COTTONWOOD GULCH 100TH REUNION, AUGUST 14-16, 2026

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A once-in-a-century gathering to honor the past, celebrate the present, and step together into the next 100 years of Cottonwood Gulch. 

For a hundred years, Cottonwood Gulch has shaped young people, educators, leaders, and lifelong adventurers through learning, land, and community. This August, we return to Basecamp to celebrate that legacy together.

This won't happen again for another hundred years. Whether you last trekked in the 1940s or the 2020s, this is your moment to reconnect with the community that shaped you and help carry the Gulch into its next century.

This is not a conference or a gala; it's a homecoming, a reunion, and a collective moment of gratitude and renewal. We hope you’ll join us.

High-Level Agenda

  • Dates: Friday, August 14 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
  • Location: Cottonwood Gulch Basecamp, Thoreau, New Mexico
  • Arrival: Friday 12:00 PM or later, first meal provided is Friday dinner
  • Departure: Last meal provided is Sunday breakfast, please plan to depart by 2:00 PM
  • Who It's For: Gulch alumni, their partners and families, staff (past and present), and community members (present and future)
  • Capacity: Limited to 400 people including Gulch staff and volunteers—register early to secure your spot

Weekend Flow

Friday — Arrival & Welcome
Arrivals begin at Basecamp with rolling registration starting at noon. Friday dinner is the first provided meal. The evening brings outdoor programming, happy hour, dinner, and an opening ceremony to officially welcome the community, followed by campfires and an evening hootenanny to kick off the weekend.

Saturday — Celebration & Connection
Saturday is the core of the gathering, with breakfast, outdoor programming sessions, shared meals, games, and time together across generations. The evening features a special 100th Anniversary campfire, followed by a concert and dancing.

Sunday — Closing & Departure
We'll wrap up the weekend with breakfast and departures. The last provided meal is Sunday breakfast, and we kindly ask that you depart by 2:00 PM.

A more detailed schedule will be shared closer to the event.

Welcome Booth Hours:

  • Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

If you plan to arrive outside these windows, please contact us in advance.

About the Event + Tickets

The 100th Anniversary celebration is anticipated to cost $150,000 or more to produce. Our goal is to cover these costs while making the event accessible to everyone who loves the Gulch. That's why we offer multiple ticketing options and opportunities to support other community members' attendance. Full-price tickets cover the direct cost of participation—venue, meals, lodging options, programming, and staffing across the weekend. Community support helps bridge the gap.

If you cannot afford the Access Ticket price, please contact us directly—we may have a limited number of full complimentary tickets available.

Limited spaces available. Early bird pricing ends February 28, 2026.

Ticketing Details:

  • Adult Ticket – $495 (early bird through 2/28/26, then $550)
    Includes full access to the 100th Anniversary celebration, all programming, shared meals, and experiences from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast.
  • Access Ticket (Adult) – $250
    Offered to help ensure financial accessibility for community members who wish to attend. No application or documentation required—simply select this option when you register. Supported through community contributions and sponsors.
  • Youth/Child Ticket – $250 (ages 6-17)
    For young people ages 6-17. Includes everything in the Adult Ticket. All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. The Gulch is not responsible for overseeing minors during this event.
  • Children 5 and Under – Free
    Children 5 and under attend free but must be registered so we can plan for meals and accommodations.
  • Work-Trade Opportunities
    Limited work-trade positions are available for those who would like to reduce their ticket cost in exchange for helping with event operations (kitchen support, setup/breakdown, logistics). Work-trade participants receive a discounted or complimentary ticket based on their commitment level. Fill out the Work-Trade application form here. The deadline to apply is March 1st.  Applicants will be notified whether they have been accepted by April 1st.
  • Volunteer Opportunities
    Already planning to attend at full price but want to pitch in? We welcome volunteers who can help with small tasks during the event while still fully participating in programming. Interested in volunteering? Email: 100thReunion@cottonwoodgulch.org

Optional Community Support Add-On
When you register, you may choose to add increments of $100 to help cover the cost of access tickets, work-trade positions, or support for young trekkers and community members. Small acts of generosity help make this gathering possible for more people.

GET TICKETS HERE

Lodging

Basecamp – Onsite Camping & Sleeping Options

All guests may stay onsite at Cottonwood Gulch Basecamp at no additional cost. A variety of rustic camping and cabin options will be available—you can select your preferred option when you register. Spots are limited and first-come, first-served.

