Logo

Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions

Knowledge through Wilderness Adventure

2008 Adult & Family Trek

Photograph
Photograph
15 members
2 sessions: July 12 - July 19 and August 3 - August 10
Tuition $975/adult, $475/child
Highlights: Adventure for couples and the entire family, day and overnight trips around northwestern New Mexico can include lava caves, a contemporary pueblo, the ruins of Chaco Canyon, a mountain peak, historic trading posts in Gallup, and your choice of activities at Base Camp.

This week-long program for adults and families will explore the nature, history, and enchantment of northwestern New Mexico. For parents, this is a chance to share a love for nature and the outdoors with their children. For adult alumni it is also an opportunity to rediscover the magic of Cottonwood Gulch. For many children, this is an introduction to the wonders of the outdoors and the simple pleasures of camping.

The group will make their home at Base Camp on Cottonwood Gulch’s 540-acre Zuni Mountain nature preserve. Day trips from Base Camp will take the group off the beaten path. Destinations and activities can be tailored to the participants of the group as there are many areas to explore: the lava tube caves of El Malpais, the ancient civilization of Chaco Canyon, the history of Spanish explorers at El Morro, the sacred peak of Mount Taylor, and the contemporary cultures and traditions of the Navajo, Zuni, and Acoma tribes. Our expert group leader has been leading the Adult and Family Trek for over 20 years and knows the people and places of the area intimately. Cottonwood Gulch staff instructors will help the group explore and camp safely and responsibly, sharing their knowledge and passion for the environment.

Activities to choose from at Base Camp include: day hikes through the Zuni Mountains led by our head naturalist, making silver jewelry and arts with our resident arts instructor in our Native Arts Workshop, and reconstructing pueblo life at Cottonwood Gulch 1,000 years ago with the help of our archaeologist using our own extensive artifact collection. At Base Camp, participants live with their family members or friends in our rustic cabins, which sleep six to eight people. Meals are served family style in our dining hall. On overnight trips, the group will use Cottonwood Gulch tents and eat from our mobile kitchen. Showers and swim time are available at Base Camp each day as well.

At campfire each evening we sing songs, play games, share stories and recount the adventures of the day. The Adult and Family Trek offers both a wonderful family vacation and an enriching escape into a simpler lifestyle, surrounded by enthusiastic and passionate people, in a wild and beautiful landscape.

Learn more »