Abreu Camp - Location and Geography

Location and Geography

Abreu is located in the South Country along the Rayado River, at Latitude 36°22′43.52″N and Longitude 105°0′56.4″W. It is part of the "Metropolis", a group of camps which are all within one hour's hike of each other; the others are Carson Meadows, Zastrow, Rayado River, Rimrock Park and Old Abreu. Aguila Camp, Backache Springs Camp, and Toothache Springs Camp are also nearby. A 4-wheel-drive road runs from the Abreu turnaround to the staff area, but as with most such roads, it is not intended for use by campers.

The camp is situated in the Rayado Valley, between Rayado Peak, Fowler Mesa, and open plains. Most of the camp is wooded, except for the central clearing; the shade is badly needed at Abreu, since it is one of the hottest camps at Philmont. It receives little rain in the early summer, but tends to receive major rainstorms in August. The weather there is still much drier and less prone to thunderstorms and hail than locations north and west at Philmont.

Crews typically visit it on their first or second-to-last day on the trail due to its proximity to Zastrow Turnaround.