Zion National Park
Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/10/2022 - 05/17/2022
All Day
Location
Wichita Wildlife Refuge
Categories
Zion National Park
| Dates: 3/5 – 3/15 | Time: Multiday |
| Early Bird Deadline: 2/4 | Cost: TBD |
| Registration Deadline: 2/21 | Cost: TBD |
| Pre-Trip Meeting: 2/23 @ 6pm | Location: Zion National Park |
Trip Description:
Maybe you’ve only ever seen in flurry or maybe you grew up spending your winters under ten feet of snow. Either way, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime spending a week in the Rocky Mountains learning to walk in snowshoes and backpacking your way to ski huts along the scenic route. Challenge yourself as you test your strength and endurance while also getting to spend each night in a warm ski hut with running water and beds. If you crave adventure but also don’t want to sacrifice your modern comforts, this trip was made for you.
Trip Cost:
Early Registration: $595 with 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
Trip Registration:
Register in-person at the Campus Rec Front Office or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu
Pre-Trip Meeting:
4/27 @ 6 pm
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date listed above 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: Load vans and depart from TCU in the morning and drive to San Juan County. Stops will be made along the way for restroom breaks and meals. Arrive in Ouray, Colorado approximately 15 hours later.
Day 2: Hike out to the Via Ferrata and climb across!
Day 3-6: Hike to each ski hut location along the Sneffels Trail. Spend each night in a new Ski Hut.
Day 7: Finish up the last day of hiking and then head off to go white water rafting!
Day 8: Load vans and depart from CO in the morning. Arrive at TCU in the evening.
Physical Challenge
Hiking can be strenuous on the legs. Designated trails may be non-existent. We could be hiking several miles over rough terrain as we explore and over multiple days, so your endurance will be tested. 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 – Hiking in winter-like elements will make the hiking trails more challenging.
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:
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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/Hazard/Safety
There are numerous risks and hazards associated with Zion National Park. 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.
Outfitting
We take great pride in the equipment we provide our trip members. We fully realize that sleeping warm and comfortable, staying dry and being able to see in the dark, just to mention a few items, is essential to a successful and safe trip. We carry top of the line backpacks, dry bags, rain gear, head lamps, and much more. The cost of your trip includes complete outfitting.
Food
TCU works hard to prepare meals that are nutritious, delicious and sustainable. Most of our menu incorporates sustainable meals as we believe eating lower on the food chain is both healthier for us and the planet in the long run. Our primary goal is to expose and educate our trip members to the joys of eating good food while camping and adventuring. We have found, over many years that our trip members thoroughly enjoy the food. In addition, when travelling by vehicle to and from our outdoor destinations, we make every effort to stop at locally-family owned restaurants and eateries so as to ensure the majority of the money we spend stays in that community and with the family.
Please contact Taylor Craig, the Adventure Trip Program Manager with any questions. taylor.craig@tcu.edu