Apache Springs
Staffed Camp
Elevation 9,423 ft
Description
The main cabin lies at the north end of a beautiful meadow. Most of the campsite are along the ridge to the east and at the foot of the valley at the southeast. There are no "bad" campsites here, but the sites in the southeast corner may be the best at Philmont. The Jicarilla Apache teepee dominates the center of the meadow. Northeast of the cabin are the sweat lodges and up the ridge to the northwest is teh 3-dimensional archery course.
Activities
Jicarilla Apache life with teepee tour and corn grinding. Sweat lodge (reported by some as "better than a shower"). Note the sweat lodge is one of the activities that gets canceled when Philmont is under a burn ban. You will be required to meet BSA standards for attire (shorts and tee shirt) in the sweat lodge. 3-dimensional archery (shooting lifesize animal targets). There is a beautiful sunset hike from the main cabin that is definitely worth taking. Some itineraries pick up food here.
Water
Apache Springs has plentiful, purified water near the main cabin.
Nearby Camps
There are no other staffed camps within a mile of Cyphers Mine.
Trails
The northwest trail heads to Crooked Creek. Northeast is Phillips Junction Commissary. The southern trail leads to Agua Fria Creek and then to Fish Camp.
Itineraries Stopping Here
Itinerary 1, day 7*
Itinerary 7, day 5*
Itinerary 9, day 4*
Itinerary 21, day 9
* Layover at Apache Springs
Routes To/From
Apache Spgs - Lookout Meadow
Apache Springs - Porcupine
Apache Springs - Wild Horse
Craigs - Apache Springs
Crooked Creek - Apache Springs