School Treks:
1-2 Week Treks
Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions partners with schools to deliver hands-on, inquiry-driven learning in the field. Guided by expert educators, students engage directly with all aspects of their surrounding environment. Each program is designed to promote critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth outdoors, with the opportunity to integrate specific academic goals.
Our 1-2 Week Treks are open to middle through high school classrooms nationwide. Treks feature Zoom or in-person classroom visits and overnight camping in the Southwest.
Focus:
Building confidence and community in the Outdoors
Program Overview & Sample Itinerary
Our 1-2 week treks offer a dynamic blend of challenging adventure, personal growth opportunities, and outdoor immersion. Designed to inspire curiosity and resilience, these multi-day journeys combine experiential learning with hands-on exploration.
Guided by our experienced outdoor educators, students are encouraged to push their boundaries, engage in scientific investigations, and discover the rich cultural history of the Southwest in a supportive and fun-filled environment
Zoom/In Person: In-Classroom Lessons
Introduction to the trek, overview of itinerary, and Q&A session with Cottonwood Gulch staff for students, families, and educators.
Day 1-2: Overnight Trekking
Arrival and head to first campsite, Introduction to our community living norms and introductory hike to establish our outdoor classroom.
Day 3-5: Overnight Trekking
Hiking through Ah-shi-sle-pah hoodoo formations and participating in service learning projects with local Cottonwood Gulch partners.
Day 6-9: Overnight Trekking
Sunrise summit of Mt Taylor, exploration of lava fields in the Malpais National Monument, star gazing at Cottonwood Gulch Basecamp.
Day 10-12: Overnight & Closing
Challenge day with climbing at slot canyon. Closing reflection and celebration before departure.
Praise from Administrators
“Cottonwood Gulch does an exemplary job providing hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and inspiring to students. By taking students out of the classroom and into nature, Cottonwood Gulch offers a unique opportunity for experiential learning that is both impactful and memorable.”
LOGISTICS
Age:
Middle - High School
Date:
Spring and Fall
Pricing:
$150-300 per student per day (chaperones do not pay)
Reduced tuition may be available for Title One schools.
Transportation:
Transportation to New Mexico is not included. On-site transportation and airport transfers are included.
Chaperones:
2-3 chaperones per group
EXPERIENCE
Our program is designed to take your entire class or multiple classes from a school in groups of 35 on an outdoor learning experience they’ll never forget.
Activities may include moderate hiking on dirt trails with day packs, sleeping in cabins or tents, and can include adventure options at additional cost such as biking, climbing, intense hiking tails, backpacking.
During excursions students experience creative activities such as: field science, art, geology, environmental restoration and service learning.
INFORMATION
HQ Office:
9223 4th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
CGE Basecamp Location:
659 Highway 612
Thoreau, NM 87323
Office Hours / Phone:
M-F between 9-5 MT
(505) 248-0563
School Programs Lead:
Theresa Lewis
theresa.lewis@cottonwoodgulch.org