austin sierra club outings

local outings...

THURSDAY APRIL 3 MIDTOWN MYSTERY DINNER HIKE
Starting from Bailey Park (Bailey Lane and 33rd street) at 6:30 PM. Arrive ready to hike 6 miles, with 10-15 dollars cash in your pocket, and an appetite. Niles Seldon 346-8073.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5: ST. EDWARDS PARK CONDITIONING HIKE - Moderate Difficulty Get in shape for upcoming major trips. Meet us at 9:15 AM for a 3- to 4-mile hike in the beautiful St. Edwards park off of Spicewood Springs Road. Learn about the various ecosystems of the park and examine the human impact on the area. This hike will begin at 9:30 AM. Meet in the parking lot located 2-and-a-quarter miles north of 360 on Spicewood Springs Road. The lot is on the west side of the road. Bring water and hat or sunscreen.
Map to meeting place: http://tinyurl.com/9hxgd.
See http://www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking/Hikedetail.asp?HikeID=50 for a description of the hike area. For more information, contact Catherine at or 775-1394.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10: WILD BASIN CONDITIONING HIKE (No dogs, please) We will meet at 6:15 PM at the Wild Basin entrance (end of parking lot) and start the hike at 6:30 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 .

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16th - BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT DEMONSTRATION (PREP FOR APRIL 26 ENCHANTED ROCK BACKPACK) - REI GATEWAY - 6 PM.
Meet at the REI Gateway location to learn about the various types of equipment used by backpackers. The demonstration is intended to educate people signed up for the Beginner Backpacking trip on April 26 – 27, but novice and experienced backpackers are welcome to find out the latest in tents, backpacks, and other stuff that we use to enhance out our wilderness experience. Contact Steve Funderburg (210-317-4186) or ( ) if you plan to attend. There is no charge for this event.

FRIDAY NIGHT APRIL 11th THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 13th, 2008 - 4th ANNUAL LAKE BUCHANAN BLUEBONNET CYCLE CAMPOUT
Spend a long weekend camping on a private lot on Lake Buchanan and enjoy the Bluebonnets/Wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country. Activities to include: cycling through wildflower filled country roads, sailing, kayaking, swimming (if you dare), star gazing, campfire, and spectacular sunsets. Bring your own lake toy if you have one. The annual Bluebonnet Festivals occur in Burnet on the same weekend and the wildflowers will be at their peak. Cost of $25; includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday/Sunday and a grilled salmon dinner on Saturday night. Trip limited to 20 participants. Contact Doug at for further information.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13: CONDITIONING HIKE AT VIA FORTUNA
Meet us at 8:45 am and start hiking at 9:00 am for a 5+-mile hike along Barton and Gaines Creeks. Learn about the various ecosystems of this natural oasis while getting in shape for major trips. To reach the trailhead, go north on Mopac frontage road 0.3 miles from the light at Loop 360. (Do not get on expressway.) At 0.3 miles from light, turn right onto Tuscan Terrace. (Park in right parking lot 0.1 miles on Via Fortuna). Trail head is to the left. Go another 0.1 trail head on right. If you reach a blue mail box, you've gone too far. For more information, contact Mark at .

SUNDAY, APRIL 13: HIKE AT SHIELD RANCH
A rugged four hour afternoon hike at this privately held 6700 acre nature preserve on upper Barton Creek. Be prepared for possible stream crossings and abundant wildflowers. Bring water, hat and sunscreen.
Number limited. To sign up contact Philip: .

THURSDAY, APRIL 17: CONDITIONING HIKE, BARTON CREEK GREENBELT, HILL OF LIFE. - Difficult.
We will meet at 6:15 PM and at 6:30 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. 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 info please contact Mark at .

FRIDAY, APRIL 18: MOONLIGHT HIKE AT WILD BASIN.
Join us for an evening moonlight hike at Wild Basin Preserve. Meet in the parking lot at 8:15 PM. The parking lot is East of Loop 360 (3 miles south of the Lake Austin bridge). Boots recommended. Call Paul Breaux at 249-1976 if you need more details.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20: BASTROP STATE PARK DAYHIKE
Come enjoy the 5,000 acre remnant of the once vast primordial pine forest of Bastrop State Park. We will hike about 10 miles among tall Loblolly Pines interspersed with oak trees and learn about this unique ecosystem. This is an exceptionally beautiful park with many trees that cannot be found elsewhere in Central Texas. Bring at least a quart of water and lunch to eat on the trail. Meet at 9 am in the back parking lot of the Omni Hotel at Ben White and IH 35 and expect to return by 3 or 4. Send an email to John at or call at 891-9643 if you need more info.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22: CONDITIONING HIKE
Meet at 6:15pm to hike Great Hills Park trail, a 2.5-mile out and back gem nestled in NW Austin near Balcones Woods Drive and I83 North. For directions to the trailhead we will be using to access the trail, email Catherine at . (number of hikers limited to 10 people).

