austin sierra club outings

local outings...

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12th: CONDITIONING HIKE, DEEP EDDY & Swim. Easy (No dogs, please)
Will meet at 6:30 PM and start at 6:45 PM. If you cannot find parking at the Deep Eddy parking lot, then you could try under the Mopac Bridge. Afterward will if you desire take advantage of another one of Austin's spring fed pools. There is a small fee to enter the pool. (There may be other surprises with this hike). Also learn about the various ecosystems along the trail and examine the human impact on the area. Wear sturdy footwear since we'll be on steep steps and will walk over large rocks. Directions are as follows: (Quick instructions: West on Lake Austin Blvd from Mopac. Left on Deep Ave next to EddyDeep Eddy Pool). Take TX-1-LOOP (Mopac) SOUTH, take the LAKE AUSTIN BLVD exit onto WINSTED LN (0.5 miles). WINSTED LN becomes ATLANTA ST (0.2 miles), turn right on LAKE AUSTIN BLVD (0.1 miles), turn left on DEEP EDDY AVE (< 0.1 miles). For more information, contact Mark at .

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14th: BULL CREEK CONDITIONING HIKE
Meet at 6:30 PM for this moderate to strenuous conditioning hike. For information on Bull Creek, check out this web site: http://www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking/HikeDetail.asp?HikeID=12. Learn about the various ecosystems of the park while getting in shape. Directions are as follows: Northbound Loop 360 - Go north on Loop 360 from the Loop 360/2222 intersection. Take a right at the first light, Lakewood Drive. Take an immediate left into the parking area (not a formal parking area, but a dirt parking in front of Bull creek). From Southbound Loop 360 - From the light at westbound Spicewood Springs [Note: Light at westbound Spicewood Springs is south of light for eastbound Spicewood Springs]. Take a left at the first light, Lakewood Drive. Take an immediate left into the parking area (not a formal parking area, but a dirt parking in front of Bull creek). For more information, contact Mark at .

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17th: WEEKEND WIND-DOWN - WALK TO THE WOODWINDS
Starting at Whole Foods, 525 N Lamar, near patio pond at 6:30 PM. The W6 features a 3-mile walk through downtown condomania and along Lady Bird Lake, with an hour stop at the Long Center to hear the free symphony concert. See http://www.austinsymphony.org/season/august/index.asp#cip for more info. Recommended to bring a blanket, food, and drink. OK to bring a well-behaved pet. Reservations not needed. Niles Seldon, or Philip, .

MONDAY, AUGUST 18TH THROUGH THURSDAY, AUGUST 21ST - SAN JUAN ISLANDS KAYAK/HIKING CRUISE
Join the Austin Sierra Club for a spectacular cruise on a 65-foot boat in the beautiful San Juan Islands. We will start from Bellingham, WA and cruise to the San Juan Islands for four days and three nights of hiking, kayaking and wildlife-watching.
Participants will cruise, hike and kayak while living in comfort in the cabins below deck, enjoying gourmet meals cooked on a wood-burning stove by a master chef.
Birders will love the variety of birds and waterfowl, including bald eagles and murres, in the area and we will have a chance of spotting some of the resident Orca pods, seals and/or a dolphin or two.
Best of all, you will be one of only SIX passengers on board and the boat will be at the disposal and direction of the passengers; it will take us where we want to go in the islands. There are two similar 4-day cruises available this year, one at the beginning and one at the end of the Austin Sierra Club Olympic Peninsula trip (however, that trip is now FULL), so that people going on that trip can either come early or stay late and extend their Pacific Northwest experience without having to book an additional plane reservation. Check out the SAN JUAN TRIP webpage for photos and details.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th: BARTON CREEK/SPRINGS HIKE AND SWIM. Moderate Difficulty
Join us for a hike on the Barton Creek greenbelt followed by a swim in Austin's best swimming hole: Barton Springs. Come learn about and experience this environmentally sensitive area in the heart of Austin. Meet at Zilker Park, near the front entrance to Barton Springs at 6:30 PM. Parking is free (this early) if you mention you are there to swim. We will hike first (3-4 miles) and then swim ($3). Bring water, sunscreen, and swimwear. For more information, contact Mark at .

