Trek the Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas with Shumla!

Safety

• Read the description of each trek carefully. Before registering, consider the length and difficulty of the trek to determine whether you can safely participate. Your safety and well-being while on a Shumla Trek is your responsibility.
• Treks are conducted in remote locations across uneven terrain and often in extreme environmental conditions and temperatures. In most cases medical help and care are several hours away. Participants must in good health and physical conditioning to be able to traverse rugged terrain, including hiking considerable distances, scrambling over rocks and boulders, steep ascents, and descents, walking in or over loose rock, and through dense brush.
• Due to the strenuous nature of treks, Shumla Treks are not considered suitable for children under the age of 8.
• All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• We recommend a face covering or mask be worn when indoors and outdoors when it is not possible to physically distance a minimum of 6 feet from other participants.
• Alcohol, firearms, and pets are not allowed on any trek.
• Always stay with the group and follow the instructions of your Guide.

What to Wear

• Clothing that is appropriate to the weather and terrain. Long-sleeve shirts and pants are strongly recommended for protection from sun and thorns.
• Closed-toed, supportive footwear
• Hat or other covering for head
• Sunglasses

What to Bring

• Face covering or mask
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Small backpack for your gear, water, and food
• Water, at least 2 quarts per day
• Meals and/or snacks, as appropriate according to your tour itinerary. Bring no food that requires refrigeration.
• Walking stick, if preferred
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Check your trek itinerary to find out if your trek requires that you bring a 4WD high clearance vehicle. Your vehicle may be subject to harsh conditions. Shumla does not supply vehicles or arrange transportation if you do not have a suitable vehicle.

Payment and Cancellation Rules

• All treks must be paid for in advance to confirm your reservation. Payment must be made no later than 10 days prior to the trek date to guarantee a space on the trek.
• Cancellations initiated by a participant must be made a minimum of 10 days prior to the date of the trek to receive a full refund. Cancellations made after the 10-day minimum will not be refunded. If a participant does not show up at the trek meeting place on time and, therefore, misses the trek, their fee will not be refunded.
• Treks may be canceled due to weather conditions, extreme heat/cold, limited participation, road conditions, lake/river levels, etc. If a trek is cancelled by Shumla before the trek begins a full refund will be issued.
• For the safety of the group and at the discretion of the Guide, when possible in consultation with Shumla’s Executive Director, tours may be canceled at any stage during the trek for any reason. If this occurs, all participants are required to immediately abide by the direction of their Guide to safely vacate the property.

Photography

While photography of your experiences during treks and other activities is allowed, we ask all participants to abide by the following: 

• The rock art sites are considered sacred spaces and should be treated with respect. In particular, please do not pose in front of the art while making obscene or rude gestures.
• Photography of the art for the purposes of printing, selling, reselling, or displaying in public spaces or online without the landowner’s permission is not permitted for any reason.
• Do not share any locational information for sites on private land. This includes GPS or geotagged information associated with your photos. To turn off geotagging:
  • For iPhone: https://www.techbout.com/turn-off-geotagging-for-photos-iphone-ipad-8738/
  • For Android: ubergizmo.com/how-to/turn-off-geotagging-android/amp/

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Shumla Treks are designed to provide guests with immersive experiences. For the enjoyment of our guests and for the protection of cultural resources, we respectfully ask that guests minimize the use of electronics. Your Guide may request that electronics not be used at particular locations or during specific events. Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (drones) are not permitted.

Respect for Rock Art and Cultural Resources

Shumla Treks and programs include visiting archaeological sites. Artifacts and other archaeological remains are important sources of information that archaeologists use to determine how people lived in the past. It is a violation of the Society of American Archaeology code of ethics for participants to keep any artifacts or other cultural or paleontological remains from any archaeological site, and it is against federal law for participants to keep any such materials collected from state, federal, or tribal lands without a permit.

The award-winning video “Visit with Respect” shows how Pueblo people of the United States feel about visiting archaeological sites. It was filmed at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Acoma Pueblo and features members of the Hopi Tribe and Santa Clara and Acoma Pueblos. While the Lower Pecos Canyonlands may be removed in distance from the areas shown in the video, Shumla supports the sentiments and requests described by members of those communities, we request that trek participants and visitors maintain the same awareness and respect.  Participants may watch the “Visit with Respect” video produced by Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in preparation for their experience with Shumla: https://youtu.be/zwDrLqThhYY.

Liability Release and Indemnification Agreement

All participants in Shumla Treks 18 years of age or older must complete the Liability Release and Indemnification Agreement prior to being allowed to participate. Participants will be asked to carefully read and sign this form by a Shumla staff member. By signing this form and participating, you are confirming that you have read and will abide by all provisions of the Agreement, including the Shumla Treks Guidelines and Expectations included in this document.

 Name                                                                                     Date

 Emergency Contact

Name/Relationship                                                            Primary Phone

This form must be completed and signed by all persons 18 years of age or older prior to being allowed to participate in Shumla Treks organized by The Shumla School, Inc.

Please read the information carefully. By signing this form and participating, you are confirming that you have read and will abide by all provisions of the Agreement, including the Shumla Trek Guidelines and Expectations attached.

In consideration of being permitted to participate in a Shumla Trek, I, the undersigned, release, and forever discharge Shumla School Inc., the Landowner(s) of the property upon which the Treks are conducted, and their affiliates, successors and assigns, officers, employees, representatives, partners, and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”), from all liability to me and my personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin, for any and all loss, damage, injury or death to my person or property, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, while I am participating in a Shumla Trek program. I agree to indemnify the Released Parties against any and all claims, actions, lawsuits, damages, and judgments, including attorney’s fees, arising out of, or relating to my participation in the Shumla Trek. I understand that participation in a Shumla Trek involves inherent risks, including risk of injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, paralysis and/or death, and I assume all related risks and voluntarily participate in the Shumla Trek. I, the undersigned, further agree that the foregoing release, waiver and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the State of Texas, and that if any portion of it is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

I have carefully read and fully understand all the provisions of this Release and am freely, knowingly, and voluntarily entering into this Release.                                                                              

COMSTOCK, TEXAS

Comstock Motel
Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, Comstock Motel offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a refrigerator and air conditioning, with free access to wifi. Free parking is also available.

The J and P Bar & Grill
Comstock’s one and only restaurant offers classic American food such as salads, burgers, wraps and more!