What we’re about
This group is operated by Travis County Natural Resources and the City of Austin's Wildland Conservation Division. It was created to encourage awareness of and access to the Balcones Canyonland Preserve (BCP). Through the promotion of public educational opportunities, our members will be in the loop of special access hikes, lectures and volunteer opportunities. The BCP is not one single tract of land but a system of preserves located in Travis County that exists as a multi-agency conservation effort operating under a regional 10(a) permit issued under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFW). In addition to existing as habitat for endangered species, these lands provide habitat for numerous native plants and animals and contribute to improved air and water quality and quality of life for the people of Austin.
Check out the BCP events calendar to see all upcoming events on the BCP:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/[email protected]&ctz=America/Chicago&pli=1
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Exploring Volente PeakVolente Fire Department, Volente, TX
Difficulty: Moderate – steep incline and decline and uneven ground
Distance: 3.5 miles – 2.5 hours
Location: We will meet and park in the paved parking lot next to the Volente Fire Department off of Farm to Market Rd. 2769. Detailed directions will be sent upon registration.Join one of Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's (BCP) Interpretive Guides for an interpretive guided hike on the Volente Peak trail. The BCP is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering more than 33,000 acres – about 50 square miles. It is made up of more than 140 individual tracts managed by both public and private partners. The BCP was created in 1996 and continues to protect habitat for seven endangered species and other species of concern found on the preserve.
During this challenging hike, we will explore potential black-capped vireo habitat before climbing into golden-cheeked warbler habitat. Views of Lake Travis and surrounding BCP areas will captivate us as we explore Volente Peak.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water, sun protection, and any needed allergy medications.
If you have not joined Travis County BCP for an event in the past or filled out a waiver, please fill out and submit a digital liability waiver. *If you have filled out a Travis County waiver in the past, you do not need to do so again.
- Guided Hike on the Grandview Hills Canyon Loop TrailMuir Parke Pass, Austin, TX
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – some steep hills and uneven ground
Distance: approximately 2.8 miles – 3 hours
Location: Dead end of Wilson Parke Ave., where it meets Muir Parke Pass, off RR 620.Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserves' volunteer hike guides Jannelle and Skip for a hike on the Canyon Loop trail at Grandview Hills. The trail winds approximately 2.8 miles along hillsides and small canyons of closed canopy woodlands for which the Balcones Canyonlands are named for, and finishes off with a look into one of our shelter caves. It's easy to moderately difficult, with some steep hills and uneven ground.
The BCP is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering more than 33,000 acres in western Travis County – about 50 square miles. It is made up of more than 140 individual tracts managed by both public and private partners. The BCP was created in 1996 and continues to protect habitat for seven endangered species and other species of concern found on the preserve. Learn more about the BCP here.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water, sun protection, and any needed allergy medications. If you have not joined us on the Travis County BCP for an event in the past, please fill out and submit a digital liability waiver.
We will meet at the preserve gate at the end of Wilson Parke Ave. where it meets Muir Parke Pass.
- *CASH ONLY Paid Event at Milton Reimers Ranch Park* Winter Bird Walk with a BCPMilton Reimers Ranch Park, Dripping Springs, TX
Difficulty: Easy – some uneven ground and slight incline and decline
Distance: approximately 2.5 miles – 3 hours
Location: We will meet at Milton Reimers Ranch Park, 23610 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620*Note: this event will not be a usual free guided hike. Attendees must pay the park’s Day Use Fees: $5 per adult (age 13 years and older). Seniors (age 62 and older) pay $3 per senior. Children under the age of 12 years are free. Reimers Ranch Park only accepts cash. Cards will not be accepted.
Grab your binoculars and join us for a birding hike with Travis County Natural Resources Biologist Paul Fushille. We'll talk about the Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) mission and goals, the bird and other species we protect and explore some trails and areas in Milton Reimers Ranch Park.
This is a great chance to see and learn more about the bird species we protect and manage for on the BCP. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to more experienced birders. This will be about a 3-hour hike, and the terrain isn't particularly challenging with some incline and decline. Be prepared to walk roughly 3 miles, and we recommend wearing comfortable closed-toed shoes or boots and bring water. Don't forget your binoculars! Let us know if you need a pair - we'll have a few extra. We plan to start the hike as close to 8:30 am possible, so please arrive a few minutes early to allow parking and any last-minute preparation.
Please fill out and submit a Travis County digital liability waiver for yourself and all other joining guests.
