Trek the Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas with Shumla!
Join us on a journey to visit ancient sites led by experienced Shumla Archaeologist, Katie Wilson.
Space is limited. Sign up today!
Shumla periodically offers day-long Treks to promote engagement and public education in support of our mission to preserve the ancient rock art of the Lower Pecos. We’ll share our latest discoveries and show you how modern science is helping us to understand the complex worldview and fantastically rich culture of the people who created these masterworks.
SHUMLA TREKS
Join Shumla Treks to visit ancient and historic art in the rockshelters of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands.
Each Shumla Trek costs $160 or $80 per person, depending on the length of the Trek. Fees fund the Shumla Treks program (expert guide, entrance fees, etc.) and a portion contributes to our preservation efforts. Pack a sack lunch, a water bottle (or 3) and your sense of wonder. You won’t believe what we’ll show you!
Space is limited to 25 participants per day. See below for Trek dates, detailed itineraries, and guidelines. Due to the strenuous nature of the hikes, Shumla Treks are generally not suitable for children under age 8. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on Treks provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
We have included a diamond scale to show exertion level on our hikes as follows:
♦ 10-20 minute walk over level and stable ground from vehicle.
♦♦ 20-30 minute hike into and out of canyon over unstable ground.
♦♦♦ 30-45 minute hike into and out of canyon at steep incline.
♦♦♦♦ 45-60 minute strenuous hike with steep inclines, unstable ground.
♦♦♦♦♦ 60+ minute very strenuous hike with steep incline, unstable ground.
For Treks rated 2 diamonds and above, participants should be in good health and physical condition. Hiking sticks, long sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are encouraged to hike through the brush. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours. There are often no bathroom facilities. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. In addition, many Treks require high clearance 4×4 vehicles. If you don’t have access to such a vehicle, let us know and we make sure everyone has a ride.
Most Treks begin and end at Shumla Headquarters at 28 Langtry Street, Comstock, TX 78837. When we return to HQ, we will welcome you with refreshments and show you our plasma oxidation laboratory, where we prepare rock art samples for radiocarbon dating. We’ll also give you a glimpse of our research and our high-resolution gigapanoramas and 3D models of rock art panels based on your interests and questions from our day together.
Questions about Treks?
Send us an email at treks@shumla.org. We love to hear from you!
SHUMLA TREK DATES
(Click your desired Trek date below to register.)
- September 03: Halo Shelter and the Devils River (full day) ♦♦♦♦
- September 04: Painted Shelter and Shumla Headquarters (half day) ♦♦
READ FULL SITE DESCRIPTIONS AND ITINERARIES BELOW.
- October 07: Judge Roy Bean Center, Vinegarroon, and Shumla Headquarters (half day) ♦
- October 22: Meyers Springs Panel and Historic Site ♦
- October 23: Black Cave and Vaquero Shelter (full day) ♦♦♦
READ FULL SITE DESCRIPTIONS AND ITINERARIES BELOW.
- November 05: Eagle Nest Canyon (full day) ♦♦♦♦
- November 06: Mountain Laurel and Shumla Campus (half day) ♦♦♦ 1/2
- November 19: Red Linear Type Site (full day) ♦♦♦♦♦
- November 20: VV75 and Fate Bell Shelter (full day) ♦♦♦♦♦
READ FULL SITE DESCRIPTIONS AND ITINERARIES BELOW.
SHUMLA TREK ITINERARIES
(Treks are listed below in order from least to most strenuous.)
Meyers Springs Panel and Historic Site
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦
Meyers Springs is an impressive rock art site with Images relating to the Historic period including: horses, warriors on horseback, missions, crosses, figures wearing ecclesiastical robes and headgear, a horse-drawn wagon, teepees, shields, bows and arrows, and bison. Part of the late-nineteenth and twentieth century history of the region also appears in the form of graffiti: initials, names, shapes, and dates either painted or engraved on the wall, including the names of U.S. Army units and the names or initials of ranchers or travelers. Fragments of Pecos River style rock art can be seen scattered throughout the panel as well as the water spring that the site gets its name from. No doubt that this place was important even before historic times.
