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- Science Under the Stars program: Bee BehaviorBrackenridge Field Laboratory, Austin, TX 78703, Austin, TE
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.
7:15pm sharp: Meet at Brackenridge Field Lab information table for a tour of the outdoor biology lab. Grad students will explain their current research projects. If you arrive late, it will be hard to join the tour.
8pm: At Brackenridge Field Lab, the Science Under the Stars outdoor presentation begins. Chairs are provided. You may bring snacks to munch on, and perhaps a warm jacket. In cases of extreme weather, the program may be moved indoors.
How do bees learn to navigate the dazzling variety of flowers — and how do plants ensure their pollinators do the job? Join PhD candidate Leeah Richardson as we dive into the intricate world of bee foraging. Explore how bees process floral diversity, from colors and scents to shapes, and how their behavior is shaped by farming practices, landscapes, and pesticides.
- Barton Creek Hike (Brisk paced)Barton Creek Greenbelt (Twin Falls Access), Austin, TX
*We’ll hike at a BRISK pace. We’ll cover roughly 7-8 miles. We’ll hike the greenbelt hills, cover rocky terrain, and STRENUOUS climbing sections. We’ll follow some less-used greenbelt trails taking us to and beyond many of the wonders and treasures of Barton Creek.
*Be prepared to keep up! The hike will be challenging but doable; mysterious yet approachable. This hike is geared towards a small group of fun people who really like hiking. This is for experienced hikers who already have good conditioning, balance, who enjoy trails with rocky, uneven terrain. No pets allowed.
*We’ll work out and work up an appetite on the trail too. We often go out after the hike to Pinthouse for food and drink.
Suggestions:
- Wear hiking shoes. Bring water (recommended 2 liters to survive the summer heat), snacks, and your phone for photos & emergencies only.
- Be on time. We will leave promptly at posted time. We do not wait.
- Bring an extra shirt for after the hike because you will be soaked from sweat.
- RSVP only if you will be attending. Attendance will be tracked, and habitual no-shows will be removed from future events.
Notes on how to find the meeting point:
We will now meet at the Twin Falls trailhead. From Capital of Texas Highway, turn as if you’re heading south on Mopac. But instead of taking the Mopac on-ramp, remain on the frontage road. Just past the ramp, you’ll find the Barton Creek Greenbelt Twin Falls access point. There is parking on both sides of the road. Be careful of traffic when walking to the trailhead which is near a green dumpster. Don't leave visible valuables in your car, lock everything in your trunk.Participants must sign a liability waiver at the Trailhead.. You may view the document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Consider joining the Sierra Club. Membership isn't necessary to join the hike but it's highly encouraged: http://www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin - Violet Crown Bike Ride (All levels; OK for beginners)Whole Foods Market - Arbor Trails, Austin, TX
Join us for a bike ride along the Violet Crown trail, the Veloway, and surrounding quiet neighborhood streets. A few stretches may be on hard-packed dirt, similar to the trail around Lady Bird Lake. Expect to cover about 20 miles or so at an open-road pace of 10 mph. Riders who want a shorter or longer distance can depart from the main group and make their own out-and-back route.
Riders MUST wear a helmet and obey traffic laws . Your bike must be in good working condition and you must carry ID, money, cell phone, water, nutrition, tools to change a flat tire, and spare tube.
Join us for refreshments afterwards on the Whole Foods patio.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
