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
6
Hike Town Lake full loop - 10+ miles
The Rock at Town Lake, 2102-2104 Stephen F Austin Dr, Austin, TX, USThis is a brisk paced 10+ mile hike looping around Lady Bird Lake starting and ending at the pictured 'Rock' meetup point.
Be on-time. We will leave promptly by 9:10 am. This is for people who like to hike. We will walk fast enough for conditioning and to meet the end time goal. This hike will be held rain or shine, hot or cold. Parking is available under Mopac, north and south of the river. Because we must keep moving, dogs cannot be accomidated. If you are late, you probably can catch us by going clockwise on the trail towards Lamar on the same side of the lake.
Notes on how to find: Meet at the north end of the Roberta Crenshaw pedestrian bridge (area nicknamed The Rock), under the Mopac freeway, just west of Austin High.
Here’s a map of the trail: https://www.austintexas.gov/blog/management-plan-lady-bird-lake-and-butler-trail .
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Please consider becoming a member of the Sierra Club if you are not already. Membership isn't necessary to join our outings but it's highly encouraged: http://www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin4 attendees
Warbler Vista Hike
Warbler Vista Trails, Warbler Vis, Leander, TX, USWe will hike at least 3 miles at a brisk pace on rugged terrain. Some sections won't have shade, many are very rocky; plan accordingly.
The endangered golden-cheecked warblers mates and nests on this preserve and with some luck we may view one or any of the other native wildlife that lurks about.
The Sierra Club is not allowed to organize carpools but we highly recommend doing so. Many folks will rendez-vous at the Y in Oak Hill, Central Market on North Lamar, and REI Gateway. If you wish to drive or ride in a carpool, please leave a comment on the meetup page.
I can meet folks at the Walgreens at 1505 w. Whitestone Blvd in Cedar Park.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/balcones-canyonlands/visit-us
This trail is located on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve so No pets are allowed, well behaved kids are welcome. Bring water and hiking boots. Hats are recommended.
Afterwards, we can get a bite to eat in nearby Jonestown such as the Lucky Rabbit.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver upon arrival. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet202013 attendees
UT Museum Walk
Shipe Park, 4400 Ave. G, Austin, TX, USJoin us on a 5-mile easy-paced urban walk to the Texas Science & Natural History Museum (Admission $10 or less - card only) and the Harry Ransom Center (free) for viewing artwork and cultural exhibits. We'll spend about 30-40 minutes (based on group consensus) at each stop. If you want to stay longer or shorter or take Cap Metro back to the start, you may depart from the group - please let the Leader or Sweep know.
Often we go out for food and drink afterwards.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .15 attendees
Service Project - Brazos Bend State Park
Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 Farm to Market Road 762, Needville, TX, US*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
Join us for a week long Service Project at Brazos Bend State Park. Only 43 miles from downtown Houston, its coastal prairie wetlands are one of North America's most threatened ecosystems. This park protects a significant chunk of what's left.
This 5,000-acre park sits along the winding Brazos River in the coastal prairie region. Unlike the rugged Hill Country, Brazos Bend is flat, lush, and teeming with water. The park features moss-draped live oaks, shallow lakes and sloughs, and wetlands that create a haven for an incredible diversity of wildlife.
Brazos Bend is famous for its American alligators - and you WILL see them. They sun themselves on trails, glide through the water, and are so common that the park has "alligator etiquette" signs everywhere. Don't worry - they're generally docile if you keep a respectful distance (at least 30 feet).
Also, you can tell people you did manual labor while dodging alligators, which is arguably more interesting than most service project stories.
From the Park Superintendent: We have a new tract of land that was donated a few years ago, and we’re in the process of habitat restoration, and we have a lot of work to do.
There’s a lot of yaupon holly that we’ll be clearing away from trees, so cutting and lopping will likely be the primary task… which, I’ll plan for a few staff to be out with he group and provide direction, cover safety topics, and weather updates each day before the work begins.
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 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 78736
VERY 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: |
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•Kneeling pad
•Containers for leftovers
•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 gloves13 attendees
Past events
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