Looking Back on 2025 Cottonwood Gulch Summer Treks

Cottonwood Gulch Summer Treks:
A Year in Review & 2026 Summer Planning

It is hard to believe only a few days remain in this amazing year that has been full of Cottonwood Gulch summer treks, school programs, and anniversary celebrations. As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect with deep gratitude on an incredible season of trekking, learning, and community. Thanks to the enthusiasm of our trekkers, families, alumni, and supporters, 2025 was a year defined by connection, adventure, and meaningful time outdoors.

 

Cottonwood Gulch Summer Treks

This past summer, 1,121 trekkers joined us in the beautiful Southwestern outdoors, spending an impressive 486 days exploring, learning, and growing across the Southwest. From early morning hikes to campfire conversations, these experiences reminded us why immersive outdoor education continues to matter, now more than ever.

 

 

We are also excited to see so many of you are already planning to join us for Summer Treks 2026. The highly anticipated Blue Corn Trek is back, alongside long-time favorites like Prairie, Turquoise, GO!, and Wild Country Trek. Each program offers its own unique blend of adventure, place-based learning, and community, while staying rooted in the values that have guided the Gulch for nearly a century.

We invite you and your families to explore all our Summer Treks and learn more about the amazing experiences to be had in 2026. These treks fill quickly, and many families return year after year, standing as a testament to the lasting impact of the Gulch experience.

 

Gratitude To Our Generous Donors

Thanks to your unwavering support of the Gulch’s missions, we proudly awarded $180,000 in scholarships, primarily to families in Albuquerque and New Mexico this year. Whether it’s a first trek or a return to familiar trails, our programs helped young people to unplug, explore deeply, and build confidence through real-world challenges.

 

 

As we head into the new year, we want to say thank you to everyone who made this year’s success possible. Your trust, support, and shared belief in experiential outdoor learning continue to shape the future of Cottonwood Gulch.

We look forward to welcoming new and returning trekkers in Summer 2026. Registration is now open, and we can’t wait to hit the trail together again. Screens off, Trek on!

 

 

Learn more about our treks, centennial celebrations, and more: