COTTONWOOD GULCH 100TH REUNION, AUGUST 14-16, 2026
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.
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 1 Book online:
Guests may reserve their rooms using this booking link.
- 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
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.
- 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.
- What's the difference between volunteering and work-trade?
- Work-trade participants receive a discounted or complimentary ticket in exchange for a significant time commitment to event operations (kitchen, setup/breakdown, logistics). Volunteers are attendees who pay full price for their ticket but want to help out with smaller tasks during the event while still fully participating in programming.
- How do I apply for work-trade?
- Fill out our Work-Trade Application Form. We have limited spaces for work-trade positions.
- How do I volunteer?
- If you're already registered (or planning to register at full price) and want to help out during the event, email us at 100thReunion@cottonwoodgulch.org
- When does the window close?
- The deadline to apply is March 1st. Applicants will be notified whether they have been accepted by April 1st.
- Will meals and drinks be provided?
- Yes. All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast are provided. Alcohol is available for guests 21+ at designated areas.
- Are there options for dietary needs?
- Yes. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are available. If you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions, please indicate them during registration and we'll do our best to accommodate.
- What are the camping and lodging options?
- On-site options include rustic cabins, tent camping, and car camping—all at no additional cost. You can select your preferred option when you register. Spots are limited and first-come, first-served. Bring your own sleeping bag and appropriate gear to stay comfortable.
- Are there hotel options nearby?
- Yes. We have room blocks at the Hilton Garden Inn and Historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, NM (approximately 45 minutes from Basecamp). See the 100th Reunion web page for booking details.
- Can I rent camping gear?
- [PLACEHOLDER: Gear rental details coming soon]
- Is parking available?
- Yes, on-site parking is available, though carpooling is highly encouraged, we have limited spaces within walking distance.
- Can I come and go from the event?
- Yes, you're welcome to leave and return as needed. However, be aware that parking may be a long walk from the main program areas, so plan accordingly.
- What should I bring?
- Comfortable clothing, layers for varying temperatures, sunscreen, rain gear, water bottle, sleeping bag, and any personal gear for outdoor activities.
- What is Basecamp like in August?
- Basecamp sits at 7,500 feet elevation. Expect warm, sunny days (80s-90s°F) and cool nights (40s-60s°F), with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Bring layers, sunscreen, and rain gear. If you're not used to elevation or the desert, stay hydrated and take it easy on arrival.
- What time should I arrive and depart?
- Arrival: Anytime after 12:00 PM on Friday (first meal is Friday dinner). Departure: Please depart by 2:00 PM on Sunday (last meal is Sunday breakfast). If you need to arrive outside of welcome booth hours (Friday 12-9 PM, Saturday 8 AM-6 PM), please contact us in advance.
- Is the event accessible for people with mobility challenges?
- Yes, even though the Gulch Basecamp is rustic, we want this event to be as accessible as possible. If you have questions, contact us in advance so we can help arrange appropriate accommodations.
- Are there medical staff or first aid stations?
- Yes, trained staff and first aid stations are on site.
- What is the nearest hospital?
- The nearest hospitals are Cibola General Hospital in Grants and Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup—both approximately 45 minutes from Basecamp.
- Are pets allowed?
- No. Certified service animals may be allowed—contact us prior to bringing any animals.
- Can I bring cannabis?
- No. Please do not bring cannabis to the event.
- What are the main sessions or activities?
- Highlights include outdoor programming, opening ceremony, campfires, evening hootenanny, and interactive workshops. A detailed schedule will be shared closer to the event.
- Will there be kid-friendly activities?
- Yes, activities will include kid-friendly options.
- Is childcare available?
- No, childcare is not provided. Adults are responsible for all minors in their care throughout the event.
- Can I lead a session or workshop?
- Yes! We welcome community-led programming. If you have an idea for a session or workshop, please indicate your interest when applying for volunteer or work-trade positions, or contact us directly at [email].
- Can I purchase centennial merchandise?
- Yes. You will have the option to purchase some merchandise when you register. Additional merchandise will be available on-site, and credit cards will be accepted.
- Will there be a silent auction?
- Yes. Come and find out more in person!
- Can I bring musical instruments?
- Personal musical instruments are welcome and encouraged.
- Who can I contact with questions during the event?
- Event staff are available on site and at the Welcome Booth.
- What's the cell phone service like at Basecamp?
- Cell service can be spotty—though this is a great opportunity to unplug and be present with the community!
Do you have more questions about our reunion?
If so, reach out to us at 100thReunion@cottonwoodgulch.
