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• Trail Workday

  • Start
    Saturday, January 14, 2023
  •  
  • End
    Saturday, December 09, 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    11 sessions
  • Location
    Various Trailheads

  Register

  If you love hiking the trails, here's a chance to roll up your sleeves and make a difference.  Trail workdays are scheduled from 9:00-noon on the 2nd Saturday of each month, rotating among the trails. Come join this fun, energetic group of dedicated trail builders and tamers.  Please contact Ryan Beach at trails@friendsofbalcones.org if you are interested in participating and would like additional information. Listed below are the monthly trail maintenance workdays at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge scheduled for 2023.  (The ones in the summer months are at Warbler Vista where we have lots of shade!)

  14 January	13 May (weather cancellation)	9 September
  11 February	10 June	14 October
  11 March	8 July	11 November
  15 April	12 August	9 December

  
  The team is always pleased to welcome new volunteers, who don’t mind getting a bit sweaty or dirty while performing rewarding work in the great outdoors often immersed in some of the refuge’s most majestic settings.

  
  
  

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• Hiking Season Kick-Off! Photography Hike at Doeskin Ranch

  • When
    Saturday, September 30, 2023
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Doeskin Ranch Trailhead: 10645 FM-1174, Bertram, Texas, 78605
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Kick Off Hike Season with a Guided Photography Hike at Doeskin Ranch!

  All registered participants will get a special kick-off weekend gift - a Friends of Balcones water bottle to use for this hiking season!

  Bring your cameras and enjoy the many photo opportunities at Doeskin Ranch on Indiangrass trail!

  Photo by Richard Gaines

  
  

  This photo stroll will be a great way to stop and appreciate the beauty of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

  Guided hike leader and photographer Richard Gaines will share information on the refuge and share photography tips to help you get some great photos of this beautiful area!

  We will begin with a hike up Rim Rock trail to access the Indiangrass trail. Once at Indiangrass trail, we will take our time to look for photo opportunities and take pictures along the way.

  You can view some of Richard's art and photographs here!:https://www.rgainesstudiosart.com/

  Who is this hike for?

  If you are interested in nature photography and continuing to expand your skill sets, then this hike is for you! Any level of photography experience is welcome, we will walk and experiment together. 

  To access the Indiangrass trail, a hike up Rim Rock trail is required, therefore, we recommend you only bring the gear you have that is easily portable.

  How difficult is this hike?

  The Rim Rock portion of the trail that is required to reach Indiangrass is an uphill and downhill climb on a moderately difficult trail. We consider this moderately difficult due to the incline as well as the rocky trail. We advise you to pack your photography gear into a backpack to help you get it up and down the trail. The Indiangrass trail is a flat trail, which is mostly exposed with limited shade.

  We will be hiking approximately 2.5 miles in total during this event so please consider the equipment you will bring and your level of comfort walking this distance.

  EQUIPMENT:In addition to bringing your photography equipment, wear appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Due to slippery rocks on the trail, hiking poles are also highly recommended.

  PHONE RECEPTION: Some phone-based GPS’ will not work in this area. A printable/downloadable map can be found here.

  GROUP SIZE:Registration is limited to 15 participants for this hike.

  WEATHER ADVISORY & OTHER CANCELLATIONS:In the event that we need to cancel due to extreme weather or other unforeseen conditions you will be notified via email before 10:00 AM on the day of the hike.

  PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS:Our hikes are popular and often have wait lists, if you need to cancel, we ask that you try to do so at least 48 hours in advance so that a wait-list participant is notified in adequate time to be able to join us on the trail! You can cancel in two ways:

  • Log in to your profile on the Friends website and use the my event registration link to cancel your registration

  • Send us an email at hikes@friendsofbalcones.org.  Looking forward to seeing you at the Refuge!

  
  

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• Hiking Season Kick-Off! Peaceful Springs Guided Refuge Hiking Tour

  • When
    Sunday, October 01, 2023
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Flying X Ranch: 9480 S FM 1174, Bertram, TX 78605
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Kick Off Hike Season with a Guided Refuge Tour at Peaceful Springs!

  All registered participants will get a special kick-off weekend gift - a Friends of Balcones water bottle to use for this hiking season!

  Join us for a peek behind the curtains of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Most of the refuge is closed to the public to allow for restoration and habitat management but now you can experience this part of the refuge with the help of our guided hike leaders!

  
  

  
  

  Our guided hiking tours on private tracts provide a special opportunity to see portions of the refuge that are set aside exclusively for our native plants and animals! These private tracts are made available to you to view exclusively through our guided hike program.

