School Treks:
Semester 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 Semester Treks are open to New Mexico-only middle through high school classrooms. Treks feature classroom visits, day treks, and overnight camping expeditions.
Focus:
Cultivating confidence and community in the Outdoors
Program Overview & Sample Itinerary
Our full semester programs are available to classrooms across New Mexico and support a long-term commitment to experiential learning. These hybrid treks combine 7-15 days of in-classroom presentations, day trips, and overnight camping excursions spread throughout the semester.
No matter which option you choose, we’ll work with you to design an experience that aligns with your curriculum, fosters curiosity, and connects students to the land and culture of the Southwest.
Note: we advise schools to register the semester prior.
In-Classroom Lessons
We bring the adventure to your classroom! Our educators lead hands-on lessons that connect students with the natural world, preparing them for future outdoor experiences or deepening their understanding of place and self.
Day Treks
Spend single days exploring the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. From fossil hunting and ecology studies to cultural site visits, these guided field trips are designed to align with academic goals, offer immersive learning in nature, and ignite student curiosity.
Praise from Administrators
“Our students had an absolutely wonderful time, visiting monuments, hiking, and camping, all while participating in exceptional social emotional learning…This experience is something we can’t provide in the traditional school setting, and I am grateful our students had this experience.”
LOGISTICS
Age:
Middle - High School
Date:
Spring and Fall
Pricing:
$100-300 per student per day (chaperones do not pay)
Reduced tuition may be available for Title One schools.
Transportation:
Most daily, on-site transportation is provided unless preferred otherwise. Based on itinerary.
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 25 on a series of outdoor learning experience they’ll never forget. Single semesters or the whole school year can be booked with our team.
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