TREK ITINERARY:
10:00 AM – Meet in Dryden, TX. Intersection of TX-349 and US-HWY 90. Caravan to Meyers Springs Ranch.
11:00 AM – Arrive at Meyers Springs Rock Art Panel
11:45 AM – Lunch
12:30 PM – Visit Camp Meyers historic military ruins
1:30 PM – Depart for Comstock.
3:30 PM – Arrive at Shumla HQ for a tour of our research and laboratory facilities.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Tours to this private ranch require visitors to be with a Shumla representative at all times. Tours to Meyers Springs require visitors to be in good health and physical conditioning to hike over uneven terrain. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours.
High clearance vehicles are required to travel across rough, unpaved roads. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush. Restrooms are located within the bunkhouse on the property and at Shumla HQ; when passing through Langtry, visitors could stop at the Judge Roy Bean Travel Center to use the restroom as well. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Judge Roy Bean Center, Vinegarroon, and Shumla HQ
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦
We will start our day with at the Judge Roy Bean visitor’s center to learn more about Langtry’s history with the railroad and Judge Roy Bean himself. Then, we will drive to the site of Vinegarroon to explore the historic remnants and the spectacular view of the Rio Grande. The Vinegarroon Camp was a railroad town founded by legendary Judge Roy Bean, “Law West of the Pecos”. This camp housed hundreds of railroad laborers as they worked to overcome the last major hurdle for the construction of the southern transcontinental route linking New Orleans and San Francisco. Walk among the ruins of this ghost town and consider what it may have been like to work on a railroad in the 1880s. Afterwards, we will go to Shumla’s headquarters in Comstock to tour the facility and learn more about the work being done by the team.
TREK ITINERARY:
9:00 AM – Meet at Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center in Langtry, TX
10:30 AM – Meet at Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center in Langtry, TX
11:00 AM – Explore Vinegarroon
12:30 PM – Arrive at Shumla HQ for tour of our research facility and laboratory
CONSIDERATIONS:
Tours to this private ranch require visitors to be with a Shumla representative at all times. Participants must be in good health and physical conditioning to hike over uneven terrain. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours.
High clearance vehicles are REQUIRED to travel across very rough, unpaved roads and gullies. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush. Restrooms are located within the Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center and Shumla HQ. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. Minors age 8 and up are
welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Painted Shelter and Shumla Headquarters
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦♦
Painted Shelter is located in an unnamed tributary canyon of the Rio Grande on private property. We will access this site with permission from the landowner. A spring-fed stream runs in front of the rock art panel and creates several long pools through the site. Major flash flood events have washed out most of the archaeological deposits, but there is a remnant burned rock midden and lithic scatter on the bedrock benches in front of the shelter. Painted Shelter is home to the best-preserved examples of the Red Monochrome style rock art, as well as remnant Pecos River Style murals.
TREK ITINERARY:
8:00 AM – Meet at Shumla HQ, drive to start of Painted Shelter hike
9:15 AM – Hike to and visit Painted Shelter
11:30 AM – Hike out of Painted Shelter
12:15 AM – Return to Shumla HQ to tour our research facility and laboratory
CONSIDERATIONS:
Tours to this private ranch require visitors to be with a Shumla representative at all times. Tours to Painted Shelter require visitors to be in good health and physical conditioning to hike over uneven terrain. Hiking in and out of canyons can is strenuous. The elevation change can be steep at times and requires walking through brush and uneven terrain. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours.
High clearance vehicles are required to travel across rough, unpaved roads. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush. Bathrooms are available at the Shumla HQ. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. Questions? Email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Black Cave and Vaquero Shelter
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦♦♦
Black Cave is a large rockshelter in Upper Presa Canyon within Seminole Canyon State Park. The site gets its name from the black ceiling of the shelter, which has been discolored from a combination of carbon staining, organic growth, and natural accretion. The rock art at Black Cave is striking and iconic. Many of the elements are located quite high above the shelter floor and would have required the construction of scaffolding.
Vaquero Shelter is also located in Upper Presa Canyon in the Seminole Canyon State Park. The shelter gets its name for the Historic period rock art depicting riders mounted on horseback with a Longhorn cow and calf, adjacent to a structure resembling a Spanish mission and a man in a Spanish uniform. The shelter also contains a dense body of Pecos River style art, as well as Red Monochrome style figures.