  These hiking tours move at a moderate place, with stops along the way to discuss the birds, plants, history, geology and habitats of the Refuge. We see many native plants and beautiful views along the way.

  Who is this hike for?

  If you are interested in learning about the beautiful Refuge right in Austin’s backyard, this guided tour is for you! Spend time getting closer to the land by learning some of the important plants, the history, geological features and how this habitat is maintained.

  What kind of hike will this be?

  The hike begins at the Flying X Ranch House and follows 2-tract and fire-break roads. This 3.3 mile hike has minimal elevation gains. The route has little shade with moderate slopes. Be sure to bring plenty of water. There are no facilities on the trail.

  We hike at a moderate pace and have several stops along the way to discuss plants, geology, birds, habitats and more!

  Enjoy long ranging views, learn about how the refuge has changed over time and the conservation work done today to enhance habitats for native Texas Hill Country plants and wildlife. 

  Meeting Location 

  Flying X Ranch: 9480 S FM 1174, Bertram, TX 78605

  Since this hike is on a private tract, one of the hike leaders will meet you at the Flying X gate located on 1174 and give you access. Once all registered participants are checked in, we will go to the trailhead from there.

  Please be there 15 minutes before the hike start time so that we can start the hike promptly.  Once the hike begins, no one will be monitoring the gate.

  Facilities

  Please note that since this is not a public trail, restrooms and drinking water are not available at the trailhead. 

  Equipment

  As always, wear appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Due to slippery rocks on the trail, hiking poles are also highly recommended.

  Group Size

  Registration is limited to 15 participants for this hike.

  Weather Advisory and Other Cancellations

  In the event that we need to cancel due to extreme weather or other unforeseen conditions you will be notified via email and text.

  Participant Cancellations

  Our hikes are popular and often have wait lists, if you need to cancel, we ask that you try to do so at least 48 hours in advance so that a wait-list participant is notified in adequate time to be able to join us on the trail! You can cancel in two ways:

  • Log in to your profile on the Friends website and use the my event registration link to cancel your registration

  • Send us an email at hikes@friendsofbalcones.org

  
  

  
  

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• Walk for the Wild 5K Hike at Headquarters (Martin Tract)

  • When
    Saturday, October 07, 2023
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    BCNWR Headquarters: 24518 E FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with a Walk for the Wild 5K Hike on the Martin Tract!

  This year, the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands is participating in the Walk for the Wild 5K Challenge, hosted by the Public Lands Alliance. Teams from across the country are participating to help raise awareness for the National Wildlife Refuge System. The goal is to get people moving a distance of 5K in nature. Guided Hike participants will have the option to join #TeamBalcones if they choose to.

  
  

  
  

  Our guided hiking tours on private tracts provide a special opportunity to see portions of the refuge that are set aside exclusively for our native plants and animals! These private tracts are made available to you to view exclusively through our guided hike program.

  These hiking tours move at a moderate place, with stops along the way to discuss the birds, plants, history, geology and habitats of the Refuge. We see many native plants and beautiful views along the way.

  Who is this hike for?

  If you are interested in learning about the beautiful Refuge right in Austin’s backyard, this guided tour is for you! Spend time getting closer to the land by learning some of the important plants, the history, geological features and how this habitat is maintained.

  What kind of hike will this be?

  This 3.1 mile hike will be along an old 2-track ranch road that has 377 feet of elevation gains. The loose rocks combined with short steep slopes make this mostly un-shaded trail a moderately difficult 2.5 - 3 hour hike. 

  We hike at a moderate pace and have several stops along the way to discuss plants, geology, birds, habitats and more!

  Enjoy long ranging views, learn about how the refuge has changed over time and the conservation work done today to enhance habitats for native Texas Hill Country plants and wildlife. 

  Meeting Location 

  BCNWR Headquarters: 24518 E FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX, 78654

  Since this hike is on the weekend when the visitor center is closed, one of the hike leaders will meet you at the gate to the headquarters of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge and give you access to the main parking lot.  Once all registered participants are checked in, we will go to the trailhead from there.

  Please be there 15 minutes before the hike start time so that we can start the hike promptly.  Once the hike begins, no one will be monitoring the gate.

  Facilities

  Please note that since this is not a public trail, restrooms and drinking water are not available at the trailhead. Lago Vista is ~9 minutes from the trailhead and a convenient place to stop prior to arriving at the headquarters! 

  Equipment

  As always, wear appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Due to slippery rocks on the trail, hiking poles are also highly recommended.

