Sierra Club | Kansas City | Backpacking | Hiking | Service

4.8•1461 ratings

About us

Welcome

Welcome to our Meetup site, where as volunteers we manage activity announcements and sign-ups.

Our Programs

We offer various outdoor programs, including beginner backpacking. This is typically held in spring and fall, supported by our modern equipment library and a separate outdoors navigation course. Additionally, we organize day hikes, service days, other activities, and backpacking trips.

Leadership Responsibility

Each Sierra Club outing posted on this Meetup is created and led by an individual Event Host (the Sierra Club–certified trip leader), who is solely responsible for planning, safety, decision‑making, and compliance with Sierra Club policies for their specific activity. Meetup role titles such as Organizer, Co‑Organizer, Assistant Organizer, or Event Host are administrative designations used only within the Meetup platform and do not represent official Sierra Club positions or authority. The Organizer does not supervise, vet, approve, or manage Sierra Club trip leaders, performs only basic Meetup site upkeep, and does not assume responsibility for leader decisions, outing content, or policy compliance. All questions or concerns about a particular outing should be directed to that outing’s Event Host.

Our Mission

Part of the National Sierra Club's "Local Outdoors" program, our outings focus on the Kansas City area community. We are a coalition of the Sierra Club's Thomas Hart Benton, Kanza & Wakarusa groups. We aim to be inclusive and welcome individuals from all backgrounds, with many members committed to conservation, equity, and social welfare advocacy.

If you're looking for advocacy opportunities - check out our Sierra Club | Kansas City | Advocacy | Environment Meetup Group.

Locations

Our activities take place in well-known locations like Missouri and Kansas, and sometimes farther afield. Historically, these areas had different names and inhabitants. Here are some resources to explore these historical contexts: mapping tool, trail references, and additional perspective.

Get Involved

Looking to connect with nature, meet new people, or get some exercise? Our local outings are here on Meetup; together with Sierra Club's domestic and international outings, we have something for everyone. Join us today! While membership is not required to participate, joining the Sierra Club for as little as $15 supports our programs.

Support and Contributions

We may ask for small donations to cover the costs of things like leader training and maintaining our gear lending library. Note, donations to the Sierra Club are not tax-deductible (we're a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code.) Our leaders are unpaid volunteers who generously give their time. Speaking of that, we're always interested in finding new leaders and assistant leaders.

Join our Volunteer Team!

🌟 Love the outdoors and adventure? We're looking for passionate volunteers to help guide unforgettable journeys! Start as an assistant leader (sweep) and grow into a leadership role—all while building valuable skills and lifelong connections.

Each trip leader is responsible for planning and running their own outings in accordance with Sierra Club policies. To lead safely and confidently, the applicable First Aid certification is required (you’ll take it on your own). And yes, there’s some paperwork—it’s simple, supports trip safety, and includes the participant agreement each participant signs. As a volunteer, you may wish to be aware of the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, a federal statute designed to support individuals who serve nonprofits when they act within the scope of their volunteer duties. Sierra Club also maintains in‑house counsel and a structured risk management program.

Step up, make an impact, and help keep the adventure alive! Prove yourself as a leader, increasing the odds of being invited on personal trips to grander places. 🚶‍♂️🌲💪😉

Backpacking Trips

In addition to our beginner backpacking program, we have hosted beginner and advanced backpacking trips locally and regionally, with options for **national and international outings **to wilderness areas, national parks, and remote locations. These trips offer progression for those who complete the beginner program and provide team-building opportunities for leaders.

Activities and Leadership

Our volunteer leaders organize diverse activities based on their interests, including both backpacking but also day hikes, cycling, and camping. We also engage in conservation efforts like picking up trash, bird watching, and trail maintenance. And sometimes we take social trips with a community or historical connection. Our leaders are certified and trained in first aid, which sets us apart.

Participation Requirements

RSVP: Please RSVP in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
Minors: Minors can join some activities with a responsible adult. Please check the outing description to see if it allows minors. Please understand that there is additional work a leader has to complete to include minors.
Pets: Generally, pets are prohibited unless specified; bona-fide service (versus emotional support) animals are generally permitted, but it also depends upon the venue's requirements and the activities involved. Leaders are not certified or trained in pet first aid or rescue.
Standards: Leaders may establish the focus for their activity, and may require certain minimums, e.g. for: fitness, experience, and equipment.

Carpooling

Carpooling is encouraged among participants who use their own judgement on doing so. It is important to note that carpooling arrangements are strictly private and not covered by Sierra Club's insurance. As such, the club assumes no liability for any issues arising from carpooling or ride-sharing arrangements.

Participant Agreement

All Sierra Club outing participants must sign a standard participant agreement as part of the sign-in process. This agreement will be linked in individual Outing announcements so that you can easily review it beforehand and be ready to sign.