Both shelters will be accessed from outside the state park with permission to cross private property.
TREK ITINERARY:
8:00 AM – Meet at Shumla HQ, drive to start of Vaquero hike
9:00 AM – Hike to and visit Vaquero Shelter
11:00 AM – Drive to start of Black Cave hike
12:00 AM – Hike to and visit Black Cave (We will eat sack lunches at this site and pack out all trash.)
2:00 PM – Return to Shumla HQ for tour of our research facility and laboratory
CONSIDERATIONS:
Hiking in and out of Presa Canyon is strenuous and requires visitors to be in good health and physical conditioning to hike over uneven terrain. The elevation change is gradual to Black Cave though there is one brief portion with a large step-down into the canyon. We will also need to use a ladder to hop over a pasture fence. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours.
High clearance vehicles are required to travel across rough, unpaved roads. There are no bathroom facilities. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Fate Bell Annex, Fate Bell Shelter and Running Horse
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦♦♦
Fate Bell Annex, Fate Bell Shelter and Running Horse Shelter are all situated in Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. Seminole Canyon is a major tributary of the Rio Grande River. Fate Bell is one of the most famous and largest Pecos River Style rock art sites in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands Archeological District — A National Historic Landmark. Not only is the rock art breath-taking but the archaeological deposits within the shelter are also extremely well-preserved.
Participants on this trek will descend into the canyon guided by an experienced Shumla archaeologist to view these nationally-recognized sites. You’ll hear about the incredible rock art, the lifeways of the people who painted it and our most recent discoveries. After our visit to Fate Bell Annex and Fate Bell, we will return to the Visitor Center for a tour of the museum. Then, after lunch, we will hike together across the uplands to Running Horse Shelter, which offers in addition to beautiful remnant Pecos River Style rock art, intriguing Historic Period art and even a historic stone wall. Together we’ll see 4000 years of history in this single shelter.
TREK ITINERARY:
8:00 AM – Meet at Seminole Canyon State Park parking lot
8:30 AM – Hike to and visit Fate Bell Annex and Fate Bell Shelter
10:30 AM – Hike out of canyon and return to Visitor Center Museum
11:30 AM – Lunch
12:15 PM – Hike to and visit Running Horse
2:00 PM – Return to Shumla HQ for tour of our research facility and laboratory
CONSIDERATIONS:
Hiking in and out of Seminole Canyon is strenuous and requires visitors to be in good health and physical condition to hike over uneven terrain. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours. The elevation change is very steep. Hiking to the Running Horse site requires walking through brush and uneven terrain. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush.
All vehicles can make the trip. There is a parking lot available for visitors. Restrooms are located within the visitors center. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Mountain Laurel and Shumla Campus
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦♦♦1/2
Mountain Laurel is a medium sized rockshelter tucked away in a small unnamed canyon on the Shumla Ranch. Trekkers will hike down from the uplands near the site and briefly make their way through the trees in the canyon bottom before hiking up the slope and into the site. The walls of Mountain Laurel are adorned with thousands of small honeycomb cavities called tafoni with the Pecos River Style rock art preserved near the mouth of the shelter. The most prominent rock art figures include human-like figures with rabbit ear headdresses and wielding weapons. In addition to the rock art, there are over 90 bedrock features used for food processing, evidence of earth oven cooking, and other archaeological evidence showing that this place was likely used for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples during the Archaic Period.
Afterwards, trekkers will drive back and tour the Shumla Ranch facilities where countless archaeologists have camped in order to conduct research in the Lower Pecos Region. See our extensive field library, bunkhouse, primitive campsites, and enjoy your packed lunch in our pavilion where the southeast wind provides a pleasant breeze on a warm day. Optionally, those not able to hike to Mountain Laurel can stay up top and enjoy the views from campus.