FRIDAY, APRIL 25: 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 8:30 pm 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).

SATURDAY, APRIL 26th THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 27th: BEGINNER BACKPACKING AT ENCHANTED ROCK
Putting 30 pounds on your back, walking all day, then eating freeze-dried food out of a bag is some people's idea of fun. Find out why on our Beginner Backpack trip to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Prior to the trip, we will receive a demonstration of the various types of backpacking equipment at the REI Gateway location. Then, after buying or borrowing equipment to get through a day and night of primitive camping, we'll travel together by van to Enchanted Rock, backpack to one of its primitive campsites, and learn first-hand why many Sierrans consider backpacking to be the best way to experience nature. Fee: $35 includes van rental and park camping and entrance fees. No fee associated with the REI demonstration.
Contact Steve Funderburg (210-317-4186) or for more information or to reserve your place on the trip.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26: BARTON CREEK GREENBELT HIKE
The trailhead off of the South Mopac access coming off of 360. We'll meet at
9:15 and leave at 9:30. We will walk 5-6 miles keeping up a fairly good pace. Bring water, hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen and snacks. Contact Jan Adler, 326-2690,
.

• 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, MAY 1- CONDITIONING HIKE AT BRIGHT LEAF
Meet at 6:15 PM, depart at 6:30 PM for hilly hike. Wear sturdy footwear since we'll be walking over rocks. Go 1.1 miles west on 2222 from MOPAC/2222 intersection. Take a left on Creek Mountain Road. (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 Rd. Go 0.1 mile and turn left through an unmarked gate. For more information: Philip: .

SATURDAY, MAY 3 - HIKE AT ONION CREEK MANAGEMENT UNIT
Rugged off-trail 5.5 hour hike on Water Quality Protection Lands on upper Onion Creek. Learn about ecology, hydrology and land management. Number limited. To sign up, contact Philip: .

WEDNESDAY MAY 7 - CLEAN-UP AT LOOP 360 BRIDGE BY LAKE AUSTIN
Meet at 6:30 pm in the parking on the west side of the road, to the north of the bridge. We will hike around through the scree-field brush and forest underneath the cliffs by the Loop 360 bridge, and we will be picking up the overabundance of discarded bottles and cans. This is very rough terrain with a lot of loose rocks and brush, requiring both good fitness and very stable balance. Required equipment: good hiking boots or shoes, long pants, glasses for eye protection. Recommended: long sleeve shirt, gloves, hat. We will *not* be picking up broken glass. Contact Bart at .

THURSDAY, MAY 8 - CONDITIONING HIKE AT VIA FORTUNA
Meet us at 6:25 pm and start hiking at 6:40 pm for a 5-mile hike along Barton Creek. Learn about the various ecosystems of this natural oasis while getting in shape for major trips. To reach the trailhead, go north on Mopac frontage road 0.3 miles from the light at Loop 360. (Do not get on expressway.) At 0.3 miles from light, turn right onto Tuscan Terrace. (Park in right parking lot 0.1 miles on Via Fortuna). Trail head is to the left.
Go another 0.1 trail head on right. If you reach a blue mail box, you've gone too far. For more info please contact Mark at .

SATURDAY, MAY 10 - MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND ST. EDWARDS PARK CONDITIONING HIKE - Moderate Difficulty
Get in shape for upcoming major trips. Meet us at 9:30 AM for a 3- to 4-mile hike in the beautiful St. Edwards park off of Spicewood Springs Road. This hike will begin at 9:45 AM. Meet in the parking lot located 2-and-a-quarter miles north of 360 on Spicewood Springs Road. The lot is on the west side of the road. Bring water and hat or sunscreen.
Map to meeting place: http://tinyurl.com/9hxgd .
See http://www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking/Hikedetail.asp?HikeID=50 for a description of the hike area.
For more information, contact Catherine at or 775-1394.