Medical Form

You must complete a medical form if you plan to go on a backcountry, overnight, or day trip more than an hour away from an emergency medical facility. The trip leader will review the form and respect your privacy--and Sierra Club will retain it for at least 6.5 years, possibly 10. In an emergency, the form will be available during the trip. Therefore, when required, the medical forms must be filled out and submitted upfront. If you feel unwell or show symptoms of illness or an impairing injury, please do not attend outings.

Feedback and Concerns

If you have any concerns during or after an outing, inform the outing leader immediately. For unwelcome messages on Meetup, follow Meetup’s guidance and contact us if needed.

Upcoming events

See all

Beginner Disc Golfing
Sat, Jun 6 · 10:00 AM CDT
Hobby Hill Park, 7 NE 76th Terrace, Gladstone, mo, US
Join us for a fun and beginner-friendly outdoor meetup featuring casual disc golf at Hobby Hill Disc Golf Course. This outing is designed to be social, relaxed, and welcoming to newcomers, whether you’ve played before or are completely new to the sport.

If you would like to bring a friend, partner, or family member who prefers walking and socializing rather than playing disc golf, we also have an associated spectator meetup available. Please ask them to register through that event separately so we can keep attendance counts accurate.

Outing Details
Pace: Easy, beginner-friendly
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
The course is well-marked and well-maintained.
Restrooms are available and well-equipped.

☔ The event may be canceled if there is heavy rain the day before or on the day of the event.

👟 What to bring:
- Closed-toe walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Allergy medicine if you have allergies
We will provide some discs if you do not have your own.

📍 Meet-up Location:
Hobby Hill Disc Golf Course
271 NE 76th Terrace, Gladstone, MO 64118
We will meet at the shelter next to the parking lot.
Course info:
https://udisc.com/courses/hobby-hill-dgc-C5q0

Disc Golf Etiquette
Safety first
- Always wait until the fairway or green is clear before throwing.
- Yell “Fore!” if there is any risk of hitting someone.
Be ready and follow turn order
- The player furthest from the basket throws first.
Respect other players
- Avoid talking or sudden movement during someone’s throw.
- Stand behind or off to the side, not in their throwing line.
Respect the course
- Pack out all trash.
- Do not damage trees, baskets, or tee pads.
Help each other out
- Help spot discs if needed.
Meetup Etiquette
RSVP honestly
- Please RSVP “Yes” only if you genuinely plan to attend.
Cancel early if plans change
- Update your RSVP as soon as possible if you cannot make it.
- Late cancellations happen, but repeated no-shows affect the group experience.
- If there is a waitlist, timely cancellations help others attend.
Arrive on time
- Please do not assume the group will wait for late arrivals.
Participant Agreement
All participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard participant agreement. If you would like to review it before participating, please visit:
👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PQ6NJ8WsMYRXYQKFQbWy3GT9krKBgcFT/view

Outing Details & Transportation
The outing officially begins and ends at the dates, times, and locations designated by Sierra Club. Carpooling is not included or arranged by Sierra Club leaders. Any transportation coordination between participants is done independently, and each participant is personally responsible for risks associated with travel to and from the outing.

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people enjoy and access the outdoors, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, protect wildlife and public lands, safeguard community health, and preserve natural spaces through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action.
Learn more 👉 www.sierraclub.org
7 attendees
4 seats left
Nature Walk Alongside Casual Disc Golf
Sat, Jun 6 · 10:00 AM CDT
Hobby Hill Park, 7 NE 76th Terrace, Gladstone, mo, US
Join us for a relaxed and beginner-friendly outdoor meetup featuring a casual nature walk alongside a disc golf outing at Hobby Hill Disc Golf Course. This event is intended for those who would like to enjoy the outdoors, socialize, and walk the course without actively playing disc golf.
You are welcome whether you are accompanying a player, curious about the sport, or simply interested in a light outdoor group activity.

Outing Details
Pace: Easy, beginner-friendly
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
The course is well-marked and well-maintained.
Restrooms are available and well-equipped.

☔ The event may be canceled if there is heavy rain the day before or on the day of the event.

👟 What to bring:
- Closed-toe walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Allergy medicine if you have allergies
📍 Meet-up Location:
Hobby Hill Disc Golf Course
271 NE 76th Terrace, Gladstone, MO 64118
We will meet at the shelter next to the parking lot.

