About us
Who Are We?
We’re the Austin Mountaineers. Sounds like a joke, right? After all, there aren’t any real mountains in Austin. That’s true—but that’s exactly why we travel together to seek them out. From state high points to international expeditions, from bucket-list backpacking trips to spontaneous peak-bagging adventures, we chase elevation—and unforgettable experiences. We train together, support one another, and often share travel expenses to keep our goals accessible and our adventures within reach.
Our training ground? Mostly River Place Nature Trail—better known as “Nature’s Stairmaster.” It’s where we build the endurance and mental grit needed to tackle the next big summit and create the kind of memories that turn strangers into lifelong friends.
So… Who Are We Really?
Honestly? We might be a little off. We thrive on Type 2 fun—the kind that tests you in the moment but makes for the best stories afterward. We’re drawn to challenge and seek out adventures that are off the beaten path. We come from all backgrounds, but we share a love of steep trails, hard climbs, and the feeling of overcoming what once seemed impossible. When people ask us why we do it, the answer is simple: because it’s hard.
What Do We Do?
One of our goals is to hike all of Colorado’s 14ers—but that’s just the beginning. We go after big miles, big elevation, and big goals. While this group isn’t about casual walks in the park, we welcome those just starting their journey. We offer intro hikes and support new members in building the endurance and confidence needed to take on bigger challenges.
Our mission is to push ourselves—and each other—to go further, dream bigger, and live boldly. Whether your goal is to summit Everest or simply reach the highest point in your city, we’re here for it. Maybe you just need someone to train with—we’re here for that, too. Everyone brings something valuable to this group, and together, we go farther than we could alone.
If you’re training for something epic—or even if you’re just curious—we’d love to meet you. Join us for a conditioning hike and see what we’re about. It won’t be easy. But it will be worth it. We hope to see you at the top!
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Group Rules:
We will not accept any new member that does not have an actual photo of themselves as their Meetup profile picture.
For safety reasons, we hike together and support each-other as a group, with the leader in control. We hike, climb, rest and eat together. No one will be allowed to hike ahead at any time. This has caused major issues with events in the past. If you are unwilling to comply with this - please do not sign up. Austin Mountaineer event leaders RESERVE the RIGHT to REMOVE any one from an event if that becomes necessary. The safety of all members at our events is our paramount concern.
All of the Austin Mountaineer leaders are volunteers and are not compensated for any activity. If the event is a strenuous or difficult one, you may be asked about your hiking history and your abilities. This is not only to protect you but the other hikers at the event. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN AN EVENT IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EVENT LEADER.
Participants should be in good physical condition to attend any event. Folks with an underlying medical condition should avoid moderate and strenuous events. If you are feeling sick for any reason, please stay home.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY THAT ALL EVENT PARTICIPANTS MUST AGREE TO:
I understand that during my participation in any Austin Mountaineers event, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and climbing. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious bodily injury, property damage, and death from exposure to the hazards during the event and during travel prior to and after the event. I understand that injuries and damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, trip members, and the trip leader. I further understand that on this or any Austin Mountaineers event there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the injuries and damages to which I may be exposed. Participation in any Austin Mountaineers event is completely at your own risk.
When joining one of our overnight/remote events, you will need to provide your mobile number, email address and emergency contact information to the event leader(s). This information may be shared with other participants on a contact sheet to streamline communication for the event. A deposit or full payment, and more information may be needed for some trips.
Smoking is not allowed on our events. Check with the event leader to see if pets are allowed for that specific event.
Upcoming events
6
- $50.00
Wilderness First Aid - topics selected by you!
Tony Garrant, 3204 Quarry Creek, Round Rock, TX, USHey Mountaineers!
Do you feel confident with keeping yourself and others safe and healthy on the trail, away from medical care? I would love to bring some of these topics to you! I teach wilderness medicine around the country (and some internationally) to lay people, outdoor professionals, and medical professionals. Understanding that a full certification course isn't always practical or necessary, I would like to offer a session for which YOU will select the topics! There will be no certification involved, just learning and hands-on practice to keep each other safe. With fewer hours than a certification class, this will be considerably less expensive as well, $50.
Tony has graciously offered his outdoor space for this event - this is where we were for the spaghetti dinner in November.Here's a link to register and to vote for preferred topics.
If we have at least 6 participants by March 15 it'll be a go. Payment deferred for now - I'll send payment options when the class fills.# Event Waiver and Release of Liability
By confirming your attendance (RSVP) to this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:- Assumption of Risk: You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in this event, including but not limited to risks of bodily injury, property damage, or other losses that may occur during the event. You understand that the event may involve physical activities, such as hiking or other outdoor pursuits, which carry inherent risks.
- Personal Responsibility: You accept sole responsibility for your own health, safety, and well-being, as well as that of any guests you may bring to the event. If you or your guests are unwilling to accept this responsibility, you are advised not to RSVP or participate in the event.
- Non-Professional Guidance: The event hosts, organizers, and facilitators are not professional guides or trained personnel. They do not assume any responsibility or liability for your safety, health, or conduct during the event.
- Release of Liability: By participating in this event, you hereby release and discharge the event hosts, organizers, and any affiliated individuals or entities from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by you or your guests during or as a result of participating in this event.
This event is a voluntary gathering of individuals with shared interests engaging in recreational activities. By RSVPing, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this waiver.
