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- Guided Interpretive Hike: Blazing the Collins TrailSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Austin, TX
Difficulty: Moderate to arduous - please note that this hike has some strenuous inclines and declines. Hiking poles are highly 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 a Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's (BCP) Interpretive Hike Guide for a 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 guide 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.
- Wild Basin Second Saturday Guided HikeWild Basic Wildife Preserve, Austin, TX
Wild Basin’s guided hikes are a great way to learn about the native Texas Hill Country, Wild Basin’s history and the connection to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Join us for one of our second Saturday guided hikes with our seasoned trail guide and naturalist, John Barr. Guided hikes begin on the deck of the Wild Basin Creative Research Center.
Wear closed-toe shoes, dress comfortably for the weather and bring drinking water. There is no water supply at Wild Basin. Composting style restrooms are available in the parking lot.
Space is limited and a paid hiking/vehicle pass is required to access the property. No registration or waiting list on Meetup.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is located at 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy (Loop 360) Austin, TX 78746 (About 1 mile North of FM 2244 - Bee Caves Rd.)
Learn more about Wild Basin Creative Research Center: https://www.stedwards.edu/wild-basin
No registration or waiting list on Meetup. You MUST visit the Wild Basin reservation site to reserve and pay for your hiking/vehicle pass to attend.
Wild Basin Hiking/Vehicle Pass - Thursday Morning Nature Walk on the Snowden TrailSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Cedar Park, TX
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 a Travis County BCP Volunteer Hike Guides for an interpretive nature walk through our Snowden and Bunten tracts of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (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, your guide 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.
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.
More detailed directions will be sent to all registrants before the date of the nature walk.
- 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 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 a Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Interpretive Guide for a hike 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.
