Campus Recreation is offering students an opportunity Sunday to explore the nature surrounding the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Sunday’s trip will allow students and guests to hike the Cedar Ridge Preserve, 30 miles from TCU’s campus.

Samantha Fukutaki, an adventure trip instructor with TCU Campus Recreation, said this excursion shows students outdoor oases they may not have known about.

“Fort Worth isn’t known as being the most ‘outdoorsy’ place, but we help students connect with the places nearby that they may have not known about otherwise,” Fukutaki said. “There is a lot more stuff nearby than people expect and some really cool places that I’ve been able to discover with these trips.”

Alanna Carollo, the Adventure Trip Program student manager, said students have enjoyed exploring the area around them, specifically Cedar Ridge.

“Students have loved this trip,” Carollo said. “There’s a beautiful lookout point along the trail where you can see the preserve…in the distance.”

Carollo also said that AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, is visible from the trail.

Fukutaki said the unexpected challenges are what makes these trips so enjoyable.

“My favorite thing is that usually, no matter how much preparation we put in, unexpected twists end up happening,” Fukutaki said. “Problem-solving as a group and laughing together is one of the best things about these trips.”

Transportation will be handled by Campus Recreation. Participants will leave the Rec Center at 11 a.m., arriving to Cedar Ridge by noon. After their hike, participants will return at 3:15 p.m.

Carollo highly recommendeds these trips and activities.

“The trips are fun and adventurous, but I believe the relationships you build while on trips, even a day hike, are extremely valuable,” Carollo said. “Thinking back to all the trips I have been on or led, I have made meaningful new friendships on every single one.”

Fukutaki said she thinks these trips are a good way to escape campus and college life.

“These trips are a good way to relax while exploring, learning, and adventuring,” said Fukutaki. “Also, you meet new people who all have a passion for adventure and get to connect with them on a different level then you would meeting them on campus.”

The deadline to sign up is Sept. 27, and it can be done at the Campus Recreation office or at mycampusrec.tcu.edu. Sign-up costs $15 with a TCU ID and $20 for guests.