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 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
4
"Show Off Your New Stuff" Hike, along Shoal Creek
REI Downtown, 601 N. Lamar (6th & Lamar), Austin, TX, USStart 2026 with something new. Whether your new possessions are material (jackets, boots, backpacks - perhaps brought by Santa) or spiritual (beliefs, attitudes, resolutions), this 4-mile easy-paced hike will give the opportunity to show the new you. We'll walk along Shoal Creek, thru downtown condomania, and along Lady Bird Lake and the West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt. The trail is mostly flat, but there are a few steep, rocky sections and a creek crossing - typically hoppable for those of average ability.
OK to bring a well-behaved pet on leash. If problems arise, you and your pet will need to depart from the group.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Afterwards join us for healthy food and drink on the Whole Foods outdoor patio. (We may be in front of the store or on the rooftop if crowded).
Consider taking Cap Metro to the event. Free street parking on the holiday.
For the new year, if not already a member, we recommend you join the Sierra Club (in addition to the Meetup group) and do something good for the environment.33 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: |
| ----------------------- |
| |
•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 gloves12 attendees
Service Project - Palo Duro Canyon & Cross Bar Special Recreation Mgmt. Area
Wolfberry Group Area, 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX, US*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
Join us for a week of meaningful trail service in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Texas.
Often described as the second largest canyon in the U.S., Palo Duro stretches more than 120 miles across the Panhandle. That claim depends on how “largest” is defined — for instance, Idaho’s Hells Canyon is deeper — but Palo Duro’s vivid red cliffs and sculpted rock layers make it an unforgettable place to work and explore.
We’ll camp in the Wolfberry Group Area, which has 7 pedestals with water spigots and 30/50-amp outlets, plus plenty of space for tents and a few RVs. Wolfberry is about 5½ miles inside the park, near the Mesquite and Hackberry camp areas.
April usually brings warm days and cool, comfortable evenings.
Our team will assist the park with trail maintenance and erosion control projects. We’re especially skilled with McLeods and Pulaskis and would be delighted to collaborate with another group on shared work.
Expect rewarding, hands-on fieldwork, good company, and time to enjoy the canyon’s trails and starry nights.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches. Of course, your park admission will be comped.
We keep evening duty simple: every team cooks one night only — enjoy the other nights free. The chosen team brings and prepares dinner, runs dish patrol, and washes the cooking pots and pans.
The team that cooks, let's say, Tuesday night also washes the dishes used for Tuesday morning’s pancake-and-egg breakfast. That’s it — one dinner, one breakfast-morning cleanup, and then you’re off the hook.
But wait. There's more.
On the last day of this Service Project, we get to check out a huge area 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. https://friendsofcrossbarsrma.org.
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 10:30 am on Saturday, April 18th. 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 for another week long Service Project.
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: |
| ----------------------- |
| |
•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 gloves22 attendees
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. 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
We will have one day off during the week (day TBD) - 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 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:
-Food and drink for all your breakfasts, snacks, and lunches.
-5 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 spray
ASCO group cooking equipment (large pots/pans, etc.) will be brought by Trip Leaders.9 attendees
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