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.
Smoking 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- Service Project - Canyon de Chelly National MonumentTséyi' Diné Heritage Area - Cottonwood Campground at Canyon De Chelly, Chinle, AZ
*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
Canyon de Chelly is different than other parks.
Wikipedia:
"Canyon de Chelly is entirely owned by the Navajo Tribal Trust of the Navajo Nation. It is the only National Park Service unit that is owned and cooperatively managed in this manner. About 40 Navajo families live in the park. Access to the canyon floor is restricted, and visitors are allowed to travel in the canyons only when accompanied by a park ranger or an authorized Navajo guide."We will have Wednesday, April 24 off for hiking. There have been rumblings that the Park Service will take us on a hike that Wednesday. It is my hope that they will take us places that most people don't see in the park.
So now you may be thinking, "That's OK. I will go hike somewhere outside of the park." Um, no.
I have talked to friends who have great knowledge of hiking in this area, and basically the only places to hike involve long drives:
Betatikin Ruins in Navajo National Monument - 2 hour drive
Antelope Canyon - 3 hour drive
Mesa Verde National Park - 3 hour drive
Comb Ridge in Bears Ears National Monument - 2 hour driveThe Upshot
This trip is not going to be hike heavy. But, you will learn a great deal about how the Navajo people live and lived.We will be in the park during National Parks Week.
There is one more way this Service Project will differ from the other Service Projects:
You can stay in a motel.
Yes, the Thunderbird Lodge is about a mile from our campsite. Of course, if you opt for this, the motel bill will be yours.Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches. The classic Thunderbird Lodge is in the park a short walk from our campground. The nearest major airport is Albuquerque.
Our service work will likely involve picking up litter. The Park Service has yet to nail this down.
You and partners will also be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.
The National Park Service is providing free park admission, campsite, and work tool usage.
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.
- Send Stan the answer to the one screening question by email:
What is the most difficult hike you've done in the past year? stanpeyton@gmail.com - Contact information: Send your name, cell number, email address to stanpeyton@gmail.com.
- Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 Scan and email the form also to ASCtripCenter@gmail.com (preferred) , or to Stan Peyton's mailing address below.
- 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.
- Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
- Write a check for $100 payable to "Austin Sierra Club":
When you show up at our campsite, we will return your $100 check. - Mail the forms in + your check for $100 to our leader -
Stan Peyton
8408 Hanbridge Lane
Austin TX 78736
| VERY IMPORTANT: IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR DEPOSIT AND 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!
We will provide pots, skillets, pans, a dutch oven, and sundry other implements of cooking. Also dishwashing supplies.
This is from a similar Service Project last year at Arches National Park:https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Wx7PrDhnE1M
| YOU WILL NEED TO BRING: |
| ----------------------- |
| •Container(s) for leftovers |
| •Covid mask |
| •Dishtowel |
| •Earplugs |
| •Tent, sleeping bag, ground cloth, pad |
| •Flashlight |
| •Food and drinks for all your breakfasts and lunches |
| •Hat |
| •Long pants |
| •Mug |
| •Personal prescriptions and first aid kit |
| •Plate/bowl |
| •Silverware |
| •Sunscreen |
| •Tweezers |
| •Water bottle |
| •Work gloves | - Hike at Travis County Northeast Metropolitan Park15500 Sun Light Near Way, Pflugerville, TX
Let's do an easy 3 mile hike in Travis County's Northeast Metro Park.
The terrain is flat except for a short upgrade near midway in the hike.
Dogs okay if on a 6 foot leash.Take Sun Light Near Way south to the roundabout and make the first right.
Go about a quarter mile and turn left into the first parking lot on your left.
About two thirds of the hike is very shady. It will follow along Gilleland Creek most of the way. There will be some huge pecan trees along the way.Afterwards, we'll go to Casa Garcia's in the Windermere section of Pflugerville for lunch. https://www.casagarcias.com/menus
Participants MUST MAINTAIN 6 FEET DISTANCING at all times. Participants must sign a Liability Waiver upon arrival. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
COVID-19 safety measures
Event will be outdoors
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.