Tales from the Trail: Conquering Capitan Peak

Southeast New Mexico Scouting Legacy

One of the most legendary early adventures was the climb to Capitan Peak—a feat that tested the very mettle of our Scouts. In the mid-1920s, under the crisp mountain air and amidst unpredictable storms, a group of determined Scouts and leaders set out on a grueling hike. Battling rain, sleet, and the biting cold, they pressed on toward the summit, driven by a spirit of challenge and camaraderie. When they finally reached the top, their triumph was not just in overcoming nature’s fury but in forging bonds that would last a

lifetime. This dramatic journey, complete with a hastily erected stone monument to mark their achievement, encapsulates the indomitable spirit of early Scouting in our region.

This story reminds us that every mountain climbed, every trail navigated, built the foundation of courage and perseverance that our Scouts embody today.

Let's See It Now

What does the old Pine Lodge camp at Capitan Peak look like today?