Christmas Gift Exchange and Conditioning Hike

***To celebrate Christmas this year, we're going to do our normal conditioning hikes followed by a gift exchange at Rudy's on 620. If you're a regular, you know we love to go to Rudy's after our hikes to have breakfast tacos and share stories. This time, dress festive for the occasion and bring a single gift under $30. We will do the gift exchange after having our breakfast tacos on their outdoor covered patio. We suggest that presents be hiking, camping, or mountaineering related...but it's totally up to you. Don't want to do gifts? That's fine, come anyway to enjoy some food and fellowship. Don't want to hike? Just show up at Rudy's at 9:20am to socialize with our group. We hope to see you there!

Caution: This is an advanced and strenuous hike. We try to keep a quick pace to make this a challenging workout.

6:15AM - 2 miles (40 minutes)
We will be starting at the Canyon Trail trailhead, hiking to Noggin' Knocker, and back. Bring a headlamp!

7:00AM - 5.5 miles (2hrs 10mins)
We will be starting at the Canyon Trail trailhead, hiking to the Fern Trail Trailhead and back. You may have to pay entrance fees of $10 if they are collecting at that time.

9:20AM - Tacos and Gift exchange at Rudy's on620

So join us at 6:15am to do a 2 mile out-and-back from the Canyon Trail Trailhead to Noggin' Knocker, and then back. This is the hardest part of the trail and usually takes 40-45 minutes to complete. Then at 7:00am, we will start a second hike doing the full trail from the Canyon Trail Trailhead, to the Fern Trail Trailhead, and back. This is a 5.5 mile hike and takes about 2.25 hours to complete.

IMPORTANT NOTE: They have started charging a $10 fee to hike this trial on weekends beginning at 6:30AM. If you'll be joining the 7:00AM hike, you may need a credit/debit card to pay the entrance fee if they are charging when you arrive. It can vary from week to week, so it's hard to be certain.

Physical Requirement: Known as "Nature's Stairmaster", this strenuous hike is not recommended for beginners. There are 2800 steps with 1700 feet of elevation change in each direction.

What to bring with you: Lots of water (preferably with electrolytes), a headlamp, and a good pair of hiking or trail running shoes.

How to find us: We will be standing by the trail kiosk at the Canyon Trail trailhead entrance.

Important notes: There are no restrooms or water at this trailhead. (There are bathrooms nearby at HEB or at 8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730)

Don't forget that our Austin Mountaineers store is now open if you would like to order something. 100% of the proceeds from the store go back into prizes and gifts for our group events.
https://www.zazzle.com/collections/austin_mountaineers-119260957983235864?fbclid=IwAR1vp7C3Y5-VYE67ttbqXLm992yefePKn1ZPTB-ux5O0c40LXYUYzgO5yso

Cancellation policy: If you will not be able to make the hike, please be polite and change your RSVP to "not going" so that we don't wait for you at the trailhead.

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This event is a voluntary gathering of individuals with shared interests engaging in recreational activities. By RSVPing, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this waiver.