Summer Wilderness Programs in New Mexico

Cottonwood Gulch Summer Expeditions:
Based in Albuquerque NM, the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation provides a wide range of educational wilderness expeditions and outdoor summer programs for kids and teens ages 10-18, as well as Family programs and Adult programs. Our wilderness expeditions take place in the heart of the American Southwest, and promote personal growth, scientific, historic, and cultural discovery as well as a knowledgeable environmental ethic among all those who participate.

Educational Wilderness Expeditions / Outdoor Summer Programs for Kids, Teens & Adults:
Based in New Mexico, our Summer Expeditions range from 2-6 weeks, and are for kids ages 10-19. No expertise is needed to join, just a sense of adventure and a desire to learn about the animals, art, and unique culture of the Southwest.

Sunrise on Mount Taylor Expedition
15 Days, Ages 10-13
- Session 1: June 23 - July 8
- Session 2: July 13 - July 28
This course is an introduction to outdoor living for younger, and first-time campers. Kids spend 10 days at the Cottonwood Gulch Base Camp, Summit Mount Taylor to watch the sunrise, Explore Mushroom Rocks, Lava Tubes, One-Day River Trip on the San Juan, and more.

Wild Country Trek
21 Days, Ages 13-15
- Session 1: June 24 - July 13
- Session 2: July 17 - August 5
Introduction to Backpacking and Rock Climbing. Includes a 4-day backpack exploring the Volcanoes of New Mexico, and a wander through Chaco Canyon. Students get to restore a New Mexico Wetland, plus spend 7 days at the Cottonwood Gulch Base Camp.

Turquoise Trail
36 Days, Girls 13-16, June 24 - July 30
Two backpacking excursions in New Mexico for girls: the Gila Wilderness and Mount Wheeler (New Mexico’s highest peak). Girls live and work on a Navajo Farm; scope out Pie Town, the Earthships, and Ancient Puebloan Ruins. There is also the opportunity to create your own Legacy Project at the Cottonwood Gulch Base Camp.

Prairie Trek
36 Days, Boys 13-16, June 24 - July 30
Two backpacking trips: Utah’s Mount Tukuhnikivatz, and New Mexico’s rugged Zuni Mountains. Boys get to live and work on a Navajo Farm. Learn to rock climb, or master your technique. Hike 18 miles in one day to Keet Seel Ruin. Also, the chance to create your own Legacy Project at the Cottonwood Gulch Base Camp.

Mountain Desert Trek
42 Days, Ages 16-18, June 24 - August 5
Three separate backpacks, the longest is 8-10 days. Backpack along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, tackle a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado, live and work on a Navajo Farm, restore decimated wetland in the Santa Fe National Forest, and create your own Legacy Project at the Cottonwood Gulch Base Camp. This is the longest and most challenging of our expeditions.

Trek Institute: Southwestern Art and Music
21 Days, Ages 15-18, June 25 - July 14
Let the wilderness inspire your Art and Music. Work with professional artists in Santa Fe and Taos. Create pottery, rugs, and painting with Native American Artisans. Spend two weeks as an artist-in-residence at our Cottonwood Gulch Base Camp, and one week traveling through New Mexico's wilderness to inspire your creative side.

Paleontology Trek
13 Days, Ages 14 and up, July 18 - 30
Find and excavate real dinosaur bones with professional paleontologists. Earn 4 College Credits for your work, and learn to live and camp in the exotic badlands of New Mexico. Also includes a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History

Family Trek
8 Days, All Ages, July 28 - August 4
Explore the Southwest with your family… Relax on our 540-acre nature preserve. Spend 3 nights “On the Road” in Jemez Springs, Bandelier, and Santa Fe. Celebrate longtime Gulch legend Chet Kubit’s 80th birthday

Adult Treks
9-10 Days, 21 and older
Start each day with a cup of Gulch coffee and end each day with a glass of wine.  Fall colors, plenty of challenge if you want it, plenty of relaxation required in between adventures. Choose from one of 3 options:

- Women's Wilderness Retreat
- Canyon Country
- Fly Fishing, Alpine Lakes, Mountain Peaks