What we’re about
Austin Sierra Club (local branch of the Sierra Club) holds outings for outdoor activities: hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, kayaking, community service projects, and more. These include local one-day events to greenbelts and natural areas, weekend trips to state parks, as well as longer trips to national parks.
All participants must sign our Sign-In Sheet with Participation Agreement before joining one of our outings. You are strongly urged to add your cell phone and emergency contact numbers on the sheet, for your safety. More information is needed for overnight trips.
Many of our events are rated Easy and everyone is invited to particiate, but others have fitness and experience requirements. Smoking and vaping is not allowed on our events. Check with the Leader to see if pets are allowed.
Although it's not necessary to participate in our events, we encourage you to join the Sierra Club (in addition to the Meetup group), and support our efforts to protect the environment.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Zilker hike + Science Under the Stars programThe Rock at Town Lake, Austin, TX
Graduate students at the University of Texas' College of Natural Sciences' Brackenridge Field Lab host a free monthly lecture series on science topics - Science under the Stars.
Our event consists of 3 parts:
6:10pm: Meet at "The Rock", which is the nickname for the trailhead area of Lady Bird Lake where Veterans Dr passes under Mopac. It is at the north end of the Roberta Crenshaw bridge. You may navigate to "2104 Veterans Dr · Austin, TX". After 6pm there is free parking along Veterans Dr. If arriving earlier you will need the Park ATX app to pay. If coming from south Austin, it is more convenient to park at the south end of the Roberta Crenshaw bridge. Also consider taking CapMetro. No pets please.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
We'll take a 3 mile moderately brisk hike through the Zilker Nature Preserve. A few sections are rocky, and there are hills equivalent to 10 flights of stairs. We'll end our walk at Brackenridge Field Lab.
7:15pm: Meet at Brackenridge Field Lab, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd , for a tour of the outdoor biology lab. Grad students will explain their current research projects. If their parking lot is full, I've been told it's OK to park at the adjacent 4-story UT office building.
8pm: At Brackenridge Field Lab, the Science Under the Stars presentation begins. This month's topic is Plant Chemical Traits. Chairs are provided. You may bring snacks to munch on, and perhaps a jacket. Following the program we will walk back to The Rock (0.8 mile).
- Wildflower Center walk & tour ($)Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Docent Phoebe Allen will lead a tour of the Wildflower Center that will include an overview of its founder, history, and architecture, as well as a look at some of the spring wildflowers. Trails are relatively flat and well-groomed. Tour is free with paid admission to the Wildflower Center: $15/adults, $10/senior (65+), $8/youth (5-17). No pets. No cash; cards only.
Following the guided tour, you’ll have the option of taking a 1 mile self-guided walk along the Arboretum trail, learning about some of the most outstanding trees in Texas. The Wildflower Cafe and Store will be open after the tour. Meet at the front cistern near the ticket kiosk. Check out www.wildflower.org for additional information.
Psst! The memberships have a bonus that give you and a friend free access to more than 300 botanic gardens across North America, a discount in the store, and a subscription to their Wildflower magazine.
- Canyon Vista HikeCanyon Vista Middle School, Austin, TX
Join us on a 5 to 6-mile moderately brisk hike, taking us through a smorgasbord of urban parks, city streets, and shady nature trails (Spicewood Valley, Upper Bull Creek greenbelt). The trail is rugged in places, and participants should be able to climb the equivalent of 20 flights of stairs. We will cross a tributary of Bull Creek - typically hoppable by those of average ability. If the upstream creek is flowing, we may see a 20-foot waterfall! The route will have a short break with water fountain and restrooms. No pets please.
==> Route may need to change due to construction
Participants will need to sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
Often we go out for food and drink afterwards.
For more info about the Austin Sierra Club and to join the club (in addition to the Meetup group): http://sierraclub.org/texas/austin
- Discovery Wells/Twin Creeks Hike1000 Del Roy Dr, Cedar Park, TX
Let's do a pair of moderate hikes in NW Travis County. There is some rocky terrain.
First we can hike a couple of miles at Discovery Wells Cave Preserve, then we can go down the road for a couple of scenic miles at Twin Creeks.
Bring water and hiking boots. Hats are recommended.Afterwards, we can get a bite to eat at a nearby Mediterranean cafe.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver upon arrival. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
COVID-19 safety measures
Event will be outdoor
Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.
