What we’re about
This group is operated by Travis County Natural Resources and Austin Water's Wildland Conservation Division. 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 guided hikes, programs, and volunteer opportunities. Please note, that when attending events on the BCP, pets are not allowed on the preserve.
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). Although we have similar land management goals, we are a separate entity from the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.
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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- August After Dark: Astronomy Night 8/30Needs location
Pack a picnic and join Travis County for a magical, star-filled evening at the future site of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Visitor Center (11920 Wilson Parke Ave). This free, family-friendly event offers all ages the chance to explore the night sky through high-powered telescopes.
**Please register externally using this link: https://signup.com/go/DtCzVFJ**
đź“… Program: Starts at 8:15 PM
Ends at 10:45 PM (come and go as you please)
🔠Telescope Tutorial: 7:45–8:15 PM (learn to set up your telescope or help teach others!)
đź“Ť Note: This location is typically closed to the public.What to Bring:
- Picnic items (no alcohol or glass, and please pack out your trash)
- Blanket or chairs
- Closed-toe shoes
- Bug spray
- Flashlight or headlamp with a red light setting (we can provide one if needed)
- No alcohol, glass, pets, or smoking
Arrival Instructions:
You’ll drive down our long driveway and follow signs past orange barricades. Park near the designated area and check in at the table. You’ll be guided to the stargazing site.Night Vision Tips:
Please use only red-filtered lights and avoid camera flashes or cellphones to help preserve your night vision. It takes up to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust!
This event is weather-dependent, and confirmation will be emailed the day before. We can’t wait to share the stars with you! 🌌Not open - Friday Morning Nature Walk on the Snowden TrailSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Cedar Park, TX
*PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT USING THIS LINK*
Difficulty: Easy – some slight incline
Distance: ~1.5 miles – 2 hours
Location: We will meet at the Snowden house, near Anderson Mill and FM 2769Please note that pets are not allowed on the preserve.
Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's (BCP) Interpretive Guide and volunteer hike guide for an interpretive nature walk through our Snowden and Bunten tracts of the BCP.
We will start at the Snowden house and walk the trail that winds its way through open fields, creek beds, hilltops, and forests. The terrain is easy-moderately difficult, with a couple of semi-steep hills and some uneven ground. The trail is about 1.5 miles. Along the trail, staff will introduce you to the preserve, the species we protect, and our mission. Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water, sun protection, and any needed allergy medications. For your convenience, we have hiking packs, first aid kits, reusable water bottles, and trekking poles ready for checkout. We also provide electrolyte packets at the Snowden House to help you stay hydrated.
The entrance to Snowden can be tricky to find. We recommend you search for "Snowden Tract, Travis County BCP" in Google maps, and it will take you to the correct gate. Also, look for the white "BCP Event" sign at our driveway.
Detailed directions will be emailed to everyone who registers through SignUp.com. Just a heads-up, we won't be sending any further details on Meetup.
- Guided Hike on the Grandview Hills Canyon Loop TrailMuir Parke Pass, Austin, TX
*PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT USING THIS LINK*
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – some steep hills and uneven ground
Distance: approximately 3 miles – 3 hours
Location: Dead end of Wilson Parke Ave., where it meets Muir Parke Pass, off RR 620.Please note that no pets are allowed on the preserve.
Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Hike Guides for a trek on the Canyon Loop trail at Grandview Hills. The trail winds approximately 3 miles along hillsides and small canyons of closed canopy woodlands for which the Balcones Canyonlands are named. We'll finish this trail 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.
We will meet at the preserve gate at the end of Wilson Parke Ave. where it meets Muir Parke Pass.
- 9/19 Friday Morning Guided Hike on the Collins TrailSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Austin, TX
*PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT USING THIS LINK*
Difficulty: Moderate to arduous - please note that this hike has some strenuous inclines and declines. Hiking poles are encouraged we have a few pairs to loan out.
Distance: approximately 2.5 miles (3 hours)
Location: Snowden House, off FM 2769, near Anderson MillPlease note that no pets are allowed on the preserve.
Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's volunteer hike guides for an interpretive hike on the Collins Trail! This trek will start at our Snowden House, taking you up semi-steep terrain before wandering through gorgeous Golden-Cheeked Warbler habitat and back down into creek beds. Along the way, your guides will introduce you to the preserve, the species we protect, and our mission.
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.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water, sun protection, and any needed allergy medications. For your convenience, we have hiking packs, first aid kits, reusable water bottles, and trekking poles ready for checkout. We also provide electrolyte packets at the Snowden House to help you stay hydrated.
Detailed directions will be emailed to everyone who registers through SignUp.com. Just a heads-up, we won't be sending any further details on Meetup.
