Students looking for an adventure this fall break can find one in the second largest canyon in the U.S.

TCU’s Adventure Trip Program is leading four days of backpacking through Palo Duro Canyon. The vast canyon, second only the Grand Canyon, is just over 350 miles northwest of TCU in the panhandle of Texas.

“A lot of people will never get the opportunity to go backpacking, and we’re making it easy for you,” said Joseph Love, the Outdoor Educator for the Adventure Trip Program. “We’ll provide meals, gear, transportation and guide you through the trip from start to finish.”

Love, who will lead students on the trail, said that the trip is perfect for anyone that is seeking adventure. The backpacking will be physically challenging as students will hike at least six to eight miles per day.  

These trips are once in a lifetime opportunities, said Sam Tippetts, a film, television and and digital media and strategic communication double major who has led multiple TCU outdoor trips. He said he encourages students to take advantage of these trips.

“Camping with people creates a really unique community and a great bond between students,” Tippetts said. “I mean when else will you have the chance to backpack the Grand Canyon, hike up Half Dome or canoe through Big Bend.”

Tippetts said his favorite trip was canoeing on the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park.

“Some people had never been in a canoe before, so it was pretty cool getting to teach them and watch them get comfortable with being on the water,” Tippets said. “The landscape and weather was just gorgeous overall.”

The deadline to sign up for the fall break trip is Wednesday and will cost students $195 with a valid TCU ID.