Austin Mountaineers

Who Are We? The Austin Mountaineers. Sounds like a joke right? I thought the same thing and then I spent the next summer climbing 14ers in Colorado with some the coolest people I have ever met. I made a lot of great memories and some life long friends.

So who are we? Truth be told we might bit off and enjoy type 2 fun a bit much.
We are of the type of people who like a challenge and look for the out of the way adventures. We are a kooky bunch from many different backgrounds who enjoy the misery of the challenge and the thrill of over coming the odds. Sometimes we ask ourselves why we climb these mountains. The answer always is "because it's there" and "because its difficult".

What do We do? Our main focus is trying to hike all of the 14ers in Colorado mostly but in other parts of the US as well. Sprinkle in some random peak bagging, state high points, bucket list backpacking trips, and endless training to be in the best shape we can be in to tackle the challenges. The high season is in the summer when the peaks are free of snow. That's July, August and September mostly. The rest of the time we hike where we can. This group is not for the most part a casual hiking group. We try for the big stuff and hike the big miles when we can. We do have several introductory hikes that ease people into things and do our best to help people prep for the big stuff. The end goal is to push ourselves to take on the big dreams.

We welcome anyone and everyone and would love to hear how you are dreaming big. If it's the tallest peaks in the world or the tallest peaks in your neighborhood we'd love to help you achieve that if we can. Even if it's just a training partner to sweat with while you train. We each add something to the equation and help push each other farther. It will be hard but it will be worth it. :D

Members of this Meetup are also welcome to join our Facebook group at:
https://facebook.com/groups/500414020862822?group_view_ref

See you at the top my friend.

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Group Rules:

We will not accept any new member that does not have an actual photo of themselves as their Meetup profile picture.

For safety reasons, we hike together and support each-other as a group, with the leader in control. We hike, climb, rest and eat together. No one will be allowed to hike ahead at any time. This has caused major issues with events in the past. If you are unwilling to comply with this - please do not sign up. Austin Mountaineer event leaders RESERVE the RIGHT to REMOVE any one from an event if that becomes necessary. The safety of all members at our events is our paramount concern.

All of the Austin Mountaineer leaders are volunteers and are not compensated for any activity. If the event is a strenuous or difficult one, you may be asked about your hiking history and your abilities. This is not only to protect you but the other hikers at the event. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN AN EVENT IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EVENT LEADER.

Participants should be in good physical condition to attend any event. Folks with an underlying medical condition should avoid moderate and strenuous events. If you are feeling sick for any reason, please stay home.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY THAT ALL EVENT PARTICIPANTS MUST AGREE TO:
I understand that during my participation in any Austin Mountaineers event, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and climbing. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious bodily injury, property damage, and death from exposure to the hazards during the event and during travel prior to and after the event. I understand that injuries and damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, trip members, and the trip leader. I further understand that on this or any Austin Mountaineers event there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the injuries and damages to which I may be exposed. Participation in any Austin Mountaineers event is completely at your own risk.

When joining one of our overnight/remote events, you will need to provide your mobile number, email address and emergency contact information to the event leader(s). This information may be shared with other participants on a contact sheet to streamline communication for the event. A deposit or full payment, and more information may be needed for some trips.

Smoking is not allowed on our events. Check with the event leader to see if pets are allowed for that specific event.