Summer Treks
Last post, we shared an article written by an alum discussing how time in the wilderness can shape a life. Summer treks for teens is a personality-shaping event for young people. For many families, that kind of experience is exactly what they are looking for in a summer program. The question that often follows is…
Every so often, a story captures what makes a summer experience truly meaningful. A recent feature in Tumbleweeds Magazine explores exactly that, a Cottonwood Gulch summer camp experience seen through the lens of fond memory. In the article Wilderness Changed My Life, the author reflects on their time in the Southwest and how immersion in…
Signing your child up for a summer camp or outdoor trek is an exciting step to gearing up for a successful summer of adventures! Whether your trekker is a first-time participant or returning for another season with us at Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, understanding the summer trek registration steps can make everything feel more manageable. At…
What can you find in our Family Trek packing list? Preparing weeks or months ahead for your Family Trek is part of the adventure and fun of exploring the out of doors. Thoughtful packing can make the difference between a trip that feels stressful and one that feels comfortable, organized, and fun. That is why…
Every family looks for meaningful ways to spend time together, especially during the summer. Some families head to the beach, visit national parks, or take road trips across the country. Some parents want their children to explore the out of doors so they send them to youth summer sleepaway camps. What if your summer adventure…
Outdoor learning environments can have a profound impact on young people in general. However, research increasingly shows that girls thrive in outdoor learning such as the Turquoise Trail Trek. During girls outdoor learning programs, teens can gain unique benefits from immersive outdoor programs, particularly when those programs create space for leadership, confidence building, and meaningful…
Discover Dinosaurs in the Field: An Introduction to Paleontology Trek For Teens with Cottonwood Gulch For many young people, an early fascination with dinosaurs begins with museum exhibits, books, or documentaries about prehistoric life. But this paleontology trek for teens and aspiring scientists is much more than studying fossils behind glass. It is a field…
In just two months, the Gulch has kicked off a strong start to 2026 with new treks, new staff, and an abundance of community partnerships. From prescribed burns with snow on the ground, to schools experiencing oddly warm temps on February day trips, we have been thrilled to get outside and connect with our community.…
What’s Happening At Cottonwood Gulch This Summer? Summer 2026 brings an exciting range of trek experiences with Cottonwood Gulch summer adventures, all of which are designed for ages 9 and up. All treks emphasize outdoor learning, community, resilience, and connection to nature, rooted in decades of experiential education in the Southwest. From introductory Basecamp adventures…
Is the Cottonwood Gulch GO! Trek 2026 the Right Summer Trek for Your Child? Finding the right Summer kids outdoor program can feel overwhelming for families with younger adventurers. If you are searching for an outdoor summer adventure for children aged 9-to-11 years old, that blends skill building, creativity, and community, we’ve go the program…