Disc Golf Etiquette for Spectators
Stay clear of active play areas
- Please avoid standing in fairways, near baskets, or in likely flight paths.
- A good default position is behind the thrower or safely off to the side.
Pause during throws
- Please avoid talking, walking, or sudden movement while someone is throwing or putting.
- Normal conversation and movement can resume once the disc has been released.
Avoid handling discs unless invited
- Please do not pick up or move discs unless the player asks for assistance.
- Helping watch where discs land is always appreciated.
Meetup Etiquette
RSVP honestly
- Please RSVP “Yes” only if you genuinely plan to attend.
Cancel early if plans change
- Update your RSVP as soon as possible if you cannot make it.
- Late cancellations happen, but repeated no-shows affect the group experience.
- If there is a waitlist, timely cancellations help others attend.
Arrive on time
- Please do not assume the group will wait for late arrivals.
Participant Agreement
All participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard participant agreement. If you would like to review it before participating, please visit:
👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PQ6NJ8WsMYRXYQKFQbWy3GT9krKBgcFT/view

Outing Details & Transportation
The outing officially begins and ends at the dates, times, and locations designated by Sierra Club. Carpooling is not included or arranged by Sierra Club leaders. Any transportation coordination between participants is done independently, and each participant is personally responsible for risks associated with travel to and from the outing.

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people enjoy and access the outdoors, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, protect wildlife and public lands, safeguard community health, and preserve natural spaces through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action.
Learn more 👉 www.sierraclub.org
3 attendees
KC Area Backpacking Fest | 2026
Wed, Jun 10 · 6:30 PM CDT
Chicken N Pickle- Overland Park, 5901 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS, US
A Gathering for Backpackers

Did you recently attend our backpacking program? Do you regularly backpack? Regardless of where you land on the backpacking spectrum, attend and network with (hopefully) like-minded people who backpack.

This gathering—hosted by Sierra Club leaders but NOT an official Outing—is a chance for backpackers in the KC area to swap stories, share knowledge, and make connections with others who enjoy getting out on the trails. We view it is as a finale for the backpacking class just held as well as in service to recent and experienced backpackers alike.

What to Expect: Trail Edition

🔹 Arrival & Setup – One or some of us will arrive early—check the comments for our shirt color and location. Exact spot depends on how crowded the place is, but we promise we won’t be hiding behind a tree.

🔹 Introductions & Icebreaker – Swap trail tales, share future trek goals, and get acquainted with fellow backpackers.

🔹 Open Networking & Discussion – This part is free-range—float between conversations, swap advice, and make connections. We instigators will be drifting around, but attendees should be prepared to steer discussions too.

🔹 Timing & Late Arrivals – We’ll be kicking things off promptly, and while we love a good dramatic entrance, we won’t rewind for latecomers. If you roll in after we've started, just slide into the conversation when it feels natural.

What to Bring: You and your upcoming backpacking plans.

If 'Backpacking' isn’t in your profile, this probably isn't for you. Just saying.
22 attendees
Hike Watkins Woolen Mill State Park
Sat, Jun 20 · 1:00 PM CDT
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Lawson, MO, US
This event is hosted by Sierra Club, which is not affiliated with Meetup. While this listing is posted on Meetup for visibility, official registration must be completed through our website. To secure your spot: Hike at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park

What we will hike: We will hike the 8-foot-wide Paved Bicycle Lake Trail that circles the 100-acre Williams
Creek Lake and has six wooden bridges and one metal truss bridge.
The trail has a moderate grade as it meanders through an oak-hickory
woodland with openings that offer vistas of the lake.
Deer, turkeys and songbirds often can be seen along the trail.
A point of interest is the seasonal waterfall in Williams Creek, about
2,000 feet north of the swim beach. A wooden overlook deck provides
an opportunity to rest and enjoy the peaceful setting. Park benches are
scattered along the trail to serve as rest stops. A .25-mile gravel spur leads to the park's special use area.

Details:
Difficulty: easy
Pace: easy, opportunities to stop and take in nature
Time: ~1.9 hours
Trails are well marked and easy to follow
There is no restroom at the trailhead, except rustic toilets.

Weather: Because the Hike is on a paved trail, it will be held, rain or shine. However, if inclement weather is forecast, the event may be cancelled.

What to bring: closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, water bottle, hiking sticks if you prefer, and a camera or your phone for photos. Dress for the weather. You are encouraged to bring a personal first aid kit, as described here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JWAt37TJZHWDNAkEaGToQ7GQ1lWY8bNv/edit

Meet-up location: Although parking is plentiful in the park, we have found the lot at the boat ramp for the lake to be particularly convenient, so we will meet there. From the main entrance to the park, drive until you see the signs for the boat ramp on the left side of the lake.

Outing Details & Transportation:
The outing officially begins & ends on the dates & the locations designated by Sierra Club. Carpooling for this outing is not included nor arranged by Sierra Club leaders. It is at your discretion with other participants to & from the outing; each participant is personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel.

About the Sierra Club:
The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with over 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy and preserve our remaining wild places.
6 attendees