Austin Sierra Club Outings

*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

Join us on a 5-mile easy-paced urban walk to the Texas Science & Natural History Museum (Admission $10 or less - card only) and the Harry Ransom Center (free) for the Ansel Adams photo exhibit. We'll spend about 30-40 minutes (based on group consensus) at each stop. If you want to stay longer or shorter or take Cap Metro back, you may depart from the group - please let the Sweep know.

Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Canyon+Creek+Trailhead+Park,+Austin,+TX&hl=en&sll=30.438277,-97.8157&sspn=0.013043,0.026157&oq=canyon+creek+,+TX&hq=Canyon+Creek+Trailhead+Park,+Austin,+TX&t=m&z=17
Bring water and hiking boots. Hats are recommended.

Afterwards, we can get a bite to eat at a nearby cafe such as torchys tacos.

COVID-19 safety measures
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.

Wed, Nov 27 – (Day before Thanksgiving)
- Drive from Big Bend Ranch State Park back home OR continue on the Big Bend Camping and Hiking Trip

NOTES:
- The trail is minimally marked, largely using rock cairns, so navigation app can be useful
- Trail surface includes sand, rocks, dirt service road, and well-groomed trails, and at least one steep descent with loose footing.
- There are two reliable water sources on the trail that are nicely spaced.
- Desert plants have sharp spines, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended.

REQUIREMENTS - Participants should:
- See "How To Sign Up" below.
- Have experience hiking six to ten miles per day, carrying about 25 – 45 lb packs, including ascending hills with 800 feet elevation gain.
- Bring own backpacking equipment & food; prepare for cold, hot, and wet weather. If you need gear, we will see what we can do.
- Pack as light as possible. Recommended base weight, before food, water and fuel, is 16 pounds.
- Participants are responsible for their own transportation, and are encouraged to coordinate with each other for carpooling. (Details not arranged by Sierra Club.)
- Participate in the Pre-Trip Warmup Hike in early November. Everyone will be expected to bring and carry the gear that they plan to use for the trip.
- Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
- Reimburse the trip leader, Bill Johns for any park fees, permits, and/or camping costs

HOW TO SIGN UP:
1. RSVP on Meetup to get on the Waitlist
2. Email the following info to Bill Johns, [email protected]: Your name, phone number, email, and a few sentences about your experience, and why you'd like to go on this trip. You will not be accepted for the trip if you do not provide contact information.
3. Wait for discussion with Trip Leader.
4. Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021. Scan and email the form also to [email protected] (preferred), or post mailing address can be provided.
5. Wait for final approval from Trip Leader, who might reach out for more details.

Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.

Camping and hiking at Big Bend on Thanksgiving is a Sierra Club tradition!

We have the group campsite reserved at Rio Grande Village Campground from Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. This is a green, scenic area along the Rio Grande and has the most amenities in Big Bend, with hot showers and camp store.

What's Included
We'll camp together, and Austin Sierra Club Outings is providing leadership for moderate to strenuous hikes each day. Everyone should bring their own camping equipment and food for the full duration of the trip. Sierra Club is not providing transportation, but carpooling will be encouraged among individuals.

Activities
Rough itinerary:

• Nov 27, Wed – Travel day, arrive at park, set up camp, maybe short pre-dinner hike
• Nov 28, Thu – Moderate to Strenuous hike. Group Thanksgiving dinner - details TBD
• Nov 29, Fri – Again moderate to strenuous hike.
• Nov 30, Sat – Strenuous hike around Chisos Basin. Option of evening hot springs.
• Dec 1, Sun – Travel day, break & clean up camp, return home

The group hikes will be moderate to strenuous on rugged terrain up to 7,000 ft elevation and will involve driving your own, or carpool, vehicle on park roads to trailheads, some of which are dirt roads.
Example hikes:

• Marufo Vega: 13.5 miles, 2,700 ft elevation gain, with possible shorter options
• Window Trail: 5.2 miles, 950 ft gain
• Lost Mine Trail: 4.8 miles, 1,100 ft gain
• South Rim Trail: 12.5 miles, 2,600 ft gain, with or without Emory Peak option

It will also be possible to "sign out" and hike on your own.

For Thanksgiving dinner Sierra Club may organize a potluck - TBD.

Costs

• Sierra Club’s cost for campsite sharing, hike leaders, trip organization, is $95 per person. Income which exceeds expenses will be donated to the local club to support our environmental causes.
• Contact the leaders if you would like to apply for need-based financial aid.
• Budget additional funds for park entry: $30 for 7 days per vehicle, unless somebody in your car has a national park pass.
• Incidentals: Showers ($2 in quarters), any restaurant meals, and camp store purchases.

Refund policy:

• 100% if cancelled before Nov 1
• 50% if cancelled after Nov 1 but before Nov 15
• No refunds for cancellations made on or after Nov 15

Signup Details
Hiking can be a demanding activity, and camping in wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is one you will enjoy. Because of this, we have a few steps in our signup process.

To sign up:

1. RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup will initially show as Full, and you will be placed on the Wait List while we process your application.
2. Provide info: Send us your name, cell number, email address and a few sentences about your physical condition and experience to: [email protected]
3. Wait for discussion with Trip Leaders.
4. Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 . Scan and email the form also to [email protected] (preferred) , or mailing address can be provided.
5. Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details. Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.
6. Pay $95 via PayPal on the Sierra Club Donation website: http://www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin/donate , or mailing address for checks can be provided.

You will then be approved for the trip!

In early to mid November participants are encouraged to attend the Pre-Trip Meeting, either in-person or remotely, and there is typically a Pre-Trip Training Hike.

Precautions and Waivers

• Participants must sign a Liability Waiver before the trip. You may view the waiver document here.
• Precautions must be taken to prevent interactions with wildlife!!
• We will follow all health and safety guidelines issued by the National Park Service.