TREK ITINERARY:
8:00 AM – Meet at Shumla HQ, drive to Shumla Ranch
9:00 AM – Hike to and visit Mountain Laurel
11:30am – Return to vehicles and drive to Shumla Harrington Campus
11:45am – Arrive at Shumla Harrington Campus. Eat Lunch
12:15pm – Tour of facility
1:00pm – Depart for Comstock
CONSIDERATIONS:
Tours to Mountain Laurel require visitors to be in good health and physical conditioning to hike over uneven terrain. Hiking in and out of canyons can is strenuous. The elevation change can be steep at times and requires walking through brush and uneven terrain. In case of an
emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours.
High clearance vehicles are required to travel across rough, unpaved roads. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush. There are bathroom facilities at the Shumla HQ and the Harrington Campus. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Eagle Nest Canyon
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦♦♦♦
Eagle Cave, Skiles Shelter, and Kelley Cave are large rockshelters located within Eagle Nest Canyon in Langtry, Texas. Combined, all three sites contain evidence of human occupation spanning over 10,000 years into Paleoindian times. The rock art predominantly consists of Pecos River style rock art with the art in Eagle Cave having recently returned radiocarbon dates between 3350 – 3210 years ago. These sites also showcase the immense amount of plant baking that went on within the lower part of the canyon with huge piles of fire cracked rock and numerous bedrock features for food processing. Following the Eagle Nest Canyon tour will be a chance to visit the Judge Roy Bean visitor’s center to learn more about Langtry’s history as well as a tour of Shumla’s research facility and laboratory in Comstock, Texas.
TREK ITINERARY:
8:00am – Meet at Shumla HQ, drive to start of Eagle Nest Canyon hike
9:00am – Hike to Skiles Shelter
10:00am – Hike to Kelley Cave
10:30am – Hike to Eagle Cave
11:30am – Lunch (We will eat sack lunches at this site and pack out all trash.)
12:30pm – Drive to Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center
2:00pm – Return to Shumla HQ for tour of our research facility and laboratory
CONSIDERATIONS:
Tours to this private ranch require visitors to be with a Shumla representative at all times. Tours to Eagle Nest Canyon require visitors to be in good health and physical conditioning to hike over uneven terrain. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours.
High clearance vehicles are required to travel across rough, unpaved roads. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush. Restrooms are located within the Judge Roy Bean Visitors center. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Halo Shelter and the Devils River
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦♦♦♦
Halo Shelter sits within a small tributary that feeds into the main branch of Dead Man’s Creek, approximately 5 km from the Devils River on a private ranch in Val Verde county. Halo boasts one of the best-preserved Pecos River style pictograph panels in the region. The site gets its name from a unique arch motif with rayed lines extending from it over the top of several figures’ heads. Along with the halo motif, there are a wide assortment of unique Pecos River style figures and motifs intricately executed and vibrant.
The pristine Devils River is one of the last wild rivers in Texas and is a haven for adventurers from all walks of life. Access to this spring fed river is extremely limited and is one of the reasons why this river has remained one of Texas’ most protected treasures.
TREK ITINERARY:
8:00 AM – Meet at Shumla HQ, depart for Halo Shelter
9:30 AM – Arrive at halfway point for bathroom break
10:45AM – Arrive at parking spot and begin hike to Halo Shelter
11:00AM – Arrive at Halo Shelter. (We will eat sack lunches at the site and pack out all trash.)
1:00 PM – Depart Halo Shelter to drive to halfway point for bathroom break and change into swimsuits, if you choose
2:30 PM – Arrive at the Devils River for a swim
4:30 PM – Depart river for Shumla HQ
6:00 PM – Arrive in Shumla HQ
CONSIDERATIONS:
Tours to this private ranch require visitors to be with a Shumla representative at all times. Hiking in and out of Halo Shelter is strenuous and requires visitors to be in good health and physical condition to hike over uneven terrain. The elevation change is very steep. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours.
High clearance 4X4 vehicles are REQUIRED to travel across very rough, unpaved roads and gullies. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush. Restrooms are located at Shumla HQ and the bunkhouse stop along the way. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Red Linear Type Site
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦♦♦♦♦
The Red Linear Type Site is situated in Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. Seminole Canyon is a major tributary of the Rio Grande River. Participants on this trek will descend into the canyon guided by an experienced Shumla archaeologist to view these nationally recognized sites. You’ll hear about the incredible rock art, the lifeways of the people who painted it and our most recent discoveries.