TUESDAY, MAY 13 - "YOU CHOOSE" BIKE RIDE
Where do you like to ride your bike on a spring evening around Austin? North, south, or central? Colorful urban neighborhoods or quiet country roads? Roller coaster hills or simple flats? Racer’s pace or easy cruising? The ride will be chosen on May 9 based on your input. All riders should wear a helmet, have equipment to change a tire, and be able to follow a map if needed - although we try to stick together. To cast your vote and be informed of the group plan, email Niles Seldon 346-8073.

THURSDAY, MAY 15 - CONDITIONING HIKE AT ST. EDWARDS - Moderate Difficulty
Get in shape for upcoming major trips. Meet us at 9:15 am for a 3- to 4-mile hike in the beautiful St. Edwards park off of Spicewood Springs Road. Learn about the various ecosystems of the park and examine the human impact on the area. This hike will begin at 6:40 pm. Meet in the parking lot located 2-and-a-quarter miles north of 360 on Spicewood Springs Road. The lot is on the west side of the road. Bring water and hat or sunscreen.
Map to meeting place:http://tinyurl.com/9hxgd.
See http://www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking/Hikedetail.asp?HikeID=50 for a description of the hike area. For more info please contact Mark at .

SATURDAY, MAY 17 - BARTON CREEK GREENBELT
Take 360 to the exit for Mopac going South. Stay on the access road and park on the right side near the trailhead. Bring water, sunscreen, snack and hat. We will walk a good pace and walk 5-6 miles. Contact Jan Adler, 326-2690, for more information or to sign up.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 - CLEAN-UP AT LOOP 360 BRIDGE BY LAKE AUSTIN
Meet at 6:30 pm in the parking on the west side of the road, to the north of the bridge. We will hike around through the scree-field brush and forest underneath the cliffs by the Loop 360 bridge, and we will be picking up the overabundance of discarded bottles and cans. This is very rough terrain with a lot of loose rocks and brush, requiring both good fitness and very stable balance. Required equipment: good hiking boots or shoes, long pants, glasses for eye protection. Recommended: long sleeve shirt, gloves, hat. We will *not* be picking up broken glass. Contact Bart at .

THURSDAY MAY 22 BRUSHY CREEK CONDITIONING HIKE
This far-north version of the Conditioning Hike series starts at Brushy
Creek Lake Park, 3300 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX. Meet near the
bathrooms at 6:15pm, departing at 6:30pm for a 6 mile walk along the creek.
http://www.cedarparktx.us/cp/pr_bclp.aspx Reservations not needed, just
show up. Join us for food and drink afterwards. Niles Seldon 346-8073.

THURSDAY, MAY 22, CONDITIONING HIKE AT LONGVIEW PARK/STEPHENSEN PRESERVE
This park and reserve is in deep south Austin near Brodie Lane and William Canon. We will meet at 6:25 PM and start at 6:40 PM on a leisurely 3-4 mile hike. Directions: The trail head and parking lot is in Long View Park at the following address: 7609 Longview Road , Austin . Directions: From Mopac head East on William Cannon. Turn right (south) on Brodie Lane . Turn left at the second stop light onto Harpers Ferry . At the end of the street is Long View Park . We will meet in the parking lot. Links:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkmaps/images/longview.jpg

http://www.austinexplorer.com/hiking/HikeDetail.asp?HikeID=480

For more info please contact Mark at .

SATURDAY, MAY 24 - CONDITIONING HIKE, BARTON CREEK GREENBELT, HILL OF LIFE AND SWIM (Explorer Version) - Very Difficult (No dogs, please)
Learn about the various ecosystems of the greenbelt and examine the human impact on the area while getting in shape for major trips. Bring a small bag to pick up trash as we go. We will meet at 8:30 am and at 8:45 am begin a hard-paced hike down the hill of Life and up the opposite hill exploring the far side & back. Cool off with a swim afterwards. Sections of the hike are rocky and heavily sloped and may be physically challenging. Bring water, snacks and good walking shoes/boots. For more information on the trail, the leader and directions to the trailhead, see previous hike. For more info please contact Mark at .

THURSDAY, MAY 29 - CONDITIONING HIKE AT VIA FORTUNA
To reach trailhead go north on Mopac frontage road 0.3 miles from the light at Loop 360. Take first right, onto Tuscan Terrace. Go 0.1 mile and turn right on Via Fortuna. Park on right at first available space. Meet at 6:15 PM, leave at 6: 30. For more information: Philip: .