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23RD THROUGH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST (LABOR DAY) - 2008 OLYMPIC PENINSULA TRIP [SORRY, this trip is now FULL. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list in case a registered participant cancels, please contact Celeste: ( )]

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28th: GREAT HILLS CONDITIONING HIKE
Meet at 6:30 PM at Manuel's restaurant, 10201 Jollyville Rd (between Great Hills and Braker Lane) for a 4-5 mile hike along quiet city streets and the Great Hills greenbelt. We will observe the coexistence of suburban dwelling, commercial business, and natural areas and learn about the human impact on the area. Join us for food and drink afterwards. Reservations not needed. Niles Seldon, .

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30th: BARTON CREEK GREENBELT HIKE FROM BARTON SKYWAY ENTRANCE - Moderate Difficulty.
Get in shape for upcoming major trips and learn about the various ecosystems of the greenbelt while getting in shape. We'll meet at 8:00 AM at the Barton Skyway trailhead and start at 8:15 AM. We will travel upstream through the Gus Fruh area and back traveling at a brisk pace. Distance is between 4 and 5 miles. Bring water, snacks, good hiking shoes and sunscreen. For more information, contact Mark at . Directions: Barton Skyway is south of Town Lake just off of Mopac between Bee Caves Road and Highway 360. Exit at Barton Skyway and head East. At the end of Barton Skyway the road stops at Spyglass. You will see the trail head straight ahead. You can park along the roadside of Spyglass Drive. If desired Taco brunch at near by restaurant and Swimming in Barton Springs afterward (bring money).

• In order to participate on one of the Sierra Club's outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy prior to the outing, please see: Sierra Club Liability Waiver Form OR call (415) 977-5630.
• In the interest of facilitating the logistics of some outing, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: BRIGHT LEAF CONDITIONING HIKE (no dogs please)
Meet at 6:15 PM and start hiking at 6:30 PM for 3.5-mile fast paced hike. Wear sturdy footware and bring water. Learn about the various ecosystems of the area while getting in shape. Go 1.1 miles west on 2222 from the MOPAC/2222 intersection. Take a left on Creek Mountain Rd (the first left past the traffic light at Mesa). Go 0.1 mile to bottom of hill and take a right on Old Bull Creek Road. Go 0.1 mile and turn left through an unmarked gate. For more information - Philip: ..

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: VELOWAY PARK CONDITIONING ROLLER SKATING OR BIKE RIDE (No dogs, please)
Get in shape for bike rides to work. Will meet at 6:30 PM and start riding or skating at 6:45 PM. (From veloway.com) The Veloway is southwest Austin's first trail exclusively for bicycles and rollerblading. Located on more than 100 acres in the Slaughter Creek Metropolitan Park, the Veloway is a 3.1 mile paved asphalt loop 23 feet wide. It is totally free of motorized traffic. Riders ride in a one-way clockwise direction. Helmets are highly recommended and required for kids. The trail is open from dawn to dusk. The trail can be accessed from Loop 1 Mopac, about a mile south of Slaughter Lane. For more information, contact Mark at .

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10: FARMERS MARKET HIKE
Meet at 6:30 PM at the Austin Farmers Market, corner of 46th street and Triangle, in the Triangle Park http://www.triangleaustin.com/park/. We will browse through the market, which features locally grown and organic foods, then hike about 4 miles through the Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us for food and drink afterwards. Reservations not needed. Niles Seldon, .

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11: VIA FORTUNA CONDITIONING HIKE , (no dogs please,)
Meet at 6:15 PM, start hiking at 6:30 PM for four fast paced miles. Bring water and sturdy footware. Learn about the various ecosystems of the area while getting in shape. To reach trailhead, go north on MOPAC frontage road from the light at Loop 360. (Do not get on expressway.) At 0.3 miles from light, turn right onto Tuscan Terrace. Go 0.1 mile and turn right on Via Fortuna. Park on right at first available space. For more information: Philip: ..

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13: LAKE BASTROP, NEW 7-MILE HIKE AT LCRA PARK
Bring water & $3 for park admission fee. Learn about the various ecosystems of the park while getting in shape. Optional lunch afterward in Bastrop. Meet 8 AM at SE corner of Omni Hotel parking lot at SE corner of IH 35 and Ben White. For more information: Philip: ..

