Hiking & Scrambling
Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/25/2022 - 03/27/2022
All Day
Location
Wichita Wildlife Refuge
Categories
Hiking & Scrambling: Wichita Wildlife Refuge
| Dates: 3/25 – 3/27 | Time: Multiday |
| Early Bird Deadline: 3/14 | Cost: $55/$75 |
| Registration Deadline: 3/23 | Cost: $65/$85 |
| Pre-Trip Meeting: 3/23 @ 6pm | Location: Wichita Wildlife Refuge |
Trip Description:
Oklahoma’s good for something: ample terrain to scramble over. You will see it all at the Wichita Wildlife Refuge, from granite peaks to open meadows to beautiful vegetation. Expect to see large, grazing animals of all sorts: American bison, Rocky Mountain elk, whitetail deer, and even Texas longhorn cattle. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or not, you likely wear a backpack to class. So why not try it out on the trail? Scramble, hike, and camp your way across the Refuge on this mid-February weekend getaway.
Trip Cost:
Early Registration: $55 with a TCU ID, $75 as a sponsored guest
Regular Registration: $65 with a TCU ID, $85 as a sponsored guest
- 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
Pre-Trip Meeting:
3/23 @ 6 pm
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date of the registration 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: Depart TCU around 3pm and head north to Fawn Creek Campground. Set up camp and eat a delicious dinner together around the fire – followed by S’mores, of course 🙂
Day 2: Wake up for a delicious breakfast. Spend the day climbing and scrambling through the boulder strewn canyons of the Wichita Wildlife Refuge.
Day 3: Wake up mid-morning for a hearty brunch, head out to a new part of the Refuge to scramble, climb, and explore. A delicious lunch will be provided before we get back in the van to head back to TCU. Arrive at TCU approximately 5pm.
Physical Challenge
Climbing and scrambling around in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge can be strenuous on the legs. Designated trails may be non-existent. We could be hiking 2-4 miles over rough terrain as we explore. 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 for hiking on rocky and rugged terrain.
TRIP RATING 2 out of 3 – This is a beginner camping and climbing trip, exploring rough terrain.
Packing List
**Please don’t purchase any of the following items before the pre-trip meeting, as your trip leader will have advice on what/where to purchase any required gear**
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:
|
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
|
CLOTHING LIST: |
|
HEAD:
|
HANDS:
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
|
UPPER BODY
|
LOWER BODY:
|
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
|
GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
|
Risk/Hazard/Safety
There are numerous risks and hazards associated with the Wildlife Refuge. Buffalo, Longhorned cattle, rattlesnakes, scorpions, cactus, and other sharp desert plants 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
Our campsite will be located in a developed campground operated by the Refuge. There will be designated tent sites, picnic tables, fire pit and running water nearby. In addition, there is a public restroom facility with pit toilets. Showers will not be available at this campground. 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 Taylor Craig, the Adventure Trip Program Manager with any questions. taylor.craig@tcu.edu