![Guided Hikes on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/9/d/b/clean_461015291.webp)
What we’re about
This group is operated by the City of Austin's Wildland Conservation Division and Travis County Natural Resources (1/14/2020). It was created to encourage awareness of and access to the Balcones Canyonland Preserve (BCP). Through the promotion of public educational opportunities, our members will be in the loop of special access hikes, lectures and volunteer opportunities. The BCP is not one single tract of land but a system of preserves located in Travis County that exists as a multi-agency conservation effort operating under a regional 10(a) permit issued under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFW). In addition to existing as habitat for endangered species, these lands provide habitat for numerous native plants and animals and contribute to improved air and water quality and quality of life for the people of Austin.
Check out the BCP events calendar to see all upcoming events on the BCP:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=hikeandlecture@gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago&pli=1
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Shady Hike into Nootsie CanyonTravis County Natural Resources Field Office, Austin, TX
Difficulty: The hike is easy-moderately difficult with some semi-steep hills and one large steep hill.
Distance: approximately 1.8 miles – 2 hours
When: Saturday, July 27, 8-10am
Location: We will meet at the Travis County Natural Resources Field Office, off of RR 620, that is not normally open to the public.Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserves’ (BCP) Interpretive Guide, Jaya Torres, for a nature hike on the BCP.
The BCP is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering more than 33,000 acres – about 50 square miles. It is made up of more than 140 individual tracts managed by both public and private partners. The BCP was created in 1996 and continues to protect habitat for seven endangered species and other species of concern found on the preserve.
This hike will begin at the Travis County Natural Resources Field Office, and we’ll traverse through open shrubland, closed-canopy woodlands, along the edge of the small Noostie canyon, and then down to the creek bed below. Although it is late in the breeding season, there is a chance that we may hear or see an endangered golden-cheeked warbler along the way.
The hike is easy-moderately difficult with some semi-steep hills and uneven ground in places. The approximate hike distance is a little over 1.8 miles. Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring plenty of water, sun protection, and bring any needed allergy medications.
If you have not joined Travis County in the past, please fill out and submit a digital liability waiver.
- Guided Hike on the Grandview Hills Canyon Loop TrailMuir Parke Pass, Austin, TX
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – some steep hills and uneven ground
Distance: approximately 2.5 miles – 3 hours
Location: Dead end of Wilson Parke Ave., where it meets Muir Parke Pass, off RR 620.Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserves' Aimee and Jaya for a hike on the Canyon Loop trail at Grandview Hills. The trail winds approximately 2.5 miles along hillsides and small canyons of closed canopy woodlands for which the Balcones Canyonlands are named for, and finishes off with a look into one of our shelter caves. It's easy to moderately difficult, with some steep hills and uneven ground.
The BCP is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering more than 33,000 acres in western Travis County – about 50 square miles. It is made up of more than 140 individual tracts managed by both public and private partners. The BCP was created in 1996 and continues to protect habitat for seven endangered species and other species of concern found on the preserve. Learn more about the BCP here.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water, sun protection, and any needed allergy medications. If you have not joined us on the Travis County BCP for an event in the past, please fill out and submit a digital liability waiver.
We will meet at the preserve gate at the end of Wilson Parke Ave. where it meets Muir Parke Pass.