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th- BARTON CREEK GREENBELT- Moderate difficulty. The meeting place is at the greenbelt entrance off of the South Mopac access road which is off of 360 just south of Barton Creek mall. We will meet at 8:30 AM and leave at 8:45AM. This is a beautiful hike and will still probably have some water in the creek and certainly beautiful sights. Bring water, a snack, sunscreen and a hat. For more information, please contact Jan at or call 326-2690.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: WILD BASIN CONDITIONING HIKE (No dogs, please) Fast Paced Hike! Difficult
Learn about the various ecosystems of the park while getting in shape. We will meet at 6:30 PM at the Wild Basin entrance (end of parking lot) and start the hike at 6:45 PM. Wild Basin Preserve Address and Directions: 805 N. Capital of Texas Highway. The entrance to Wild Basin is on the east side of Loop 360 (805 N. Capital of Texas Highway). The entrance is approximately 1 mile north of Bee Caves Road, or approximately 3 miles south of the Loop 360 bridge over Lake Austin (Colorado River). If you are coming from north Austin, head south on 360 and make a u-turn at Wild Basin Road, then go north on 360 for 0.5 miles. The entrance to Wild Basin will be on your right after approximately 0.5 miles. For more information, contact Mark at .

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: INKS LAKE HIKE
Bring lunch and water. Meet at 8 AM at REI north Location (Capital of Texas Highway) where we can meet and setup carpools. The park is a panorama of cedar and oak woodlands, and pink granite outcroppings in the Central Texas Hill Country. Learn about the various ecosystems of the park while getting in shape. Deer, turkey, quail, numerous songbirds, and other species of wildlife are abundant in the park. I just may stay and camp overnight (Bring your own stuff). The park website is http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/inks. For more information, contact Mark at .

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25: CONDITIONING HIKE, BARTON CREEK GREENBELT, HILL OF LIFE - Difficult (No dogs, please)
We will meet at 6:30 PM and at 6:45 PM begin a hard-paced hike. Sections of the hike are rocky and heavily sloped and may be physically challenging. Bring water and good walking shoes/boots. Learn about the various ecosystems of the park while getting in shape. Directions: From south MoPac, take the Loop 360 exit and head west. Turn left at the light at the intersection of 360 and Scottish Woods Trail. The road on the other side of 360 from Scottish Woods Trail is called Westbank Drive. Go down Scottish Woods Trail until you get to a 'T' section in the road. Park along the road on Scottish Woods Trail because the other roads in the are much narrower. The entrance to the Barton Creek Greenbelt is just to the right of the 'T' intersection of Scottish Woods Trail and Camp Craft Road. Also check out the web site for more information about this trail: http://www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking/HikeDetail.asp?HikeID=3. Please bring good trail-worthy shoes and water, as there are many rocks, roots and possible creek crossings to traverse. For more information, contact Mark at .

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th - MCKINNEY ROUGHS HIKE – Moderate Difficulty
Meet at 8:30 am at the southeast corner of the parking lot of the Omni Hotel at
IH 35 and Ben White for an 8-mile hike at McKinney Roughs. Bring water,
sunscreen, a hat, lunch and $3 for park admission. This is a beautiful walk with parts of the hike along the Colorado River. We'll stop for lunch under an ancient pecan tree and get some great views of the area from up on a ridge. For more information, please contact Jan at or call 326-2690.

Ok, about those dogs. First, let's establish that we love 'em, bless their furry hearts. Unfortunately, not all dogs are fully socialized and not all people share our affection for them. Because of some nasty instances in California (where else?) in which dogs not fully under the control of their owners managed to chomp a hike participant, Sierra Club National lawyers (who else?) have told us to restrict dogs from all outings unless the outings leaders specifically state that the hike is 'dog-friendly.' Please observe all restrictions on pets posted for an outing. If there is no mention of pets (either 'dog-friendly' or 'no dogs, please') please check with the outings leader before bringing Bowser along on a hike. Thanks. (woof)

austin sierra club outings

social events ...

These events will bring together Sierra Club members and potential members, both singles and families, in order to learn about, enjoy, and discuss the outdoors, our environment and issues related to both. Sierra Club Social Events may be led by a Sierra Club member who is not a certified Outings Leader.

