Note:  In the below information and links, the treks/itineraries referenced are the 2011 treks.  From what I can gather, most treks carry over from year to year.  There may be a minor change here or there.  Occasionally a trek is retired and replaced with a new trek.  Treks for 2012 will be released in April, 2012. -- Mr. J.

Estimated fees for Philmont 2012 which include airfare, buses, Philmont fees, side trips and meals $1,425. The payment schedule will be as follows:

• $300.00 reservation deposit – transferable but not refundable
  
• $375.00 – due October 1, 2011
  
• $375.00 – due January 1, 2012
  
• $375.00 – due March 1, 2012

Difficulty Ratings
Crews should choose an itinerary that matches their degree of physical fitness. Mileage, ruggedness of terrain, and the number of layovers are considered, and each itinerary is assigned one of four difficulty ratings.

Challenging

A challenging itinerary allows considerable time to enjoy program features, providing the maximum opportunity to participate in backcountry programs. Can be made more challenging by taking side hikes.

Rugged

A rugged itinerary is somewhat more strenuous than a typical one, involving longer hiking distances on steeper inclines. There is still ample time to participate in backcountry programs.

Strenuous

A strenuous itinerary should be attempted only by an older crew that enjoys lots of rugged mountain hiking and is in good physical condition. Smaller crews of chartered units are recommended for these treks. Program time is limited since much of the day is spent hiking.

Super Strenuous

The super strenuous itineraries are the most difficult. These itineraries include hiking great distances and climbing many of Philmont's highest peaks. Super strenuous itineraries are designed for experienced crews—seasoned backpackers who are at least 15 years of age, all in top physical condition.

Choosing a Trek

Trek sign up is in April, 2012.  As a crew you should decide on your top 3 or 4 choices for treks.  To do this, look at the program descriptions and determine which programs you would like to do.  Combine this with the difficulty you'd like to do and then match the programs to the treks that offer them at the difficulty rating you selected.

Program Descriptions

This site offers a brief description of each program.

This document from the Philmont web site shows which programs are offered for each trek (called itineraries on this site).

This site has it all.  Click on the program features link on the left, then select a program and click on the Display Program Information button to display more information including a short description, the treks that offer the program, the camps that offer the program and pictures of the program.