About us
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 participate, 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
5
Service Project - Caprock Canyons SP (with Cross Bar BLM land visit)
Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, TX, US***RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
About the Park
If you're looking for a stunning outdoor adventure, Caprock Canyons State Park in the Texas Panhandle is an absolute gem! This sprawling 15,000-acre park showcases gorgeous, rugged canyons shaped over time by wind and water, creating some truly breathtaking scenery.
One of the coolest features? It's home to the official Texas State Bison Herd – you will spot these majestic animals roaming the landscape! With over 90 miles of trails, there's plenty to explore whether you're into hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
The park also features prairie dog towns, camping options ranging from primitive sites to convenient drive-up spots, and spectacular viewpoints like Holmes Creek Canyon. Don't miss the Folsom Historic Site, a beautiful natural bridge, and the intriguing Fern Cave – they all add to your visit!About the Work
The park rangers would like us to do trailway bridge work along with brushing trails.About Transportation
Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged; please contact other attendees on this trip to arrange your carpool.About Lodging
We will be tent camping within the state park, at the South Prong area (no electrical or water). Participants are responsible for bringing their own camping equipment.About Meals
Participants bring their own breakfasts and lunches. For evening meals, you and your cooking group (TBA) will feed the entire group one evening - this includes bringing and preparing the food, as well as dish patrol (washing pots/pans/etc.)About Our Day Off
Sunday April 19 is our day to enjoy the park- participants can decide what they want to do during this day. There are usually hikes or other outings organized within the group.But wait - there’s more!
On Saturday April 18, (after Palo Duro SP, and before Caprock Canyons SP) we get to check out a huge area nearby that is not open to the public, and won’t be for at least three years!
The Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area is big - 11,883 acres. It is the only BLM land in Texas.
We have received special permission to have them guide us across private property to get to the preserve. They are meeting us at the gate at 10:30am on Saturday April 18. It is about an hour drive from Palo Duro. The gate’s address is 9610 Brickplant Road, Amarillo, TX.
After exploring the Cross Bar, many of us will proceed to Caprock Canyons State Park (2 hour drive) for another week long service project.
TO SIGN UP FOR CAPROCK CANYONS SP SERVICE PROJECT:
- 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 this trip is right for you.
- Contact information: Send your name, cell number, and email address to stanpeyton@gmail.com
- Complete the Medical Form https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021. Scan and email the form also to stanpeyton@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:
-Food and drink for all your breakfasts, snacks, and lunches.
-6 gallons of potable water (park water is high in nitrates and unpotable)
-Mess kit (plate/bowl, utensils, napkin)
-Your cooking groups’ dinner ingredients & containers for leftovers
-Tent and tent supplies (footprint, tent, fly, mallet, stakes)
-Implements of sleeping (sleeping bag, pillow, earplugs)
-Work gloves, eye protection, kneeling pad, trail tools, geologist hammer
-Day pack to carry to work sites
-Flashlight/headlamp
-camp chair
-Clothes for the weather, including long shirt, long pants, & boots for trail work, and rain gear
-Personal prescriptions
-Water bottle
-Personal First Aid kit (include tweezers)
-Sunscreen, bug sprayASCO group cooking equipment (large pots/pans, etc.) will be brought by Trip Leaders.
12 attendees
Canyon Creek Hike
Trailhead Park, 10984 Boulder Ln, Austin, TX, USLet's do a 3.5 mile hike in NW Austin at a brisk pace on rugged terrain. We may find one of the largest Oak trees in NW Travis County. This trail is rocky and has several hill climbs equivalent to 10 flights of stairs each. No pets please.
Meet at the pavillion at the Canyon Creek Trailhead Park off Hwy 620 and Boulder Ln at 10984 Boulder Lane as described below:
Bring water and hiking boots. Hats are recommended.
Afterwards, we can get a bite to eat at a nearby cafe such as torchys tacos.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.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
13 attendees
Sierra Club Spring Potluck Picnic
Pease District Park, 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX, USEach May we hold a Spring picnic at Pease Park in lieu of our monthly general meeting. The picnic is a purely social gathering -- there is no formal program -- so join us for plenty of good food and good conversation with folks who care about the environment!
