Main Content

Hill Country Spring Break

Map Unavailable

Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/10/2024 - 03/15/2024
All Day

Location
TCU Campus Rec

Categories


Hill Country Spring Break

Dates: 3/10-3/15 Time: Multiday
Early Bird Deadline: 2/9 Early Bird Cost: $250
Registration Deadline:  3/4 Regular Cost: $275
Pre-Trip Meeting:  3/4 Location: Garner State Park & Lost Maples State National Area

Trip Description:

Get acquainted with the Hill Country on this immersive outdoor experience! We will spend three nights camping at Garner State Park and exploring the surrounding area. We will spend one night primitive camping on trail at Lost Maples State Natural Area and end the trip at Lost Maples under the bright Texas stars.

Trip Cost:

Early Registration: $250with a TCU ID

Regular Registration: $275 with a TCU ID

  • Prices reflect the TCU student/faculty and sponsored guest rate.
  • Please read our cancellation/refund policy carefully before registering.
  • Price does not include meals on the road.

Trip Registration:

Register in-person at the Campus Rec Front Office or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu

Pretrip

Itinerary

Packing List

Physical Challenge

Risks/Safety

Hygiene/Comfort

Weather

Outfitting & Food

Registration/Cancellation

Pre-Trip Meeting:

 3/4 @ 6pm

Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date of the Sign-Up deadline (listed above – generally the week of or week before the trip), from 6-7:30 pm at the TCU Climbing Wall.  You will meet the leaders and other trip members, as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at TCU around 1:00 pm and head out toward Garner State Park. Together we will watch the stars come out as we gather around the campfire roasting S’mores.

Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we will hike around Garner State Park and explore what they have to offer. 

Day 3: We’ll travel to other local outdoor areas to explore their trails and hike through some of the Hill Country’s finest nature.

Day 4: We’ll tear down camp at Garner and begin our Backpacking leg of the trip at Lost Maples. We’ll camp at a primitive site on the fourth evening.

Day 5: We will begin this day with a slow morning at our backcountry campsite at Lost Maples. From there, we will backpack to our final campsite in the park and enjoy the scenery around us!

Day 6: After a final breakfast, we will pack up our campsite and head back to TCU. We will arrive back at TCU by approximately 4 pm.

Packing List

We are limited on space, and the less stuff you bring, the less you have to carry around. Ask yourself…What would I want in the coldest weather or the hottest weather? Pack to be prepared for both!

Things that should be packed inside your personal day pack and kept with you inside the van:

  • Small day pack
  • Money for road meals
  • A warm layer
  • Headlamp
  • Travel size pillow
  • Water
  • Snack food
  • Camera

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:

  • Sunglasses w/retainer strap
  • Personal toiletries i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, extra contact lenses, Chapstick, sunscreen, baby wipes, baby powder, ear plugs, hand lotion, medications you usually take, etc.
  • 2 durable crush proof one-liter water bottles or a hydration pack
  • Eating utensils
  • Plastic bowl
  • Mug/insulated cup
  • Hand sanitizer

CLOTHING LIST:

HEAD:
  • Wide brimmed shade hat
  • Beanie/ stocking cap
  • Bandana
HANDS:
  • Gloves
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
  • Hiking shoes (sturdy tennis shoes, trail runners or hiking boots)
  • Water shoes with a heel strap – Chacos, Tevas, old tennis shoes, etc.
UPPER BODY
  • Cotton or synthetic blend hiking shirt (breathable layer)
  • Cotton or synthetic camp shirt (a clean shirt to wear at camp)
  • Synthetic Long Sleeve Top(s) – Polypro, Capilene, or polyester.
  • Fleece jacket or sweatshirt
  • Sports bra
  • Windbreaker
  • Rain Jacket
LOWER BODY:
  • Nylon shorts
  • Lightweight long pants/ cotton or synthetic hiking pants
  • Rain Pants
  • Sweatpants
  • Underwear
  • Synthetic long underwear (top & bottom)
  • Bathing suit
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
  • 15-30˚ sleeping bag and Thermarest sleeping pad
  • Tent with rain fly (sleeps 2-4)
  • Headlamp
  • Camp chair
  • Pack Bag: to hold all of the above items PLUS your personal gear and clothes
GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
  • Expedition First Aid Kit
  • Ground Tarp
  • Stoves, fuel and all cooking gear-pots, pans, spice kit etc.
  • Repair kit for tents, stoves, packs, etc.
  • Water bags -2+ gallon bags for camp use
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert

Physical Challenge

We will do a significant amount of hiking on this trip, however the terrane is manageable and welcoming to beginners and experts alike. 

TRIP RATING 1 out of 3 – This is an Beginner hiking trip.

Risk/Hazard/Safety

There are numerous risks and hazards associated with the Hill Country. Not drinking enough water results in dehydration and not being in adequate physical condition can result in sore muscles. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment; however, while they may be able to treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.

Hygiene Comfort

Our campsite will be located in a developed campground operated by the Park.  There will be designated tent sites, picnic tables, fire pit and running water nearby.  In addition, there is a public restroom facility with flush toilets and running water. TCU will provide tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, and foam sleeping pads. You will have the choice to share a tent with two or three trip members or sleep under the stars. The sleeping area provides us with durable hard packed dirt.

Weather

The trip leaders will research the weather conditions in advance to assess the situation. The Trip will be canceled if the weather is dangerous. If you do not receive an email about this, then please be prepared to be out in the weather. Please follow the weather and use your best judgment as well as the packing list to determine what you will personally need to stay warm and dry during the entirety of this trip. Layers are recommended for cold weather and failure to bring proper attire will be detrimental to your experience.

Please contact Emily Tumilty, Coordinator – Outdoor Programs with any questions at e.tumilty@tcu.edu. //