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).

SATURDAY, MAY 31. McKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK HIKE
Meet at 9AM at the Northeast Corner of the parking lot of the Academy store at I-35 S and William Cannon. Bring money for admission into the park, a snack, water, sunscreen and a hat. We will walk around 5 miles. This is a hidden gem that is seldom visited although it is so close to Austin. Swimming may be possible, so you may want to bring a suit. Contact Jan Adler, 326-2690, for more information or to sign up.

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, APRIL 25: 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 8:30 pm 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).

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

• SATURDAY, APRIL 26th THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 27th: BEGINNER BACKPACKING AT ENCHANTED ROCK
  Putting 30 pounds on your back, walking all day, then eating freeze-dried food out of a bag is some people's idea of fun. Find out why on our Beginner Backpack trip to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Prior to the trip, we will receive a demonstration of the various types of backpacking equipment at the REI Gateway location. Then, after buying or borrowing equipment to get through a day and night of primitive camping, we'll travel together by van to Enchanted Rock, backpack to one of its primitive campsites, and learn first-hand why many Sierrans consider backpacking to be the best way to experience nature. Fee: $35 includes van rental and park camping and entrance fees. No fee associated with the REI demonstration.
  Contact Steve Funderburg (210-317-4186) or for more information or to reserve your place on the trip.

• May 8 - 18: KAUAI, HAWAII TRIP ( there are only THREE spaces left on this trip as a result of several late cancellations. Act fast. See details at: KAUAI TRIP 2008.)

• MAY 15TH - 18TH:AUSTIN SIERRA CLUB MEMORIAL WEEKEND TRIP TO BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT
  Explore Northern New Mexico
  This trip offers:
  * Transportation by 15-passenger vans.
  * Base camping and day hikes in Bandelier National Monument and Bandelier Wilderness,
  *Hiking in the Pecos Wilderness, with its beautiful mountains and lakes
  *Dining and sightseeing in Santa Fe (one evening)
  *Visits to the local hot springs
  Bandelier National Monument and Bandelier Wilderness were formed from volcanic eruptions, with canyons cut by ancient streams into the soft volcanic ash. It was a lush land where the ancient Anasazis flourished until they suddenly disappeared, leaving behind their kivas, ceremonial grounds, and cliff dwellings. The elevations range from 5300 feet near the Rio Grande river to over 10,000 feet in the Jemez mountains. There are lush forests, canyons, waterfalls, Anasazi ruins, natural hot springs, and wildlife in the areas that we will be visiting. Hikes range from 4 miles to 18 miles for the Stone Lions hike. The monument lies about 35 miles north of Santa Fe, so it is a fairly long drive, but well worth the trip.
  We will also be hiking in the northern Pecos Wilderness (unless there is still too much snow at these elevations to allow hiking), which is much less visited than the southern portion. Hikes will lead to high mountain lakes (about 11,400 feet in elevation) and beautiful mountain scenery.
  The trip cost of $250 for members and $275 for non-members includes transportation, camping fees, and the Sierra Club’s delicious meals in camp. To reserve your spot or to ask questions, please contact Tony Fuentes, .

• SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 5TH - AUSTIN SIERRA CLUB ALASKA CRUISE
  We have never offered this unique trip before. Join a very small group of Austin Sierrans on a 65-foot cruise boat in the fantastic scenic Southeast Alaskan waters just south of Juneau, Alaska for a 7-day cruise featuring kayaking, hiking and some of the most incredible wildlife-watching you will ever experience. Please follow this link to the webpage for more details: ALASKA CRUISE