This event is a potluck, so please bring a favorite dish (and serving utensil if needed) to share. But if you don't have one, feel free to come anyway. There always seems to be enough to go around. Everyone is welcome, members and guests alike.
Those with special diets may bring their own meal. We will supply recycleware, ice, water, and limited soft drinks -- or bring your own favorite. Pease Park prohibits glass containers and styrofoam; alcoholic beverages are permitted in the picnic area but must be in cans.
Parking at Pease is limited - most spots are available along the street in the 1500 block of Parkway. Consider biking, carpooling, or taking Cap Metro to the event. If you are driving and don't mind a short walk, consider parking in the 2200 block of Parkway or at House Park (1301 Shoal Creek Blvd). https://peasepark.org/parking
If weather appears threatening, keep an eye on this site for last minute updates. If need be, we can decamp to First UU Church.
We may not solve all the world's problems by 9 pm, but we'll try ... hope you can make it!
10 attendees
Service Project - Olympic National Park
Heart O' the Hills Campground, 2823 S Oak St, Port Angeles, WA, US*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
Join us for four days of meaningful conservation work in one of America's most stunning old-growth forest settings. Volunteers will spend three days pulling invasive weeds to help restore the native understory, and one day supporting nursery operations to propagate the plants that will take their place.
No experience necessary — just a love of the outdoors and a willingness to dig in!***
About the Campground
Nestled just 15 minutes from downtown Port Angeles on the northern Olympic Peninsula, Heart O' the Hills Campground is surrounded by towering old-growth trees, offering a serene, deeply shaded retreat in the heart of Olympic National Park.***
A Rare Opportunity
Securing campsites at Heart O' the Hills during peak summer season is nearly impossible for the average visitor — sites are first-come, first-served and fill up every single day. Through our partnership with Olympic National Park, we have been granted 5–6 reserved campsites accommodating up to 12 tents and 2 RVs. This is a remarkable privilege, and one we don't take lightly. Note that we will be sharing campsites, and they may not end up being contiguous with the sites of the other members of our Service Project.***
Costs
Olympic National Park has generously waived camping fees on our volunteer work days. On non-work days, the standard fee of $24 per person per day applies — still a bargain for one of the most coveted spots in the Pacific Northwest. Park admission is also comped for all participants.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches.***
Dinner Duty
We keep dinner simple: every team cooks one night only. The cooking team brings and prepares dinner, handles dish patrol, and washes the pots and pans — then enjoys the other evenings free.***
To Sign Up
- RSVP on Meetup — The event may show as full, but sign up anyway! There is usually plenty of turnover.
- Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who may reach out for more details. Volunteering in a rugged wilderness area takes real preparation, and we want to make sure this trip is the right fit for you.
- Send your contact info — name, cell number, and email address — to stanpeyton@gmail.com.
- Complete the Medical Form at https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 and email it to stanpeyton@gmail.com, or mail it to the address below.
- Read the Participation Agreement and complete Page 1 at https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020, then email or mail it as well.
- Mail forms to: Stan Peyton 8408 Hanbridge Lane Austin, TX 78736
⚠️ Important: Paperwork must be received within ten days of signing up, or you will be removed from the trip. Please only sign up if you are serious about attending.
***
What to Bring
Camping Essentials- Tent and sleeping gear
- Sleeping pad or kneeling pad
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Earplugs
Food & Kitchen
- All breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for the trip
- Dinner ingredients for the night your team cooks
- Plate, bowl, and silverware
- Dish towel
- Containers for leftovers
- Water bottle
Work Gear
- Work gloves
- Long pants
- Hat
- Geologist's hammer (yes, really!)
- Trail tools, if you already own them
Health & Safety
- Personal prescriptions and first aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Tweezers
- Latitude: 48.0363° N
- Longitude: -123.4297° W
Decimal (GPS):
`48.0363, -123.4297`
Degrees-Minutes-Seconds:- 48° 02′ 11″ N
- 123° 25′ 47″ W
12 attendees
Past events
4229
Group links
Members
20,051
