Spark Curiosity.
For nearly a century, we've been exploring the Southwest and learning from its landscapes, cultures, and communities. Our blog shares reflections from the trail, insights from educators, and voices from our alumni network. Dive into our articles to discover what makes The Gulch experience life changing and unforgettable.
Turquoise Trail Trek 2026: A Parent’s Guide to This Transformative Summer Experience
Join us for Turquoise Trail Trek 2026 Turquoise Trail Trek 2026 invites female-identifying teens, ages 15 to 18, to explore identity, community, and place through an extended summer expedition with Cottonwood Gulch. This unique program blends immersive education, meaningful travel, and deep connection to landscape and people. In this guide, we help parents understand what…
Read More
Prairie Trek 2026: A Parent’s Guide to This Life Changing Summer Experience
Cottonwood Prairie Trek 2026 Cottonwood Prairie Trek 2026 offers a unique opportunity for young people ages 14 to 16 to build confidence, community, and self-awareness in the outdoors while exploring the American Southwest. As the longest running trek at Cottonwood Gulch, Prairie Trek has a rich history of fostering identity, cultural competency, and connection to…
Read More
How to Choose the Right Cottonwood Gulch Summer Trek for Your Family
Summer Trek Planning Guide Summer is an exciting time for families who want more than just another camp experience. The Cottonwood Gulch summer trek planning guide is here to help you choose the right trek for your child in 2026 based on interests, age, and learning goals. Cottonwood Gulch has been leading transformative outdoor experiences…
Read More
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…
Read More
Cottonwood Gulch Annual Appeal
Cottonwood Gulch Annual Appeal: Why the Trek Still Matters The Cottonwood Gulch annual appeal arrives at a meaningful moment as we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026. Over the past year, our Director has traveled across the country, from Santa Fe to Boston, reconnecting with alumni and listening to why the Gulch…
Read More
Cottonwood Gulch 2025 Annual Report
Cottonwood’s 2025 Annual Report: A Year of Community, Growth, and Impact Cottonwood’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a very special year for us as we celebrate 99 years of trekking. This year was one of deepening connections, expanding programs, and preparations for the organization’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2026.Building on decades of innovative outdoor education, this…
Read More
How are Summer Treks Different From Traditional Summer Camps?
Cottonwood Gulch versus Summer Camps: Discover The Gulch Way Parents searching for a summer youth sleepaway experience often start with a familiar question, “Which summer camp is right for my child?” In many cases, choosing Cottonwood Gulch versus summer camps is an easy decision because Cottonwood Gulch isn’t just a summer camp. It’s a…
Read More
2024 Annual Report
We are very excited to share our 2024 Annual Report with you! Paper copies of the report will be arriving in your mailboxes soon, but here is a sneak peak at our impact in 2024. This year we got to watch a number of fresh faces experience the Gulch for the first time through our school programs…
Read More
2024 Spring Appeal
“There is life everywhere, and beauty. The wetlands are important for wildlife, and in turn important for humans. Going outside helps show people that even when things are tough, you will get relief.” — eCademy student Donate Today In 2023, Cottonwood Gulch provided outdoor learning adventures to students in 30…
Read More
Cottonwood Gulch Strategic Plan 2022-2026
Click here to download the Strategic Plan.
Read More
2023 Fall Appeal
Give Today Dear Cottonwood Gulch Community, In 2023, we took more than 1,500 people on Cottonwood Gulch treks, many of them for a second, third, tenth, or (in Chet Kubit’s case) 58th year of trekking with us. With all those trekkers, and so many familiar faces, we have been asking: Why do we keep coming…
Read MoreInterested in getting our e-newsletter?
We send the latest Cottonwood Gulch news and updates right to your email inbox. Our quarterly publications include updates about new treks, scholarships, and anniversary celebrations.