The Deluxe Plus Adventure offers an elevated start to your Philmont journey with a full day of Southwestern discovery. Begin by hiking ancient volcanic cones on Albuquerque’s West Mesa, then explore WWII history at the Atomic Museum and take in soaring views from Sandia Peak. With award-winning meals, dynamic evening activities, and a guided deep-dive into New Mexico’s natural and cultural stories, this itinerary blends adventure and enrichment for a first-class experience.
Arrive by 5 PM to begin your stay in Albuquerque! Welcome to New Mexico!
Pick up at the Albuquerque International Airport and transport to the hotel. Get your custom Blue Sky Adventures water bottle!
Check in at the hotel where there’s lots to do (pool, gift shop, computer center, fitness center, ping pong, and basketball).
Spend the afternoon poolside or play board games, ping-pong or basketball with your crew and other Scouts from all over the country--this is some Scout trip!
To give you maximum flexibility on your arrival day, we will provide $15 cash per person for your group to have dinner at your own pace. Choose from Chipotle, Five Guys, Jimmy Johns, Blaze Pizza or any number of other restaurants nearby. All within a 5 minute walk of the hotel!
Enjoy some free time! Walk to the movie theatre, Dave & Busters, or pick up any last minute items you need for the trail. This is a terrific location!
Rise and Shine! Your tour with Blue Sky Adventures starts early!
Hot, all you can eat breakfast buffet at hotel-waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, Danish, juice, cereal, fresh fruit and more!
Early morning rendezvous with your Blue Sky Adventures tour guide at the hotel. Your tour guide will be with you all day to make sure everything is fun and happens as it is supposed to and will bring New Mexico “alive” with stories of local legends, history and culture. Your tour guide is the difference maker on a Blue Sky tour compared to anything you can do yourself!
Start the day with a 2.5-mile hike at Volcano Park, part of Petroglyph National Monument on Albuquerque’s West Mesa. This park is home to three ancient cinder cone volcanoes formed over 150,000 years ago. The scenic trail loops around the volcanic peaks, offering sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley, the Sandia Mountains, and the city below. Along the way, Scouts can explore fascinating lava rock formations and learn about the powerful geological forces that shaped this unique landscape—a true hands-on Scout adventure!
Followed by a trip to the Rio Grande, where you’ll take a one-mile hike through the shaded bosque—a lush riverside forest teeming with cottonwood trees, wildlife, and serene views of the river.
Head to the Country Club neighborhood for a fun TV and movie tour, with a special focus on Breaking Bad—a favorite among both leaders and scouts.
Continue to Old Town for a guided 30-minute walking tour, where you’ll discover its historic adobe buildings, charming plaza, and rich Southwestern heritage. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to browse the unique shops, galleries, and local boutiques.
Lunch at the world-famous Frontier Restaurant just across from the University of New Mexico. Try the green chile cheeseburger or the Frontier Burrito. Be sure to add a Sweet Roll to share with your fellow Scouts. They are delicious!!
A visit to the National Atomic Museum. Learn about the Manhattan Project and see replicas of the bombs that ended World War II. See the plane that dropped the bomb and climb into the control tower of the first nuclear submarine. This is a cool place for sure!!
Trip to the top of Sandia Peak; a breath-taking ride on the world’s longest aerial cable car to the 11,000-foot mountain peak.
At the summit of Sandia Peak, we will hike about a mile along the mountain ridge to the “Stone Hut” built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This is a fantastic hike with unparalleled vistas of the Rio Grande Valley and it provides a great way to quickly acclimate to the affects of higher elevations. What a great way to help get ready for the rigors of your Philmont trek!
Return to the hotel in Albuquerque where there’s lots to do (pool, gift shop, computer center, fitness center, ping pong, and basketball).
Dinner is good food and lots of it! An “all you can eat” buffet.
Spend the evening poolside or play board games, ping-pong or basketball with your crew and other Scouts from all over the country--this is some Scout trip!
Hot, all you can eat full breakfast buffet - eggs, sausage, fresh fruit and more!
Review your homebound departure day pick up procedures and get your Blue Sky Adventures “give-a-ways and advisor tips” to make your trek even better.
All aboard the Blue Sky Express! You will be at Philmont by 10:00 AM.
Depart Philmont on the 7:30 AM Blue Sky Express. Exact departure time may change based on our transportation schedule. We will confirm exact time once your flight is finalized.
Arrive Albuquerque International by 11:30 AM. Departure flight must leave after 1 PM.
