Summer Treks: Ages 9-13

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At The Gulch, we’ve spent almost a century guiding Trekkers on transformative journeys through the Southwest. On our Summer Treks, you’ll connect with other curious explorers who value independence, responsibility, and a love of the outdoors. Get ready to turn the screens off and get your trek on!

Treks for Ages 9-13

GO! - Ages 9-11
1 Week Treks

Price: Pick your price

Focus: "Discover Community": Learning, playing, and exploring at our Basecamp while growing independence and confidence

Dates:

  • GO! 1: June 21-27, 2026
  • GO! 2: July 13-19, 2026
  • GO! 3: July 19-25, 2026

 

Outfit Expedition - Ages 11-13
15 Day Treks

Price: $3695

Focus: "Foundation of firsts": Sow the seeds of curiosity and self discovery within outdoor and community living.

Dates:

  • OE 1: June 21 - July 5, 2026
  • OE 2: July 19 - August 2, 2026

Wild Country Trek - Ages 13-15
21 Day Treks

Price: $4995

Focus: "Taking action": science and stewardship with an environmental focus

Dates:

  • WCT 1: June 21 - July 11, 2026
  • WCT 2: July 13 - August 2, 2026

 

 

Click below to explore Treks for Ages 14-18 and Family Treks for all ages.

 

Is a Gulch Trek right for you?

You don’t need to be an outdoor expert or a super athlete to join one of our Treks. You only need a sense of adventure, an open mind, and a desire to explore the outdoors. Cottonwood Gulch's incredible, experienced staff will be there for you on every step of our excursions through the canyons, mountains, and forests of the beautiful Southwest.

If you are the type of person who enjoys sharing stories around a campfire, reading books, exploring nature, learning about science, art, and history, and connecting with other curious kids, you'll fit right in on our Treks.

These summer treks are a powerful, challenging, life-changing experience like none other. Our time-tested itineraries combine fun, learning, friendship, community, and adventure that keeps trekkers coming back year after year!

 

Helpful Quick Links

Contact our team to discuss your family's needs or explore our resource pages below.

The Gulch Impact

“We found ourselves in many different lush places, like a peaceful river crossing, an elegant forest, and a killer rockslide. We traversed through these three biomes with ease. It was truly a sight to behold.”

Dylan

Prairie Trek 2022

“The most important thing I learned this summer is that friends are the most important part of the Gulch.”

Kepler

Prairie Trek - 2025

“This place has made me believe that community is possible.”

Jodie

Southwest Art Trek - 2025

“I'm gonna miss this place more than usual. The extended time at the Gulch has made the connection stronger.... I'm sad to leave, but the person I am because of this summer is the person I want to be when I go back, It's like the song 'Cause being here's just another step towards where I'm gonna be...'”

Daniel

Prairie Trek - 2023

“When you're unabashedly and truly yourself, you make TRUE friends.”

Avery

Mountain Desert Trek - 2025

"I gained a lot of confidence that I didn’t really realize I needed and felt more powerful than I have in awhile. I think this will remind me in life of what I can accomplish and what I am capable of. "

Anne

Turquoise Trail - 2019

"I grew from accomplishing feats I didn’t think I would be able to conquer. I’ll carry the knowledge that I’m more capable than I think I am."

Emily

Mountain Desert Trek - 2019

"Paleo Trek provided me with a first-hand experience of what paleontology really looks like, both in the field and the lab, thanks to the Gulch and Dr. Axel Hungerbuehler. I already really loved paleontology, but Paleo Trek really helped solidify what I wanted to do in college and internships. Even in the dry desert heat, it was such a great time that it makes you forget about the gnats or the cacti, just having a great time sitting on rocks and getting to enjoy the environment and hanging out with new friends."

Zoe

Paleontology Trek - 2021
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