Guided Hikes on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve

TO REGISTER FOR THIS HIKE YOU MUST SIGN UP ON OUR EXTERNAL WEBSITE: www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents

Difficulty: Rugged/elevation change
Distance: 6.5 miles – 6 hours
Location: In Driftwood off FM 967 near 1626. Directions sent upon registration at www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.

This hike is an exciting opportunity to be guided cross country over a portion of the Onion Creek property of the BCP's sister program, the Water Quality Protection Lands. This is our most rugged hike and covers about 6.5 miles. Experience restored native grasslands and towering oaks as you travel along Onion Creek, view recharge features and learn about the families that previously inhabited this land as you pass their historic home sites. This hike will proceed at a slower-moderate pace, does not always follow a trail, and requires hiking through tall grasses.

A few reminders about the conservation lands - there is no running water on site and pets and smoking are not permitted. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

No RSVP on meetup needed, you have to reserve your spot here: www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents

TO REGISTER FOR THIS HIKE YOU MUST SIGN UP ON OUR EXTERNAL WEBSITE: www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents

Difficulty: Moderate. Wet foot creek crossing.
Distance: 1.5 miles – 3 hours
Location: Near 2222 and River Place Boulevard. Directions sent when you register at www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents

Located near the headwaters of Bull Creek, the Sam Hamilton tract has a deep beauty. Join us on this guided hike through a variety of terrain that will start on a rocky plateau, before descending a slope of rich wooded Golden-cheeked warbler habitat. Further explorations will reveal meadows and a stream containing Jollyville Plateau salamanders before ascending back to the main road.

A few reminders about the conservation lands - there are no bathrooms or running water on site and pets and smoking are not permitted. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

No RSVP on meetup needed, you have to reserve your spot here: www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.

We will meet at the Travis County Natural Resources Field Office, off of FM 620 and Bay Heights Way and carpool to the collection site, which is about 1-mile into the Preserve. Be prepared for a leisurely 1-2 mile hike as we search for collectible, ripe seeds. We will search for and collect seeds in some of the habitat of the migratory songbird, the black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla), in an area we refer to as "Vireo Ridge". Your guide will be able to answer your questions about these birds, as well as other migratory songbirds and wildlife we protect habitat for on the Preserve.

Gloves will be available, or you can use your own if preferred, as some seeds may host insects and spiders. We will also have sunscreen and bug spray available. Please wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, a hat, and bring plenty of water. Long sleeve shirts are recommended, as well. Due to the work location being away from the meeting location, please arrive on time to not delay the group.

If you are a new volunteer to the Travis County BCP, please fill out and submit a digital Travis County liability waiver.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions!

Difficulty: Moderate – lengthy hike with a few steep incline and declines
Distance: Approximately 5 miles – 3.5 hours
Location: We will meet at the Snowden house, near Anderson Mill and FM 2769

Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's (BCP) Interpretive Guides, Jaya and Aimee, for a lengthy nature hike through a portion of our Jollyville unit, where we will cover portions of three different BCP tracts. We will explore (likely dry) creek crossings, walk through golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo habitat, and have time along the hike for various talking points.

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.

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.*If you have filled one out in the past, you do not need to do so again.