Outings (trips)
Going out, I found, was really going in. - John Muir
Outings are usually suitable for the whole family; check with the leaders for details and to verify dates. No dogs [unless the specified outing will allow dogs on the trip], radios, recreational drugs, firearms, or unescorted children are allowed on Sierra Club outings. Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited during scheduled activities. Most outings are free. Fees, if any, offset trip and administrative costs. If you have never been on an Alamo Group outing, or if it's been a while, please take a few minutes to read our complete Outings Rules. |
AUG 16-20: ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK MULTI-DAY BACKPACK
For experienced and well conditioned high country backpackers only (this will have to be demonstrated to me before I can approve). This trip requires each individual to make their on travel arrangements, bring their own equipment and food, and arrive in time to acclimate to altitude as well as wind down after the trip. We will meet the afternoon of Aug. 16 at a reserved car camping site (Glacier Basin) and begin the 4 day, 3 night journey the next morning. We will begin and end at Long’s Peak Trailhead and will spend our nights at Upper Wind River, Andrews Creek, and Boulder Field (staging area to climb Long’s Peak). Early on day 4, we will climb Long’s Peak (14,259 ft) before the hike out although not everybody may choose to do this. Andrews Creek drains from Andrew’s Glacier (which sits on Continental Divide) and Andrew’s Tarn. We can explore this area on day 2 after setting up camp as well as another spur trail that leads toward a number of incredible alpine lakes in the direction of Taylor Glacier (also on Divide). Total distance including side trips 32 miles. Do not spend money on travel arrangements until I have granted you approval. To discuss trip details and experience required, contact leader Scott Wolfe.
SAT, SEPT. 6: BRACKENRIDGE PARK WALK
Meet at 8:30 AM at the main train station in Brackenridge Park for a 1 – 2 hour moderately paced walk through the park. We will explore the new trails in the park and the recently restored Japanese Tea Garden. Difficulty: easy. Fee: donation accepted. Leader: Ellen Clegg (210)283-5045 (work). Assistant leader: Marsha Meredith.
SUN SEPT 21: DOG-FRIENDLY/PEOPLE FRIENDLY DAYHIKE ALONG LEON CREEK GREENBELT
Well-behaved dogs on leashes and well-behaved people with or without dogs are welcome on a 3 to 5 mile hike along the Leon Creek Greenbelt. Start time: 9:00 AM. Enjoy hiking the relatively flat trails along Leon Creek with or without a dog. Call to reserve a slot, since participation is limited. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Fees: Donations accepted. Contact Jerry Morrisey by email or phone (382-2614) for further details.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
SAT, SEPT 27: GOVERNMENT CANYON STATE NATURAL AREA DAY HIKE
We’ll start early and hike anywhere from 7 -13 miles, weaving in and out of small canyons and creek drainages typical of the eastern boundary of the Balcones Escarpment. The rocky terrain is not very steep but requires sturdy hiking shoes. Lots of limestone rocks and small boulders in the drainages. Exiting the drainages provides the welcome contrast of typical hill country woodland and an occasional meadow. A brief picnic with snacks might be in order about halfway through. Entrance fees are the responsibility of each hiker. Limit of six hikers. Children 12 and over welcome with parent. Difficulty: MODERATE to DIFFICULT. For information and reservations, contact Scott Wolfe; 724-2707.
SUN, SEPT 28: MISSION TRAIL BIKE RIDE
This bike ride is along paved trails and roads that are along the San Antonio River and that lead from mission to mission in the SE part of San Antonio. We will stop to take quick walks through some of the missions along the way. Distance may be up to 18 miles round-trip, depending on participants. Pace will be "no riders left behind." Minimum age is 12. Helmets are required. Be ready to ride by 8:30 AM in the grass and gravel parking lot southeast of the paved parking lot in front of Mission Concepción on Mission Road. Difficulty: Moderate. Fees: Donations accepted. Leader: Lee Dodge, email or phone (647-0216).
SAT-SUN, OCT 18-19: PEDERNALES FALLS BEGINNER BACKPACK
Have you ever wanted to try backpacking and never had the time or opportunity? Then this trip is for you. No prior experience is necessary for this trip, only a willingness to camp out overnight in a tent. We will be backpacking at Pedernales Falls State Park during the cooler fall. We will backpack to the primitive camping area overlooking the river, a distance of about four miles in order to get away from the crowds. This will give you ample time to adjust to your equipment and get a good taste of how much fun backpacking can be. Experienced backpackers will assist you and share their many years of backpacking experiences. As we sit around the campfire on Saturday night we will hear the many tales of outdoor adventures. The trip will start early Saturday morning and end early Sunday afternoon. A mandatory meeting will be held on Wednesday evening, October 8, to go over equipment and supplies needed as well as the trip plans. Individuals provide their own food. (Easy) Suggested donation is $6/members and $8/non-members plus park entrance and camping fees. Signup deadline is October 6. Leaders are Bill Rogers and Terry Platt.
SAT, OCTOBER 4: VOELCKER PARK SHORT WALK
Join us for a 2-hr hike starting at this new park-to-be. Meet Old Blanco and Voelcker Lane just NW of Blanco and Wurzbach Parkway at 8am. We will leave 8:15am promptly, prior to the dedication ceremony, to walk 3.4 mile round trip on new Salado Creek Greenway trail. Difficulty: EASY. Donations to Sierra Club accepted. Contact Stan Drezek (493-0939) to sign up.
SAT, OCT 25: GOVERNMENT CANYON HALF-DAY HIKE
Join us for a long (10+ miles) but slow (4.5 hrs) hike into the lower half of the protected habitat area. Arrive at GCSNA (12861 Galm Rd) at 8am, $6 GCSNA registration, bring water and snack. Leaving from headquarters at 8:30 AM promptly. Difficulty: Moderate (speed) Hard (length). Assistant Leader: Chris Anderson. Contact Leader Stan Drezek (493-0939) to sign up, or for questions.
"Backpacking Notes" are available for the novice backpacker.
E-mail Jim Stewart to receive a copy.
Interested in more outings? Check out the Austin outings page.