Please note: Basecamp accommodations are rustic. Bring appropriate clothing, layers, and personal gear (including your own sleeping bag) to keep yourself comfortable in an outdoor setting.

Gear Rentals – COMING SOON

Hotel Room Blocks – Gallup, NM

For those who prefer hotel accommodations, we have room blocks at the following locations in Gallup, New Mexico (approximately 45 minutes from Basecamp):

  • Hilton Garden Inn – Gallup:

Arrival: August 14, 2026
Departure: August 16, 2026

All reservations must be completed on or before August 1, 2026. After this date, the group rate will no longer be available.

How to book

 

  • Option 2 Book by phone:

        Guests may call the hotel directly at (505)-722-9600
When the automated system answers, press 0 to reach the front desk
Please provide the rate code GULCH to receive the group rate (~$50 discount)

 

  • Historic El Rancho Hotel – Gallup:

Arrival: August 14, 2026
Departure: August 16, 2026

How to book

  • Must call (505)-863-9311 to get special room rate. Use the group name COTTONWOOD GULCH when booking

King Room rate: $130.38 + tax            Double Queen room rate: $138.58 + tax

Travel Snapshot

  • Flying: The recommended airport is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). From Albuquerque, rent a car to travel to Basecamp and explore the surrounding area. Shuttles and group transportation will NOT be provided.
  • Driving Time: Basecamp is approximately 2 hours from Albuquerque.
  • Arrival: The Welcome Booth opens at 12:00 PM on Friday, allowing for flexible arrival throughout the afternoon. The first provided meal is Friday dinner.
  • Departure: The last provided meal is Sunday breakfast. We kindly ask that all guests depart by 2:00 PM on Sunday.

Sponsorships & Community Support

Access Sponsor – $1,000
Support at this level can allow 4 Gulch community members to attend the 100th who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford the ticket price, or subsidize participation for youth or young trekkers.
Program Steward – $5,000
Support at this level can allow 20 Gulch community members to attend the 100th who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford the ticket price, and help support shared programming while protecting ticket affordability for families.
Cottonwood Keeper – $10,000
Support at this level can underwrite participation for 30-40 Gulch community members and offset major event costs so access remains a priority.
Optional Community-Supported Ticket Add On
Guests may choose to add increments of $100 at checkout to help cover the cost of access tickets, work-trade positions, or young trekker participation. Small acts of generosity help make this gathering possible for more people.

Thinking about supporting in a different way? Please reach out to our Deputy Director in charge of Development and Internal Relations,  Carrie Dalrymple, at carrie.dalrymple@cottonwoodgulch.org, or 505-248-0563.

Attendance & Tickets
Can I attend for just one day?
This is a full weekend gathering—single-day tickets are not available. If cost is a concern, you are encouraged to choose an Access Ticket or apply for work-trade.
Is this event only for Gulch alumni?
No—while the event is geared toward Gulch alumni and community members, partners and family members are absolutely welcome to attend.
I haven't been to the Gulch in decades—will I fit in?
Absolutely. This gathering is for everyone who has been touched by the Gulch, whether you last trekked in the 1960s or the 2020s. This is a multigenerational celebration, and we want you here.
How do I register?
Registration is online and includes access to all programming, meals, and activities. Register here.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Tickets are refundable if requested before June 1, 2026. After June 1, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Is there a limit on attendance?
Yes—we are capped at 400 attendees, including Gulch staff and volunteers. We encourage you to register early to secure your spot, especially if you want early bird pricing.
Do children 5 and under need to register?
Yes. While they attend free, we need them registered so we can plan appropriately for meals and accommodations.
Can minors attend without an adult?
No. All minors (17 and under) must be accompanied by a registered adult. The Gulch is not responsible for overseeing minors during this event.
Volunteer & Work-Trade
Food & Drink
Accommodations & Logistics
Accessibility & Safety
Pets & Substances
Programming & Activities
Merchandise & Silent Auction
Miscellaneous

Do you have more questions about our reunion?

If so, reach out to us at 100thReunion@cottonwoodgulch.org

Musicians play guitars during an evening porch jam session outside a rustic wooden cabin lit with string lights and a ‘Welcome to Basecamp’ sign