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 particiate, 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+)
See all- Barton Creek Hike (Brisk paced)Barton Creek Greenbelt (Twin Falls Access), Austin, TX
*We’ll hike at a BRISK pace. We’ll cover roughly 7-8 miles. We’ll hike the greenbelt hills, cover rocky terrain, and STRENUOUS climbing sections. We’ll follow some less-used greenbelt trails taking us to and beyond many of the wonders and treasures of Barton Creek.
*Be prepared to keep up! The hike will be challenging but doable; mysterious yet approachable. This hike is geared towards a small group of fun people who really like hiking. This is for experienced hikers who already have good conditioning, balance, who enjoy trails with rocky, uneven terrain. No pets allowed.
*We’ll work out and work up an appetite on the trail too. We often go out after the hike to Pinthouse for food and drink.
Suggestions:
- Wear hiking shoes. Bring water (recommended 2 liters to survive the summer heat), snacks, and your phone for photos & emergencies only.
- Be on time. We will leave promptly at posted time. We do not wait.
- Bring an extra shirt for after the hike because you will be soaked from sweat.
- RSVP only if you will be attending. Attendance will be tracked, and habitual no-shows will be removed from future events.
Notes on how to find the meeting point:
We will now meet at the Twin Falls trailhead. From Capital of Texas Highway, turn as if you’re heading south on Mopac. But instead of taking the Mopac on-ramp, remain on the frontage road. Just past the ramp, you’ll find the Barton Creek Greenbelt Twin Falls access point. There is parking on both sides of the road. Be careful of traffic when walking to the trailhead which is near a green dumpster. Don't leave visible valuables in your car, lock everything in your trunk.Participants must sign a liability waiver at the Trailhead.. You may view the document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Consider joining the Sierra Club. Membership isn't necessary to join the hike but it's highly encouraged: http://www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin - Sunday evening walk to the SymphonyDuncan Park, Austin, TX
NOTE: Concert may be cancelled due to possible rain or extreme heat. Status would be announced via Facebook , and noted on this page at least an hour before start.
Last concert of the season!
Join us for a 3-mile round-trip easy-paced walk through the Seaholm district and downtown condomania, and along Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake. Our destination is the Long Center, where we'll spend an hour chilling, listening to the free outdoor symphony concert .
Recommended to bring a blanket or lightweight chair and food & drink - expecting to return to the start about 9:15pm. Austin Parks prohibit alcohol, glass, styrofoam, smoking, and vaping. The Long Center allows us to use their indoor, air-conditioned restrooms and water fountain.
Participants must sign a Waiver at the start - you may view the document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
OK to bring a well-behaved pet on leash. If problems arise, you and your pet will need to depart from the group. During the concert you must keep your pet quiet and directly by your side - not roaming.
If not already a member, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (in addition to the Meetup group) and help protect the environment and our democracy.
- Walnut Creek Park HikeHiking Trail at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, Austin, TX
Join us for a 3-mile easy paced walk through the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. The park contains shared use paths including paved bike paths, mountain bike paths, creek beds and off leash dog areas. Recommended to bring water and sun protection as it will be hot. Participants must sign a Waiver at the start - you may view the document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 OK to bring a well-behaved pet on leash. If problems arise, you and your pet will need to depart from the group. If not already a member, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (in addition to the Meetup group) and help protect the environment and our democracy.
The starting point is about a half a mile from the Lamar/Walnut Creek Park Bus Stop serviced by bus line 1.
The Sierra Club does not officially coordinate carpooling but it is encouraged. - Selah, Bamberger Ranch TourBamberger Ranch Preserve, Johnson City, TXUSD 30.00
Tour fee of $30.00 . You must pay in advance by credit card to be included in this tour. The link to the Bamberger Ranch payment system is: https://buy.stripe.com/7sY4gAgGheZ452z2dUbbG04
CANCELLATION POLICY: Tours of Bamberger Ranch Preserve occur rain or shine. The only exception to this is lightning. Bamberger Ranch Preserve staff will watch the weather forcast, but it's very rare that they have to cancel. They are happy to refund money if you change plans, but there are still transaction fees, so they very much appreciate folks sticking to their plans unless they have serious extenuating circumstances.
Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve is a 5,500 acre private ranch in Blanco County that has been restored to its original habitat, with a mission to teach ethical land stewardship-by example and outreach. Sierra Club members will be treated to a private tour of the ranch. During this 4-hour tour (9:00a.m.-1:00PM) of the ranch, you will see the results of over fifty years of habitat restoration. Our guide will show us projects which demonstrate principles of sound land stewardship.
You may also see dinosaur tracks, fossil beds, a herd of endangered scimitar-horned oryx, and the "Chiroptorium"- a man made bat cave designed to house one million Mexican free-tailed bats. You'll walk the nature trail and then enjoy Madrone Lake as you learn about "The Rain Machine."
Transportation at the ranch is on the Bluebonnet - an open-air trailer with a shade bonnet. Please dress for the weather and don't forget a hat!
Carpooling is highly encouraged! Potential carpoolers, please write a note in comments with your detailed location and organize amongst yourselves.
Start time for the tour is 9:00a.m., but please arrange to arrive at the parking lot 15 minutes before start time to be certain not to miss your ride on the Bluebonnet. The parking area is a clearly marked, freshly mown grassy area not far past the open gate where you enter the Bamberger Ranch. We will gather at a headstone under the trees where Bamberger Ranch guides will meet us. We will have an Igloo cooler full of ice water on the Bluebonnet, so if you bring your reusable water bottles, you can refill whenever you like. You may bring your own trail snacks, sunscreen and whatever you need to be comfortable. There will be a restroom stop on the tour in an air-conditioned building with flush toilets. NO PETS, PLEASE.
After the tour we will have an optional lunch/meal at the Redbud Cafe in Blanco, Texas. They have a great menu, and cash or credit card payment is accepted.
Please be sure to reserve a spot on Meetup.com and make your payment to Bamberger Ranch to be included on this tour.