2 attendees 
Mt Antero (14er) via Browns Creek Trail
Location not specified yetThis will be a challenging trip—but it’s designed for anyone who wants to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado, camp in the high country, and summit a 14er.
My goal is for 100% of participants to reach the top of Mt. Antero. The itinerary is intentionally built to maximize your chances of success, with time to acclimatize before summit morning—and we still have five months to prepare. You’ll need to put in the training and effort, but if you do, this plan sets you up well.
I’ve also structured the trip to be budget-friendly so cost isn’t a barrier. There will be a lot of windshield time, but it will be well worth it. If needed, some in our group have extra gear that you can borrow for this trip.
To join this trip, you must be an active Austin Mountaineers member, have attended one of our previous trips, or commit to training consistently with us on our weekly Saturday conditioning hikes. For the safety of the group, the event host will make the final decision on who can attend. You will also need to join our Austin Mountaineers WhatsApp group, which is how we will be discussing trip details as it gets closer.
Cost: Covers hotels and fuel for vehicles.
Driver (using own vehicle): $75
Passenger: $150
(If we don't end up having enough drivers for our group size, we'll all share the cost of adding a rental vehicle or two, but it shouldn't increase the cost that much overall.)You will be responsible for your food, snacks and meals.
Itinerary:
June 17th, Wednesday
Leave Carl’s house in Cedar Park at 2:30pm – Arrive to Lubbock hotel around 8:30pm (6 hrs, 350 miles)
Stay at: Baymont by Wyndham Lubbock, 5410 Interstate 27, Lubbock, TX 79404 (Double-queen rooms, 4 person each)June 18th, Thursday
Leave hotel at 5:30am – Arrive to campground around 3:30pm (10 hrs, 550 miles)
Stop in Salida, CO for lunch, and to pick up water and last-minute items at Walmart.
Camp at Twin Lakes (Free with incredible views!)
For map purposes: South Mount Elbert Trail, Twin Lakes, CO 81251 (We’ll stay about 1 mile past this trailhead.)
Twin Lakes is a pair of glacier-carved alpine lakes about 15 miles south of historic Leadville, Colorado. There are campsites closer to our trailhead, but not with this view!
Setup camp and then take a 30-minute drive to the famous Independence Pass, Colorado for some incredible views.June 19th, Friday
Drive to Browns Creek Trailhead (1hr 5min, 43 miles).
Hike to Browns Creek Falls, and then on to Browns Lake (7 miles, 2400 ft of elevation gain.)
Leave Twin Lakes campground at 5:30am – Arrive to Browns Creek Trailhead around 6:45am
Start hiking by 7:30-8:00am (We need to be to the parking lot early because it fills up fast but don't have to be in a hurry to start hiking.)
Setup camp at the far (west) end of Browns Lake.
Elevation Gain: 2,400-ft
Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
Elevation: 8,920-ft. - 11,320-ftJune 20th, Saturday
Start early and hike from camp at Browns Lake to the summit of Mt Antero (5.5 mi, Elevation 14271-ft)
Elevation Gain from Browns Lake: 2,950-ftOnce summiting and back to our camp at Browns Lake, we'll pack up our gear and hike back to the trailhead. This will be a long day, but downhill all the way after we summit.
We’ll grab a late lunch/early dinner in Salida, CO on our way to Raton, NM.
Drive to Raton, NM to stay at the Robin Hood Motel for the night. (3.5 hrs, 185 miles)
Robin Hood Motel, 1354 S 2nd St, Raton, NM 87740 (Double-queen rooms, 4 person each)June 21st, Sunday
Leave hotel at 5:30am. Arrive back in Austin around 5:30pm.For those of you that are faster, you can also climb Cronin Peak, a nearby, high 13er. https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=13622
Or for those of you that have already done Mt Antero, you can do a non-standard route from Browns Lake to bag Mt Shavano and Tabeguache Peak that doesn't require you to climb Shavano twice.
For those of you willing to drive your own vehicle, and take 3 passengers, you will not pay for fuel or tolls. That cost will be shared among the other attendees. We would like to have 4 persons per vehicle to maximize cost savings.
Cancellation policy: If you will not be able to make the trip, please be considerate and change your RSVP to "not going" as soon as you know so that someone else will have a chance to attend.
# Event Waiver and Release of Liability #
By confirming your attendance (RSVP) to this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
- Assumption of Risk: You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in this event, including but not limited to risks of bodily injury, property damage, or other losses that may occur during the event. You understand that the event may involve physical activities, such as hiking or other outdoor pursuits, which carry inherent risks.
- Personal Responsibility: You accept sole responsibility for your own health, safety, and well-being, as well as that of any guests you may bring to the event. If you or your guests are unwilling to accept this responsibility, you are advised not to RSVP or participate in the event.
- Non-Professional Guidance: The event hosts, organizers, and facilitators are not professional guides or trained personnel. They do not assume any responsibility or liability for your safety, health, or conduct during the event.
- Release of Liability: By participating in this event, you hereby release and discharge the event hosts, organizers, and any affiliated individuals or entities from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by you or your guests during or as a result of participating in this event.
This event is a voluntary gathering of individuals with shared interests engaging in recreational activities. By RSVPing, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this waiver.
8 attendees
Past events
339
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