8,000 feet, a typical Double H elevation, it boils at 195°F. Water at higher elevations is generally colder, requiring more time to boil. By keeping your pots and food and water covered, you can decrease the heat loss and reduce your cooking time. To overcome this loss of time due to high altitude and cold water, you should organize your meal preparation procedures well.

You will carry a 2-3 day supply of food, you will pick up at Base and at the Martin Camp. The Double H trail food is by necessity a high-carbohydrate, high-caloric diet. It is high in wheat, milk products, sugar and corn syrup, and artificial coloring/flavoring. If an individual is allergic to some food products or requires a special diet, suitable trail food must be purchased at home and brought to the Double H. Lightweight, non-perishable, low bulk foods are recommended for backpacking. Package each day's meals separately and write the person's name and expedition number on each package. Upon arrival at the ranch, give the food to your Wilderness Guide. Arrangements will be made to transport it to the Martin Camp. There is no fee reduction for individuals who bring their own food.

Food substitutions are permitted only when they are necessary for medical (including allergies) or religious reasons. If there is any question about food substitutions, please contact the Double H in advance. All food shipped to the backcountry is subject to inspection to ensure best delivery method.