What we’re about
Austin Sierra Club (local branch of the Sierra Club) holds outings for outdoor activities: hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, kayaking, community service projects, and more. These include local one-day events to greenbelts and natural areas, weekend trips to state parks, as well as longer trips to national parks.
All participants must sign our Sign-In Sheet with Participation Agreement before joining one of our outings. You are strongly urged to add your cell phone and emergency contact numbers on the sheet, for your safety. More information is needed for overnight trips.
Many of our events are rated Easy and everyone is invited to particiate, but others have fitness and experience requirements. Smoking and vaping is not allowed on our events. Check with the Leader to see if pets are allowed.
Although it's not necessary to participate in our events, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (in addition to the Meetup group), and support our efforts to protect the environment.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Barton Creek Hike (Brisk paced)Barton Creek Greenbelt (Twin Falls Access), Austin, TX
*We’ll hike at a BRISK pace. We’ll cover roughly 7-8 miles. We’ll hike the greenbelt hills, cover rocky terrain, and STRENUOUS climbing sections. We’ll follow some less-used greenbelt trails taking us to and beyond many of the wonders and treasures of Barton Creek.
*Be prepared to keep up! The hike will be challenging but doable; mysterious yet approachable. This hike is geared towards a small group of fun people who really like hiking. This is for experienced hikers who already have good conditioning, balance, who enjoy trails with rocky, uneven terrain. No pets allowed.
Suggestions:
- Wear hiking shoes. Bring water (recommended 2 liters to survive the summer heat), snacks, and your phone for photos & emergencies only.
- Be on time. We will leave promptly at posted time. We do not wait.
- Bring an extra shirt for after the hike because you will be soaked from sweat.
- RSVP only if you will be attending. Attendance will be tracked, and habitual no-shows will be removed from future events.
Notes on how to find the meeting point:
We will now meet at the Twin Falls trailhead. From Capital of Texas Highway, turn as if you’re heading south on Mopac. But instead of taking the Mopac on-ramp, remain on the frontage road. Just past the ramp, you’ll find the Barton Creek Greenbelt Twin Falls access point. There is parking on both sides of the road. Be careful of traffic when walking to the trailhead which is near a green dumpster. Don't leave visible valuables in your car, lock everything in your trunk.Participants must sign a liability waiver at the Trailhead.. You may view the document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Consider joining the Sierra Club. Membership isn't necessary to join the hike but it's highly encouraged: http://www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin - Four Days, Five Nights Hiking & Camping, in Colorado's San Juan MountainsMolas Lake Park & Campground, Silverton, CO
Total 16 Spots Available - Get On the Waitlist to Register
RSVP On Meetup Alone Does Not Reserve Your Spot
See REGISTRATION Below- Previous experience hiking at high altitude is recommended. Hikes start at 10,500 ft elevation, and can ascend to 12,000 ft or more. (See “Travel to High Altitudes”)
- Excellent physical fitness is necessary: Must be able to hike 5 - 10 miles per day, with regularly steep ascents and descents, on rocky terrain
- If you prefer to not camp, there are hotels/hostels in nearby Silverton.
- If you don't have camping equipment, let me know - me or Sierra Club can lend you most things.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Join us for 4 days / 5 nights hiking and camping in the high country of Colorado; wildflowers, cool mountain air, and the smells of conifer forests. Most of our days will be spent hiking in the wilderness areas near Silverton. Expect cool starry night skies free of light pollution (35’ – 45’ degrees), and mild days (65’ – 75’ degrees). There are many possible trails to choose from. The hikes are considered "exploratory". That is, the leaders have not scouted the trails before - we will all be exploring.Basecamp is at Molas Lake Park near Silverton, CO, rated the "Most Scenic Campground in Colorado" by AAA. Surrounded by mountains, at 10,500 ft elevation, our lakefront campsites offer picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets. Separately available are a lake store, electric outlets, and hot showers for $5.
Participants are generally responsible for their own transportation, equipment, and meals. Carpooling is encouraged (not organized by Sierra Club). Sierra Club may provide small community items like stoves, hot water kettle, etc, depending on logistics. Sharing coolers, stoves, lamps, etc. between participants is possible (not organized by Sierra Club). Restaurants are available 15 mins away in Silverton.
There will be a Pre-Trip Meeting and Pre-Trip Hike to coordinate logistical details, including carpooling and equipment.
ITINERARY
Tue, Aug 19 – Travel Day
- Participants make own arrangements to arrive by 8 pm this evening at Molas Lake Park & Campground near Silverton, CO
- Some people may fly into Denver, and drive 7 hours with a rental car
- Others may choose to drive to Silverton from their home (~15 hr drive from Austin, TX). Carpooling encouraged, but not organized by Sierra Club.