  Group Size

  Registration is limited to 15 participants for this hike.

  Weather Advisory and Other Cancellations

  In the event that we need to cancel due to extreme weather or other unforeseen conditions you will be notified via email and text.

  Participant Cancellations

  Our hikes are popular and often have wait lists, if you need to cancel, we ask that you try to do so at least 48 hours in advance so that a wait-list participant is notified in adequate time to be able to join us on the trail! You can cancel in two ways:

  • Log in to your profile on the Friends website and use the my event registration link to cancel your registration

  • Send us an email at hikes@friendsofbalcones.org

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Walk for the Wild 5K Hike at Doeskin Ranch

  • When
    Sunday, October 08, 2023
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Doeskin Ranch Trailhead: 10645 FM-1174, Bertram, Texas, 78605
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with a Walk for the Wild 5K Hike at Doeskin Ranch!

  This year, the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands is participating in the Walk for the Wild 5K Challenge, hosted by the Public Lands Alliance. Teams from across the country are participating to help raise awareness for the National Wildlife Refuge System. The goal is to get people moving a distance of 5K in nature. Guided Hike participants will have the option to join #TeamBalcones if they choose to.

  
  

  Our guided hiking tours on public trails are a great introduction to the trail system at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

  Our hiking tours move at a moderate place, with stops along the way to discuss the birds, plants, history, geology and habitats of the Refuge. We see many native plants and beautiful views along the way.

  Who is this hike for?

  If you are interested in learning about the beautiful Refuge right in Austin’s backyard, this guided tour is for you! Spend time with experts on the trail learning about this beautiful environment that is open for you to visit year-round!

  How difficult is this hike?

  We start with an easy hike along flat terrain.  The trail leads us through grasslands, and along the north end of the creek.  Through this section of the hike we will pause frequently to introduce you to many of the native plants of the refuge.

  The next portion of the hike is an uphill and downhill climb on a moderately difficult trail. We consider this moderately difficult due to the incline as well as the rocky trail. We will continue to move at a moderate pace, pausing to share information about the Refuge with you.

  It’s a total of 3.1 miles with lovely hill country views through old growth cedar and oak savanna. 

  START TIME:This hike should take approximately 3 hours, however there may be some extra time taken if we see some exciting flora and fauna.

  EQUIPMENT:As always, wear appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Due to slippery rocks on the trail, hiking poles are also highly recommended.

  PHONE RECEPTION: Some phone-based GPS’ will not work in this area. A printable/downloadable map can be found here.

  GROUP SIZE:Registration is limited to 15 participants for this hike.

  WEATHER ADVISORY & OTHER CANCELLATIONS:In the event that we need to cancel due to extreme weather or other unforeseen conditions you will be notified via email and text at least two hours prior to the hike start time.

  PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS:Our hikes are popular and often have wait lists, if you need to cancel, we ask that you try to do so at least 48 hours in advance so that a wait-list participant is notified in adequate time to be able to join us on the trail! You can cancel in two ways:

  • Log in to your profile on the Friends website and use the my event registration link to cancel your registration

  • Send us an email at hikes@friendsofbalcones.org

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Walk for the Wild 5K Hike at Warbler Vista

  • When
    Saturday, October 14, 2023
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Quarry Canyon Trailhead; Warbler Vista, West of Lago Vista on 1431
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with a Walk for the Wild 5K Hike at Warbler Vista!

  This year, the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands is participating in the Walk for the Wild 5K Challenge, hosted by the Public Lands Alliance. Teams from across the country are participating to help raise awareness for the National Wildlife Refuge System. The goal is to get people moving a distance of 5K in nature. Guided Hike participants will have the option to join #TeamBalcones if they choose to.

  
  

  Our guided hiking tours on public trails are a great introduction to the trail system at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

  These hiking tours move at a moderate place, with stops along the way to discuss the birds, plants, history, geology and habitats of the Refuge. We see many native plants and beautiful views along the way.

  Who is this hike for?

  If you are interested in learning about the beautiful Refuge right in Austin’s backyard, this guided tour is for you! Spend time with experts on the trail learning about this beautiful environment that is open for you to visit year-round!

  What kind of hike will this be?

  This is a 3.1 mile hike through a beautiful oak-juniper forest. On this hike, we will take a path that meanders up the steep new Quarry Canyon trail, then over to Vista Knoll and Cactus Rocks before descending on the Boulder trail.

  We consider this a moderate difficulty hike due to the inclines, descents, and the occasionally rocky or slippery portions of the trail. We hike at a moderate pace, with about 8-9 pre-determined stops to share information about this wonderful place that so many plants and animals call home!

