Austin Sierra Club Outings

YOU MUST MAKE A DAY PASS RESERVATION WITH TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION A.S.A.P.
https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/enchanted-rock-state-natural-area/r/deDetails.do?contractCode=TX&parkId=1200056

$8.00 Entry Fee, or use Texas State Parks Pass .

We will meet at the Loop Trail trailhead in the parking area just west of the main entrance. After going by the office, go left past the picnic area and restrooms. The Loop Trail trailhead is just past the restrooms at the end of the parking area. Park map. Allow extra time for checkin.

We will follow the Loop Trail to Moss Lake then on to Echo Canyon for a lunch stop. Next we will follow Base Trail around the back side of the rock and around the back side of Turkey Peak to the Group Pavilion for another break. Then we finish the hike back to our parking area. Trail is approximately 5 miles at an easy pace with Oak trees, rocks, boulders, sun and shade, sandy, rocky and gravelly soil, creeks to cross (typically hoppable for those of average ability), and awesome views of Enchanted Rock.

Along the trail we will make stops for wildlife, plant life and bird viewing, sharing some snacks and conversation and enjoying the beauty of nature. This is a nature hike!

Bring a hearty trail snack, plenty of drinking water, binoculars, field guides and all of your flora and fauna knowledge. Weather changes quickly in the Hill Country, so be prepared. There may be rain, cold, or a gorgeous day. Wear appropriate foul weather gear and whatever you need to be comfortable. DOGS OK, on a six foot leash, per park rules.

Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .

After the hike, optional visit to Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg where German games and exhibits, music, dancing, food and beer can be enjoyed by all. Admission fee to Octoberfest grounds is $15.00. For further details go to https://www.Oktoberfestinfbg.com

Carpooling is highly encouraged... Write a COMMENT with your preferred start location.

Participants must sign a Liability Waiver upon arrival. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020

Our first segment is a 1 mile easy-paced but rocky hike on the Shinoak Valley greenbelt, built by Texas Conservation Corps under a grant from Austin Parks & Rec.

2nd segment: Following the nature hike, we'll take a 4 mile moderately brisk conditioning walk along city streets with steep hills, thru the Dry Creek and Northwest Hills neighborhood. Our destination is Allen Park, featuring a limestone plateau covered by juniper/oak woodlands.

Afterwards join us for food and drink.

Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .

If not already a member, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (the national club, not just the Meetup group) and help protect the environment and our democracy.

Join us at our monthly General Meeting for socializing, networking, and engagement on environmental topics of local interest. Arrive as early as 6pm at El Mercado (1302 S 1st St) to purchase food and drink. Updates on current events and program starts promptly at 7pm.

Tonight's program is on backpacking the Kungsleden Trail in Sweden, with Bill Johns. The Kungsleden (King's Trail) is one of the world's great hiking trails. Located in Northern Sweden, it traverses 270 miles through lush mountain heaths, bordered by lakes and towering, dramatic peaks. The Kungsleden is home to diverse wildlife, including reindeer, moose, and a variety of bird species.

Bill Johns is a Special Education teacher at Crockett High School in Austin. Prior to that he served in the US Air Force. Bill is a highly experienced long-distance backpacker, having hiked the Colorado Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and others. He led Austin Sierra Club trips to Big Bend in 2024.

Can't make this event but still keenly interested in the topic? No worries... look for a recording of the presentation posted to the Austin Group's YouTube channel within about one week.