Elementary School Springtime Backpack and Rock Climb

Get ready for summer with an overnight backpacking trip and rock climb at Mineral Wells State Park! The weekend of 28-30 October, we will spend Saturday climbing the famous Penitentiary Hollow cliffs with Rock-About, the park’s authorized climbing guide. We will also hold basic routefinding and off-trail navigation exercises. Saturday evening, we will hike to a primitive campsite (weather permitting) and take long loop home Sunday morning. This trip is a great way to teach your kids directional skills, exposure to rock climbing, and confidence in the outdoors. Most of all, we will be able to experience Texas autumn at its finest in idyllic Palo Pinto County!

Friday 28 October: Meet at regular campsite as early as 5:30 pm. Get settled, explore surroundings. Conduct basic routefinding exercise. Campfire dinner provided.

Saturday 29 October: Spend the day rock climbing Penitentiary Hollow where we will rock climb with Rock-About for as long as we like. Breakfast and dinner provided. Bring your own lunch. After climbing, hike two miles to primitive camping area.

Sunday 30 October: Hike out. After striking camp, hike the Cross Timbers Maroon Trail, which at higher elevation, is one of the prettiest spots in the park. Breakfast provided.

Cost: $270 per person (adult or child) plus tax plus entrance fee into park ($7/person)

Cost includes:

• 1 Day rock climbing with Rock-About (at $50 discount)

• Rock climbing gear rental

• Emergency beacon for backcountry emergencies/communication

• Guide (with Advanced Wilderness First Aid certification)

• 1 Campfire dinner

• 1 Backcountry dinner

• 2 Breakfasts

Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bags, bedrolls) available for rent while supplies last.

Email trailblazer@texaswildwest.live to sign up!