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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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