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.
Summer Treks Are Filling Up: Don’t miss out!
It’s not too late to sign up for your trek summer adventure! But move quickly- Treks are filling up, and we want to make sure you don’t miss out on the wonder of a Gulch trek this year. Head to our website and sign up for community, challenge, and many a magical Gulch campfire under…
2026 Silver Buckle Award Nominations
It’s that time of year again, when we honor Gulch community members with our Annual Silver Buckle Award! The Silver Buckle Award is a time-honored tradition at Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, historically presented to trekkers who distinguished themselves in some way over the course of the summer. The original Silver Buckle continues to be awarded to…
Why Planning Early for Summer Treks Makes a Big Difference
Many families begin thinking about summer programs in late spring, but the most successful experiences often start with planning months earlier, as summer programs fill early. Outdoor expedition programs such as Cottonwood Gulch Summer Treks require thoughtful preparation, both for families and for the young people preparing to participate. Planning early gives families more time…
April Monthly Informational Zoom Sessions
Curious to know more about our Summer treks? Join us for monthly zoom sessions and learn more about what a Gulch trek entails! Our April Summer 2026 Zoom session is this Wednesday, at 6pm MST. Each session will include a basic run through of what you need to know, a specialized conversation topic and plenty…
Packing for a Family Trek With Cottonwood Gulch
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…
April Gatherings at the Gulch
Between our last Regional Rendezvous of the year and our Basecamp opening, we look forward to seeing YOU! Whether you join us for snacks and community connection in Albuquerque or you come out to Basecamp to show it some love and share a campfire with us, we hope to see you this month. Click the…
Is a Family Trek Summer Adventure Right for You?
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…
Celebrate our 100th Anniversary with us!
Our 100th year is upon us! We are offering multiple family and adult-focused treks leading up to the 100th Reunion. You can find details regarding those treks below, and mark your calendars to sign up today! ARCHAEOLOGY TREK Dates: 08/08 – 08/13 Ages: 21+ A special additional adult trek that will travel through and visit…
Why Girls Flourish With Outdoor Summer Learning
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…
Experiential Education Summer Programs Help Children Thrive
Many parents search for summer programs that offer more than entertainment. They want experiences that help their children grow in confidence, responsibility, and curiosity about the world. One educational model that has consistently delivered these outcomes are experiential education summer programs. We are proud to say this summer experience is where we at Cottonwood Gulch…
Cottonwood Gulch Treks: Beyond Summer Camp
What Makes Cottonwood Gulch Different from Other Summer Programs? Families researching summer opportunities for their children quickly discover that many programs offer outdoor activities, travel experiences, or educational enrichment. In some ways, many programs have similar offerings which only differ in terms of geography. Cottonwood, however, is a Summer program that goes beyond a mere…
Our Last Regional Rendezvous Event
Join us in Albuquerque for our last Regional Rendezvous before we celebrate our 100th Reunion this summer. This event will feature local flavor, inspiring trek stories, opportunities to connect with fellow Gulch enthusiasts, and a discussion about where the Gulch is headed in our second century. Click the buttons below to RSVP! ALBUQUERQUE REGIONAL RENDEZVOUS…
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