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- Bauerle Ranch HikeSlaughter Creek Greenbelt (Northwest entrance), Austin, TX
Join us for a 6 mile hike at a moderately brisk pace along the Bauerle Ranch trails, connected by neighborhood streets. We'll pass thru strands of ashe juniper, low-growing shin oak, majestic live oak, and peaceful grassland, while staying surprisingly close to an urban setting.
The trail is mostly flat, but has some rocky sections. We'll pass by Slaughter Creek, but no wet creek crossings are expected. No pets please, due to narrow trails.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Often we gather for food and drink afterwards.
If not already a member, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (the national organization, not just the Meetup group), and support our conservation and community outreach.
- Volunteer at MoveOutATXUT Whitaker Intramural Tennis Courts, Austin, TX
MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE - see instructions below... WILL BE HOT... OTHER DATES AND TIMES ARE AVAILABLE.
Over 18,000 students live in West Campus, the neighborhood west of the University of Texas at Austin. Each July, students move out and dumpsters and curbs fill with a significant amount of material (most leases expire July 31). Much of this material could be reused, and the pattern causes headaches for students, parents, residents, property owners, and the City.
MoveOutATX helps students donate gently-used items they no longer need at nearby locations. The program avoids the mess while placing items in the hands of needy folks who can use them, rather than sending them to the landfill. MoveOutATX will sponsor a Free Furniture Market for Austinites to pick up items they want.
MoveOutATX is a partnership between the City of Austin, UT Office of Sustainability and UT Student Services, as well as participating reuse organizations and property management companies.
A variety of jobs are available. Participants MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE on the webpage https://www.givepulse.com/event/604569-Free-Furniture-Market-2025 . Some of us are signing up for the Tuesday 5pm to 8pm slots, but other dates and times are available.
- Pre-Trip Training Hike & Social for Colorado Trip in AugustKiosk marking Canyonlands and Mount Lakeway trailhead on Trophy Drive in Lakeway, Lakeway, TX
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All are welcome, especially if you are interested in our Colorado trip August 19-24.
Here is the link to that trip: www.meetup.com/austin-sierra-club-outings/events/308762227
There are a few spots left on the trip, for a total of 16 people.- This training hike is for anybody interested in the Colorado trip, and for already registered trip participants, to meet & greet.
- This hike is for experienced hikers who already have good conditioning, and enjoy trails with rocky, hilly terrain.
- We will hike up & past Mount Lakeway, about 6 miles out & back. Trail is rocky and includes long hills.
- Pace will be moderate, but we won’t leave anybody behind.
- Carrying water is mandatory. We’ll take a snack break at the top.
- Get excited for the cool high altitude of Colorado!- 8:00 am - Meet for information & introductions - please be on time
- 8:15 am – Start hiking promptly - to beat the heat
- 12:15 pm – Finish hiking (3-4 hours hiking)
- 12:30 pm – Optional bite & drink together afterwards. Maybe Don Mario Mexican Restaurant
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt."
- John Muir - 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.
