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COTTONWOOD GULCH EXPEDITIONS

Explore the Outdoors Together

Cottonwood Gulch offers unique expeditions rooted in the culture and landscape of the American Southwest. We invite youth and adults to explore, learn, and grow whilst living in community in the outdoors!

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SUMMER TREKS

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Adult Treks

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Trekkers in 2022

Cottonwood Gulch invites participants of all ages to engage with our programs. Our trekkers come from near and far, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our experiences with anyone seeking adventure, community, and a flair for outdoor fun!

FIELD DAYS ON TREK in 2022

Cottonwood Gulch treks are dedicated to place-based experiential education. The Southwest is a special place for outdoor learning with ample opportunity for growing technical skills, exploring nature and nurturing respectful relationships towards people and place. ⁠ View our programs page to learn more.

About Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions

At the Gulch, we’ll inspire you with all of the places we explore, we will take you on world-class backpacking and hiking trails, connect you with hands-on science and nature, and engage you in the art and culture of the Southwest. Cottonwood Gulch has been leading expeditions across these incredible lands since 1926. Our staff are seasoned and gifted to ensure that trekkers and participants have a rich time while ensuring their safety in the outdoors. Our primary programs are focused on the summer months and are called, Summer Treks. However, we offer school and medical certification programs through-out the year.

The Gulch experience embodies these core activities:

  • Wilderness Immersion
  • Science & Nature
  • Community Service & Engagement
  • Arts & Culture
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Cottonwood Gulch Programs

Select a program below to be shown available options and/or details about the program.

Summer Treks

Our Summer Treks take kids from ages 8 to 18 to our rustic Basecamp and on the road. Youth can experience a wide variety of activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, science-driven exploration, and nature-based art while learning about the history of the people and places in the American Southwest.

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SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Ready to put classroom learning into action? Classroom expeditions combine elements of self-discovery, place based learning, and outdoor adventure. Students can immerse themselves in the outdoor classroom, experiencing hands-on learning in the Southwest.

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Treks for Adults

We host a variety of treks for adults throughout the year. From Family Trek for all ages, to YCC for young adults seeking work experience, we support adults in learning about and exploring the Southwest.

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Outdoor Training Center

The Outdoor Training Center at Cottonwood Gulch focuses on creating opportunities for outdoor leaders to gain certifications in a number of fields, from wilderness medicine to mountain biking instruction.

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Summer Treks 2023

2023 Registration NOW OPEN!

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VIEW Summer TREKS

Trek Log

What are our trekkers up to during the summer?
Take a peek at their experiences, in their own words.

Dillon - Prairie Trek

“We found ourselves in many different lush places, like a peaceful river crossing, an elegant forest, and a killer rockslide. We traversed through these three biomes with ease. It was truly a sight to behold.”

Sophia - Turquoise Trail

“floating clouds a desert’s delight drifts through the gray sky in purposeful might”

Becker - Art and Music Trek

“Wake up. Eat breakfast. Do details. Long drive. Five gas stations. No water. Travel center. Water finally. Eat lunch. Free ice cream (Carrie paid). Driving again. See deer. Lock eyes. Nature moment. Deer blinks. Runs away. Overlook stop. Geology lesson. Get to campsite. Eat dinner. Go sleep.”

Christina - Wild Country Trek

“We went to Chaco Canyon with Rob, the basecamp archaeologist!, Rob showed us how one of the canyon walls had been turned into a natural amphitheater, and we took turns testing it, magnifying our voices to fill the canyon, Rob took us through a network of the Pueblo’s rooms and explained what they were used for, while giving a more extensive account of the Chacoan people’s brief but exciting history!”

southwest outdoor education