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.
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…
Paleontology Trek for Teens | Dinosaur Field Program
Discover Dinosaurs in the Field: An Introduction to Paleontology Trek For Teens with Cottonwood Gulch For many young people, an early fascination with dinosaurs begins with museum exhibits, books, or documentaries about prehistoric life. But this paleontology trek for teens and aspiring scientists is much more than studying fossils behind glass. It is a field…
A strong start to 2026!
In just two months, the Gulch has kicked off a strong start to 2026 with new treks, new staff, and an abundance of community partnerships. From prescribed burns with snow on the ground, to schools experiencing oddly warm temps on February day trips, we have been thrilled to get outside and connect with our community.…
Cottonwood Gulch Centennial Celebration!
Cottonwood Gulch Celebrates Its 100 Year Birthday! Join us at the Cottonwood Gulch Centennial Celebration celebrating 100 years this August 14-16 at our Basecamp. It will be a wonderful weekend of community, good food, adventurous fun, and many songs around many a campfire. Tickets are available on our website. Worried about cost? We know the…
Cottonwood Gulch Summer Adventures: Explore What We’re Planning This Summer
What’s Happening At Cottonwood Gulch This Summer? Summer 2026 brings an exciting range of trek experiences with Cottonwood Gulch summer adventures, all of which are designed for ages 9 and up. All treks emphasize outdoor learning, community, resilience, and connection to nature, rooted in decades of experiential education in the Southwest. From introductory Basecamp adventures…
Cottonwood Gulch Go! Trek 2026
Is the Cottonwood Gulch GO! Trek 2026 the Right Summer Trek for Your Child? Finding the right Summer kids outdoor program can feel overwhelming for families with younger adventurers. If you are searching for an outdoor summer adventure for children aged 9-to-11 years old, that blends skill building, creativity, and community, we’ve go the program…
Cottonwood Gulch Outfit Expedition Trek 2026
A Parent’s Guide to Summer Adventure for Ages 11–13 Outfit Expedition Trek 2026 is a perfect introduction to Cottonwood Gulch summer treks for families with children ages 11 to 13. Tailored to support curious young adventurers, this 15-day program invites trekkers into outdoor community life while building confidence, skills, and connection to the world around…
Wild Country Trek 2026: Immersive Adventure and Exploration
Wild Country Trek 2026 offers an immersive outdoor experience for teens ages 13 to 15 who love adventure, skill building, and exploring diverse landscapes. This trek is part of the extensive Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions selection of Summer offerings for young people; blending, tradition, challenge, and meaningful community time to help young people grow confidence and…
Mountain Desert Trek 2026: A Parent’s Guide to Leadership & Adventure
Explore the life-changing Mountain Desert Trek 2026 Our Mountain Desert Trek 2026 offers a unique opportunity for teens ages 16 to 18 to develop leadership, confidence, and deep outdoor skills while traveling across the American Southwest. As the longest and most challenging trek Cottonwood Gulch offers, Mountain Desert invites older teens into a sustained experience…
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