- Dinner together at campground, bring your own food.Wed, Aug 20 - Hiking Day 1
- Altitude acclimatization & travel recovery: Easy morning, maybe stroll trails around campground
- Afternoon: Option of 1-3 hour hikes with limited ascents, maybe short drive to trailhead
- Example: West Lime Creek Trail #679, 5 mi, 315 ft ascent.Thu, Aug 21 - Hiking Day 2
- Slightly more strenuous day hike.
- Example: Molas/Colorado Tr #665, 7 mi, 1,580 ft ascent.Fri, Aug 22 - Hiking Day 3
- Continuing scenic and challenging exploratory day hikes
- Example: Crater Lake Trail, 11 mi, 2,043 ft ascentSat, Aug 23 - Hiking Day 4
- Last hiking day, we'll make it worthwhile
- Example: Ice Lakes, 7 mi, 2,600 ft ascentSun, Aug 24 – Travel Day
- Participants make own arrangements to travel home. Checkout is 11 am.
- Some people may drive 7 hours to the Denver airport, and fly from there
- Others may choose to drive back home (~15 hours to Austin, TX)COSTS
$100, includes camping fees and organized hikes. Income which exceeds expenses will be donated to Austin Sierra Club to support our conservation and outreach work.REGISTRATION
1. RSVP here on Meetup: Get On the Waitlist to Register
2. Complete this online questionnaire, including your contact information.
3. Complete this Medical Form, and email* to m_bruck@hotmail.com
4. Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details. Then your name will be moved from the Waitlist to the Going list.
5. If approved, submit payment* online via Paypal: www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin/donate.
*A postal mailing address can be provided upon request.CANCELLATION POLICY
- For cancellations on or before July 15: 80% refund
- For cancellations on or before Aug 9: 40% refund
- No refund after Aug 9ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- If flying to Colorado, plan to procure any necessary supplies (ie, cooking fuel) on the way to the campground in time for sunset, or have other participants bring in their cars
- All participants must stop at the campground office before entering, to check-in and register their vehicle.
- At the start of the trip, all participants must sign the liability waiver. - SBCA Talk: Valarie Campbell, President/Founder of South Austin Creek AllianceLa Madeleine - Sunset Valley, Austin / Sunset Valley, TX
Come listen to Valarie Campbell, the president of South Austin Creek Alliance. After witnessing the degradation of the streams in her backyard like Williamson Creek, she formed this group to do something about it! They are actively cleaning up these habitats with local volunteers and building a community of people/organizations to protect and preserve these vital resources. Valarie brings with her decades of experience in volunteering and work in conservation. Additional to the hands-on work, South Austin Creek Alliance also works hard to bring awareness about the importance of these neglected urban waterways. Thanks to shared ideals, South Austin Creek Alliance has become a reality with board members and volunteers across South Austin helping to preserve our green spaces. https://www.southaustincreekalliance.org/
Come anywhere from 6:30 pm to 7 pm to get your food ordered and drinks purchased, and to socialize.This talk will take place at La Madeleine's restaurant located on Brodie Lane close to the 290 intersection. We will be meeting in a corner sectioned off for us, and we will start the program at 7 pm and after the presentation there will be a time for questions. We will wrap up around 8 pm, but feel free to linger.
For a menu check out:[ https://lamadeleine.com/](https://lamadeleine.com/)
- Service Project - Gila Cliff Dwellings National MonumentUpper Scorpion Campground, Silver City, NM
*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
Important Note: This Service Project has been twinned with a September 20-28 Service Project at Bandelier National Monument. If you want to do both, you must register for each separately...
Join us for a week long Service Project at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument..
Although only 45 miles from Silver City, NM, it takes an honest 90 minutes to traverse that distance.
We will be staying at the Scorpion Campground. It has potable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is a natural hot spring one mile away. Even better, the magical private Gila Hot Springs is only three miles down the road.
We will have a day off for hiking. We might have a campfire ranger talk. Park interpreters will take us to "someplace interesting."
Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches.
Under our system for evening meals, you and partners will be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.
To sign up:
- RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up! There is usually plenty of turnover.
- Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details. Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.
- Contact information: Send your name, cell number, email address to stanpeyton at gmail.com.
- Complete the Medical Form: [https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021](https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021) Scan and email the form also to stanpeyton at gmail.com (preferred) , or to Stan Peyton's mailing address below.
- Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
- Mail the forms to:
Stan Peyton
8408 Hanbridge Lane
Austin TX 78736VERY IMPORTANT: IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.
Don't sign up unless you are serious about attending!
| YOU WILL NEED TO BRING: |
| ----------------------- |
| •Container(s) for leftovers |
•Kneeling pad
•Geologist's Hammer (we are not kidding)
•Tent and implements of sleeping
•Covid mask
•Dishtowel
•Earplugs
•Evening meal for Saturday
•Flashlight
•Food and drinks for all your breakfasts, snacks and lunches
•Hat
•Long pants
•Tools for working on the trail (If you already have them)
•Personal prescriptions and first aid kit
•Plate/bowl
•Silverware
•Sunscreen
•Tweezers
•Water bottle
•Work gloves
