Spring Break 2023
Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/11/2023 - 03/19/2023
All Day
Location
Trinity River bank across from Woodshed
Categories
Spring Break : West Texas Tour
| Dates: 3/11-3/19 | Time: Multiday |
| Early Registration Deadline: 2/3 | Early Bird Cost: $595/$650 |
| Registration Deadline: 3/3 | Regular Cost: $695/$750 |
Explore West Texas on this iconic Spring Break Trip. Come with us to hike through Big Bend Ranch State Park, Big Bend National Park, Franklin Mountains State Park, White Sands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Along the way, we will explore the surrounding towns as we camp, hike and retreat for the week.
Register in-person or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu
Trip Cost:
Early Registration (full payment due at registration):
$595with a TCU ID, $650 as a sponsored guest
Regular Registration:
$695 with a TCU ID, $750 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
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Pre-Trip Meeting:
3/6 @ 6pm
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held in order to adequately prepare you for the trip. Meetings are 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 6:00am and drive to Big Bend Ranch State Park (about 10 hours). We will unload the gear and set up camp in the park. Together we will watch the stars come out as we gather around the campfire roasting S’mores.
Day 2: We will hike at Big Bend Ranch State Park and explore along the Rio Grande River.
Day 3: We’ll drive to Big Bend National Park and hike Emory Peak, the most iconic hike at Big Bend National Park. That evening we’ll camp in Marfa at El Cosmico Campground.
Day 4: The fourth day of our trip is a day to rest and explore Marfa. We will sleep in, have a delicious breakfast and enjoy spending time around the campground.
Day 5: Drive to Franklin Mountains State Park where we will hike and camp for the evening.
Day 6: White Sands National Park is just a hop and a skip away from Franklin Mountains, so we’ll spend the day exploring White Sands and taking in the views.
Day 7: Back at Franklin Mountains, we’ll hike and explore the state park, as well as the surrounding El Paso area.
Day 8: We’ll drive to Guadalupe Mountains National Park and hike the tallest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. That evening, we’ll camp at Guadalupe Mountains National Park as we enjoy our final evening on the trip.
Day 9: We’ll pack up and drive back to TCU (about 8 hours).
Physical Challenge
Hiking through these stunning national parks can be strenuous on both your legs and back. It may also prove challenging to spend multiple days on trail in a row and hiking about 10 miles a 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 intermediate trip.
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 terrane of West Texas. 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 camp at various campsites throughout the duration of this trip. Modern bathroom facilities and clean running water may not be readily available for the at every campsite of this trip. TCU will provide water jugs (for drinking and cooking), 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.