FRIDAY, MAY 30 - MEET AND GREET
Please join us for food, drink and live music at Central Market (40th and North Lamar). This is a very informal get-together open to both members and non-members. Learn about the Sierra Club, how to get involved in our environmental efforts, and share dinner with fun, environmentally aware diners. Feel free to stop by anytime between 6:30 and 8:30pm and hang out with us. We'll have green balloons at the table to help identify us. We may be inside or outside depending on table availability. Don't forget to check out the upstairs balcony if you have trouble finding us! This is a great opportunity to meet fellow Sierrans and find out about activities currently happening in the club. Suggestions for activities you would like to see the Sierra Club pursue are encouraged. For more information contact Gail (email: , 293-0388).

austin sierra club outings

major outings and fund-raisers...

Major Outings are trips longer than a weekend. A portion of the trip fee, after all trip expenses have been deducted, is returned to the Austin Sierra Club as a donation and is applied to club expenses such as the cost of the production of the monthly newsletter, The Austin Sierran. Major Outings are always led by qualified and certified Sierra Club Outings Leaders, all of whom are experienced leaders and are trained in Wilderness First Aid.

Major Outings are planned yearly by participating Outings Leaders at a special meeting in January. If you would like to contribute ideas for a major outing, inquire about a specific major outing or simply be kept informed of upcoming outings as they are planned, please contact the current Outings Chair, Becky Patterson at

• MONDAY, AUGUST 18TH THROUGH THURSDAY, AUGUST 21ST - SAN JUAN ISLANDS KAYAK/HIKING CRUISE
  Join the Austin Sierra Club for a spectacular cruise on a 65-foot boat in the beautiful San Juan Islands. We will start from Bellingham, WA and cruise to the San Juan Islands for four days and three nights of hiking, kayaking and wildlife-watching.
  Participants will cruise, hike and kayak while living in comfort in the cabins below deck, enjoying gourmet meals cooked on a wood-burning stove by a master chef.
  Birders will love the variety of birds and waterfowl, including bald eagles and murres, in the area and we will have a chance of spotting some of the resident Orca pods, seals and/or a dolphin or two.
  Best of all, you will be one of only SIX passengers on board and the boat will be at the disposal and direction of the passengers; it will take us where we want to go in the islands. There are two similar 4-day cruises available this year, one at the beginning and one at the end of the Austin Sierra Club Olympic Peninsula trip (see information below), so that people going on that trip can either come early or stay late and extend their Pacific Northwest experience without having to book an additional plane reservation. Check out the SAN JUAN TRIP webpage for photos and details.
  
  
• SATURDAY, AUGUST 23RD THROUGH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST (LABOR DAY) - 2008 OLYMPIC PENINSULA TRIP (Sorry, this trip is now FULL. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list in case a registered participant cancels, please contact Celeste - see below)
  Join other Austin Sierrans as we hike and camp our way around the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, one of the most incredible, rugged, beautiful and varied wild spots in our nation. We will circumnavigate the peninsula from East to North to West to East, visiting fantastic snow-covered mountains, temperate rainforests, wild and scenic Pacific beaches and forest trails deep in one of the largest National Parks in the U.S. Along the way we will visit some of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls you will ever see as well as the world-famous Sol Duc Hot Springs and beautiful vistas of Lake Crescent and Lake Quinault. Because the trip includes the Labor Day Holiday as well as weekends on both ends, this will be a ten-day vacation for only five days vacation time from work. Participants will fly into SeaTac airport where they will be met by vans and transported to the first campsite on the Olympic Peninsula. Cost per person: $675 for Sierra Club members, $710 for non-members. Contact Celeste Padilla ( ) for additional details or to be among the first to sign up for this trip. We don't offer this trip every year, so you should make plans early to join us on our trip to this fantastic destination. For detailed information about this trip and photos of the Olympic Peninsula, see the OLYMPIC PENINSULA TRIP PAGE.



• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD THROUGH SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH- SAN JUAN ISLANDS KAYAK/HIKING CRUISE (#2)
  Join the Austin Sierra Club for a spectacular cruise on a 65-foot boat in the beautiful San Juan Islands. We will start from Bellingham, WA and cruise to the San Juan Islands for four days and three nights of hiking, kayaking and wildlife-watching.
  Participants will cruise, hike and kayak while living in comfort in the cabins below deck, enjoying gourmet meals cooked on a wood-burning stove by a master chef.
  Birders will love the variety of birds and waterfowl, including bald eagles and murres, in the area and we will have a chance of spotting some of the resident Orca pods, seals and/or a dolphin or two.
  Best of all, you will be one of only SIX passengers on board and the boat will be at the disposal and direction of the passengers; it will take us where we want to go in the islands. There are two similar 4-day cruises available this year, one at the beginning and one at the end of the Austin Sierra Club Olympic Peninsula trip (see information below), so that people going on that trip can either come early or stay late and extend their Pacific Northwest experience without having to book an additional plane reservation. Check out the SAN JUAN TRIP webpage for photos and details.

• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 THROUGH MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 - MOUNTAIN BIKE AND HIKE CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK AND TRAILWAY
  See erosion carved spectacular landscapes at the edge of the Caprock/North TX High Plains in the TX Panhandle. Dramatic scenery includes colorful cliffs and canyons as we spend three days biking & hiking through this beautiful region. Abundant wildlife includes African aoudad sheep, bobcat, fox, golden eagles, 175 species of birds & the official Texas State Bison Herd. Vegetational communities vary from the sparse badlands, with their juniper, mesquite, and cacti, to the abounding bottomlands with tall grasses, cottonwoods, and plum thickets. The Trailway, converted from an abandoned railway line, winds through cultivated fields of the Texas High Plains, drops into rugged canyons of the Caprock Escarpment, and winds down into the famous Red River Valley. We will bike over many of the 46 former railroad trestles and through a unique feature near the Escarpment - a 742-ft. abandoned railroad tunnel, on the National Register of Historic Places as one of only a few such tunnels in Texas. This tunnel is host to 50,000 Mexican free-tailed bats! A 6.5 mile hike to explore "Fern Cave" will require a 600 ft "extremely steep & rugged" climb to get to. The $200/person fee includes transportation, bike transport, all meals in camp, and camping fees. Contact Cathy Prescott at 512 567-1783 or via email at . Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/caprock_canyons/

• WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH THROUGH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH - THANKSGIVING AT BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK - A SIERRA CLUB FUNDRAISER
  Spend the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in magnificent Big Bend National Park, where you will experience the deep canyons of the Rio Grande river, the vast openness of the Chihuahuan desert, and the awe-inspiring views from the Chisos Mountains. Desert hikes will include remote canyons, isolated springs, and unique geological formations. In the mountains, we will find sharp contrasts as the plant and animal life changes rapidly from the agave and lechugilla of the desert to the grasslands and pinon pine, alligator juniper and live oak at the higher elevations. Animals of the Big Bend include coyotes, javelina, mule deer, hawks, golden eagles, and, very rarely, mountain lions and black bears.
  Base Camp: Rio Grande Village, with restrooms, showers (until 6:00 pm) and which is a short distance from the Hot Springs. A second camp will be set up at the Chisos Basin, surrounded by the magnificent Chisos mountains.
  Average Thanksgiving temperatures are about 30 to 70 degrees, but we have had temperatures as low as 16 and as high as 90 on some trips.
  Transportation: 15-passenger vans, limited to 10 passengers for comfort. The vans will leave Wednesday morning and arrive in Big Bend by the evening. Vans will return to Austin on Sunday by about 6 pm.
  Price: $260 for Rio Grande Village ($285 for non-members), or $270 for Chisos Basin ($295 for non-members). This includes transportation, all meals in camp (including a big Thanksgiving feast), entrance and camping fees. The fee is based on the current price of gasoline. If the price of gas rises significantly, a surcharge may be assessed at the time of the trip.

  Pre-trip Information: Participants will receive a pre-trip newsletter in November with complete hike descriptions and an equipment checklist. There will be a pre-trip meeting on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 pm (location to be determined). It is important that you attend this meeting, as final transportation arrangements will be made.

Please visit the trip website at http://www.texas.sierraclub.org/austin/2008bigbend.html for more information and the registration form.

Contact Steve Funderburg at 210-317-4186 or if you need additional information.

Can't find the outing you are looking for? Check out the special links to outdoor activities. The links includes paths to the outings offerings of other Lone Star Sierra Clubs around the state as well as to other non-Sierra Club outdoor outings organizations. Check it out at: ADDITIONAL OUTINGS LINKS

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Last updated:  August 14, 2008   Content © 1999-2002 by the Sierra Club.