• THURSDAY, JULY 3RD THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 6TH - ANNUAL DAVIS MOUNTAINS CAMPOUT AND BIKE RIDE
  Join fellow Sierrans for hiking and bike riding in the cool Davis Mountains, just outside Ft. Davis, Texas. We will car pool to the campground on Wednesday, arriving in time to cool off at the famous natural springs in Balmorhea State Park. After a refreshing swim in the springs (the water is almost as cold as Barton Springs), we will continue on to Davis Mountains State Park (roughly 30 miles away) and set up camp in one of the campsites reserved for the group. If Saturday night is clear, we will have a chance to visit the McDonald Observatory for a Star Party after dinner in camp. We'll also plan a trip to see the famous Marfa lights one night. Most people on this trip will want to bring along a bike, but there are also several hikes and scenic old west towns in the area. On Thursday bikers will ride all or part of the 75-mile mountainous loop from camp, through the town of Ft. Davis, into the foothills and the mountains nearby. The ride has been identified by Outside magazine as one of the ten best bike rides in Texas, and it certainly is. A sag wagon will provide support and riders who do not want to do the entire mountain loop will have an opportunity to accompany the through-riders part of the way before returning to camp in the sag wagon. Saturday will include a bike ride from camp to Balmorhea for another dip in the pool and again riders will have the option of returning with the sag wagon rather than coming home on their bikes after the swim. On Sunday, we will have breakfast, clean up camp and leave for Austin. Folks interested in seeing the Caverns of Sonora will have the chance to do so on the way home. Contact John Yarber at to sign up or to get more details. Cost is only $75 and the group will be limited to 20 participants, so don't wait too long to sign up.

• JULY 11TH - JULY 20TH: ANNUAL AUSTIN SIERRA CLUB COLORADO TRIP - San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
  Take a trip to the majestic peaks of southwestern Colorado during peak wildflower season. We hike through aspen forests and alpine meadows, past waterfalls and clear mountain lakes, and we may even find snowfields in the upper elevations. Bring your camera and a large memory card -- the views are spectacular!
  Most hikes start at 7,500 to 10,000 feet in elevation and are from 3 to 12 miles in length. A few hikes will reach heights of 12,000 or even 14,000 feet. Some hikes are strenuous with steep trails, but evenings and nights provide time for relaxing and soaking in the local hot springs (entrance fees not included). The nearby town of Ouray is on the National Historic Towns Register with Victorian architecture and interesting shopping. Some people choose to take a day or two off from hiking to relax and explore the town and hot springs.
  We will travel to Colorado in rented vans, leaving Austin on the evening of Friday, July 11 and arriving in Ridgeway State Park, CO on the afternoon of Saturday, July 12. We'll leave Colorado on the morning of Saturday, July 19 and be back in Austin on the morning of Saturday, July 21. This year's trip includes and additional day so we can more time in the mountains and a more relaxed trip back home.
  Base Camp: We'll camp at Ridgeway State Park - a very scenic park with hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. We have reserved 9 tent sites, at an elevation of 6,950 feet with excellent views of Mt Sneffels, with 2 tents allowed per site. Due to camping restrictions, this may mean that we will limit the trip to 18 persons.
  Transportation: We will rent 15 passenger vans and limit each one to 9 passengers for comfort. The stoves, coolers, and food will be carried in a trailer, along with most personal camping gear.
  Weather: Be prepared for any type of weather! Base camp weather is warm in the daytime (70s to upper 80s) and cool (60s to lower 70s) at night. At the base of the hikes, the weather will usually be warm and sunny with temperatures in the 70s. At 12,000 feet, it can be windy with temperatures as low as the 40s and 50s, with showers and thunderstorms occurring frequently in the afternoons.
  Cost: For Sierra Club members, the cost is $425, for non-members it's $450 (or you may join for $25). All checks should be made out to the Sierra Club.
  Transportation, meals in camp, camping fees and a small donation to the Sierra Club are all included in this low price. This trip usually fills up fast, so please get your reservation, along with a $100 deposit in soon. Please Contact Tony Fuentes, to make your reservation and ask any questions. For a much more detailed and extensive description of this trip, visit the COLORADO 2008 website.

• SUNDAY, JULY 20 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 27 ­ BACKPACKING IN THE GILA WILDERNESS
  The 560,000-acre Gila Wilderness in southwestern New Mexico is our oldest wilderness area. We'll hike through 27-miles of it on the Redstone-Baldy Loop near the Arizona border. There, we'll experience riparian to alpine environments while hiking through the land of the ancient Mogollon Indians.
  We'll be hiking 4 days and spending one day camping to relax in the wilderness, fish, and day-hike. After hiking out, we'll stay at the Palace Hotel in Silver City to refresh ourselves and visit this historic mining town. This is a strenuous trip for experienced backpackers. Fee: $275 includes transportation and one night at the Palace Hotel. There are no hiking or camping costs, and the cost for food is not included in the trip fee. The fee is based on current gasoline prices. Should prices rise, a proportional increase in the trip fee will be necessary. Contact Steve Funderburg (210-317-4186) or for more information or to reserve your place on the trip.

• 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.

• November 26 - 30: Annual Big Bend Trip (Leader TBA)