We will head further down Seminole Canyon to Presa Canyon, stopping along the way to have lunch in a shady part of the canyon. The Red Linear Type Site is a shallow overhang containing some of the best-preserved examples of the Red Linear style of rock art in the region. Dozens of images of red, human-like figures wielding items, like atlatls, adorn the walls. Some figures are seen interacting with various animal-like figures, like canids and deer, and provide us with an interesting contrast to the better-known Pecos River Style rock art.
TREK ITINERARY:
8:00 AM – Meet at Seminole Canyon State Park parking lot
8:30 AM – Begin hike to Red Linear Type Site
11:00 AM – Lunch
11:30 AM – Visit Red Linear Type Site
12:30PM – Depart for Park Visitor Center
3:30 PM – Return to Shumla HQ for tour of our research facility and laboratory
CONSIDERATIONS:
Hiking in and out of Seminole Canyon is strenuous. The elevation change is very steep. Visitors should be in good health and physical conditioning. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours. Hiking to the Red Linear Type Site requires walking through brush and uneven terrain. The ground in front of the site is very sloped, so good hiking boots with gripping soles are necessary. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are encouraged to hike
through the brush.
All vehicles can make the trip. There is a parking lot available for visitors. There will be no need to drive over gravel roads or off-road. There is a parking lot available for visitors. Restrooms are located within the Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site visitors center and Shumla HQ. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
VV75 and Fate Bell Shelter
UPCOMING TREK DATES:
(Click your desired Trek date below to register)
TREK DESCRIPTION: ♦♦♦♦♦
VV75 and Fate Bell Shelter are both situated in Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. Seminole Canyon is a major tributary of the Rio Grande River. Participants on this trek will descend into the canyon guided by an experienced Shumla archaeologist to view these nationally recognized sites. You’ll hear about the incredible rock art, the lifeways of the people who painted it and our most recent research.
Fate Bell is one of the most famous and largest Pecos River Style rock art sites in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands Archeological District — A National Historic Landmark. Not only is the rock art breath-taking, but the archaeological deposits within the shelter are also extremely well-preserved. VV75 is another impressive archaeological site just down the canyon that is less frequently visited. This is the location where the very first radiocarbon samples for rock art in the Lower Pecos were collected.
TREK ITINERARY:
8:00 AM – Meet at Seminole Canyon State Park parking lot
8:30 AM – Hike to and visit VV75
11:00 AM – Lunch (We will eat sack lunches at this site and pack out all trash.)
11:30 AM – Hike to Fate Bell Shelter
1:30 PM – Hike out of the canyon and return to Visitor’s Center Musem
3:00 PM – Depart for Shumla HQ to tour our research facility and laboratory
CONSIDERATIONS:
Hiking in and out of Seminole Canyon is strenuous and requires visitors to be in good health and physical condition to hike over uneven terrain. In case of an emergency, medical response times to this remote area can take hours. The elevation change is very steep. Hiking to the Running Horse site requires walking through brush and uneven terrain. Hiking sticks, long sleeve shirts, long pants, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged to hike through the brush.
All vehicles can make the trip. There is a parking lot available for visitors. Restrooms are located within the visitors center. Participants must be prepared to go to the bathroom outdoors, if needed, and pack out all trash. Minors age 8 and up are welcome on this tour provided they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
More information and a detailed itinerary will be provided when you register. If you would like more information prior to registration, please email us at treks@shumla.org. We would love to hear from you!
Meet your Trek guide!
Shumla Treks Guidelines and Expectations
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 be 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 their strenuous nature, 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:
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.
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Emergency Contact
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Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement
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.
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Signature of Parent or Guardian / Date (If participant is under 18) |
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Lodging and Restaurants
DEL RIO, TEXASDel Rio is a 30-minute drive from our trek meeting locations. There are many wonderful lodging and restaurant options in Del Rio. You can also fly into and out of Del Rio on American Airlines.
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.
(432) 292-4484
The J and P Bar & Grill
Comstock’s one and only restaurant offers classic American food such as salads, burgers, wraps and more!
(432) 292-4338