  On this hike we will pause at moss-covered seeps that feed the Colorado River watershed, wander through the forested hillside, see huge limestone boulders and canyons, and have stops throughout to share information about unique Texas plants and animals that call the refuge home.

  MEETING LOCATION: There are multiple trailheads at Warbler Vista. We will meet at the Quarry Canyon Trailhead. There is parking available at the trailhead.

  RESTROOMS: There are restrooms at Warbler Vista at the Warbler Vista parking lot which is the next parking lot after the Quarry Canyon Trailhead.

  EQUIPMENT:As always, wear appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Due to slippery rocks on the trail, hiking poles are also highly recommended.

  GROUP SIZE:Registration is limited to 15 participants for this hike.

  WEATHER ADVISORY & OTHER CANCELLATIONS:In the event that we need to cancel due to extreme weather or other unforeseen conditions you will be notified via email before 11:00 AM on the day of the hike.

  PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS:Our hikes are popular and often have wait lists, if you need to cancel, we ask that you try to do so at least 48 hours in advance so that a wait-list participant is notified in adequate time to be able to join us on the trail! You can cancel in two ways:

  • Log in to your profile on the Friends website and use the my event registration link to cancel your registration

  • Send us an email at hikes@friendsofbalcones.org.  Looking forward to seeing you at the Refuge!

  Show details
• Guided Refuge Birding Hike - HQ/Martin Tract

  • When
    Sunday, October 15, 2023
  •  
    7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    BCNWR Headquarters: 24518 FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  Join us for a Guided Birding Hike at Balcones Canyonlands!

  
  

  Bring your binoculars and field guide to see how many birds you can identify while enjoying the great outdoors of the Texas Hill Country.

  Join Carlos Cardenas, a Central Texas native and self-described "bird nerd" for a slow stroll around the refuge in search of birds and other wildlife.

  Who is this hike for?

  Anyone interested in learning more about Central Texas birds, from the casual backyard birdwatcher to the seasoned naturalist, this hike is for you. We will spend a couple of hours hiking near the refuge headquarters, including the Martin tract, and will be traveling through an assortment of habitats in search of our feathered friends.

  How difficult is this hike?

  This hike will be at a "birding pace" - meaning we will stop frequently to observe or listen for birds. We will travel less than 2.5 miles and will have minimal elevation changes.

  Along with the "usual suspects" (northern cardinals, doves, chickadees, wrens and titmice), we will also be on the lookout for the the following:

  House Finch

  Goldfinch both lesser and American

  American Kestrel

  Osprey

  Canyon Wren

  Belted Kingfisher

  Woodhouse Scrub Jay

  Variety of Wood Peckers

  Variety of Hawks and Vultures

  Depending on the water level in the pond, we might also get lucky and spot an assortment of waterfowl, egrets and/or herons. In addition, mid-October is a great time to see migratory oddballs - some getting ready to leave, some arriving and some just passing through.

  Time: This walk will be approximately 2- 2.5 hours, depending on the birds we see and where we look for them!

  Equipment: Bring your binoculars for observing birds, and some water for drinking. Please also use the restroom before arrival. Closed toe walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for these trails.

  Meeting Location

  BCNWR Headquarters: 24518 FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX

  Since this hike is on the weekend when the visitor center is closed, one of the hike leaders will meet you at the gate to the headquarters of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge and give you access to the main parking lot. Once all registered participants are checked in, we will go to the trailhead from there.

  Please be there 15 minutes before the hike start time so that we can start the hike promptly. Once the hike begins, no one will be monitoring the gate.

  Facilities: Please note that since this is not a public trail, restrooms and drinking water are not available at the trailhead. Lago Vista is ~9 minutes from the trailhead and a convenient place to stop prior to arriving at the headquarters!

  Phone Reception: Some phone-based GPS’ will not work in this area. 

  Group Size: Registration is limited to 15 participants for this hike.

  Weather Advisory & Other Cancellations:In the event that we need to cancel due to extreme weather or other unforeseen conditions you will be notified via email 2 hours prior to the hike start time.

  Participant Cancellations: Our hikes are popular and often have wait lists, if you need to cancel, we ask that you try to do so at least 48 hours in advance so that a wait-list participant is notified in adequate time to be able to join us on the trail!

  You can cancel in two ways:

  ·       Log in to your profile on the Friends website and use the "my event registration" link to cancel your registration

  ·       Send us an email at hikes@friendsofbalcones.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details