Guadalupe Mountains Fall Break
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/10/2024 - 10/13/2024
All Day
Categories
Guadalupe Mountains Hiking & Camping
| Dates: 10/10-10/13 | Time: Multiday |
| Early Bird Deadline: 9/6 | EB Cost: $180 |
| Sign Up Deadline: 9/30 | Cost: $200 |
| Pre-Trip Meeting: 10/2 @ 6pm | Location: Guadalupe Mountains National Park & Franklin Mountains State Park |
Trip Description:
Spend your Fall Break with the TCU Adventure Trip Program exploring Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We will spend three nights camping and hiking in the beautiful national park. Fall is the perfect time to explore Texas’s highest peak.
Trip Cost:
Early Registration: $180 with a TCU ID
Regular Registration: $200 with a TCU ID,
- Prices reflect the TCU student/faculty and staff.
- Please read our cancellation/refund policy carefully before registering.
- Price does not include meals on the road
Trip Registration:
Register in-person or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu
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Pre-Trip Meeting:
10/2 @ 6pm
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held prior to the trip departure (date 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 0: Meet at TCU Outdoor Center at 8pm to pack bags, distribute group gear and load the vehicles with equipment. This will allow us to leave bright an early on Thursday morning.
Day 1: Depart TCU at 6am, settle in for the 7 hour van ride, and head west to the park. When we arrive we will set up our campsite, cook dinner and camp under the stars.
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we will set out on a hike to the summit of Texas’s highest peak.
Day 3: We will wake up and take on a day full of hiking.
Day 4: On our last day we will have a delicious breakfast, break down camp and make the drive back to TCU. Arrive back at TCU at 5pm.
Physical Challenge
The Guadalupe Mountains are situated at around 8,000 ft of elevation. It is imperative that individuals seeking to participate in this trip are active prior to participating. Hiking Guadalupe Peak will take us to 8,700 ft. Hiking at this altitude is a challenging physical endeavor. We will be hiking as much as 10 miles per day. Staying well hydrated, taking your time, resting when necessary (but not for too long), and keeping your energy level high is essential. Trip members should be in good physical condition and should plan on challenging themselves on this trip.
TRIP RATING 2 out of 3 – This is an advanced hiking trip due to the duration, distance and terrain.
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:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
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CLOTHING LIST: |
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HEAD:
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HANDS:
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
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UPPER BODY
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LOWER BODY:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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Risk/Safety
There are numerous risks and hazards associated with the Guadalupe Mountains & Franklin Mountains . The altitude and mountainous terrain will require extra caution when hiking. Not dressing appropriately can result in heat or cold illnesses (Hyperthermia or Hypothermia). 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
We will be hiking and camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park & Franklin Mountains State Park. The parks are very remote with limited plumbing and electricity. This means there will be limited access to bathrooms, and there will be no showers. There will be designated tent sites and water provided. TCU will provide tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, and foam sleeping pads. 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.