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• Trail Workday - 2nd Saturday of Each Month

  • Start
    Monday, February 05, 2024
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Monday, December 30, 2024
  •  
    11:30 AM
  • Location
    Various Trailheads

  Register

  Volunteer on the Trails!

  If you love hiking the trails, here's a chance to roll up your sleeves and make a difference.  Trail workdays are scheduled from 8:30am-11:30am on the 2nd Saturday of each month, rotating among the trails. Come join this fun and energetic group of dedicated trail volunteers. 

  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 2024.  (Dates  in the summer months are at Warbler Vista where we have lots of shade!)

  13 January	11 May	14 September
  10 February	8 June	12 October
  9 March	13 July	9 November
  13 April	10 August	14 December

  
  The team is always pleased to welcome new volunteers! Please join us! 

  Questions? Contact trails@friendsofbalcones.org

  Thank you!

  Show details
• Pollinator Garden Workday - 1st Monday of Each Month

  • Start
    Tuesday, February 13, 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Monday, December 02, 2024
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Refuge Headquarters: 24518 E FM1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654

  Register

  Volunteer in the Pollinator Garden!

  
  

  Join us on the first Monday of the month from 9:00AM to 11:00AM to help in the pollinator gardens at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. Volunteers participate in planting, weeding, mulching, and watering. The gardens attract numerous butterfly and bee species to an array of native flowers from Spring through Fall. Bring your favorite garden gloves!

  Listed below are the monthly garden workdays scheduled for 2024.  

  January	6 May	2 September
  5 February	3 June	7 October
  4 March	1 July	4 November
  1 April	5 August	2 December

  
  The team is always pleased to welcome new volunteers! Please join us! 

  Questions? Contact Janet Rogal at janet@friendsofbalcones.org.

  Thank you!

  Show details
• Second Saturday Group Guided Hike at Warbler Vista!

  • When
    Saturday, May 11, 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Quarry Canyon Trailhead; Warbler Vista, West of Lago Vista on 1431
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Connect with nature and other nature-lovers with a group hike at Warbler Vista!

  The second Saturday of every month we will have a group hike at Warbler Vista guided by our trail guides so you can learn about the birds, plants, history and MORE of this wonderful public trail!

  Join us for multiple months to see the beauty of the Refuge evolve across the seasons

  
  

  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 2.1 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.

  In the Spring time, we have many feathered friends at the Refuge, so we may take longer pauses at various areas to listen to the bird calls and identify birds. Bring your binoculars to look with us!

  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 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.  Looking forward to seeing you at the Refuge!

  Show details
• *WEATHER RESCHEDULE* Photography Hike at Doeskin Ranch

  • When
    Saturday, May 11, 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Doeskin Ranch Trailhead: 10645 FM-1174, Bertram, Texas, 78605
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

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

  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!

  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. 

  We recommend you only bring gear that is easily portable.

  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.

  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.

  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
• Third Sunday Group Hike at Doeskin Ranch

  • When
    Sunday, May 19, 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Doeskin Ranch Trailhead: 10645 FM-1174, Bertram, Texas, 78605
  • Spaces left
    19

  Register

  Connect with nature and other nature-lovers with a group hike at Doeskin Ranch!

  The third Sunday of every month we will have a group hike at Doeskin Ranch guided by our trail guides so you can learn about the birds, plants, history and MORE of this wonderful public trail!

  Join us for multiple months to see the beauty of the Refuge evolve across the seasons

  
  

  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?

  Doeskin Ranch has a mix of easy flat terrain as well as uphill and downhill climbs that we rate as moderately difficult due to the inclines and rocky trails.

  The trails lead us through grasslands, and along creeks and also through mixed juniper oak hillsides. 

  Throughout the hike we will pause to look at plants, birds and to share information about the history, geology and other aspects of this trail and therefore you will have frequent opportunities to pause and look more closely at your surroundings.

  START TIME:This hike should take approximately 2.5-3 hours.

  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
• Guided Refuge Hiking Tour at the Martin Tract!

  • When
    Saturday, May 25, 2024
  •  
    8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    BCNWR Headquarters: 24518 E FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654
  • Spaces left
    26

  Register

  Adventure outside with a hike behind-the-scenes at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge!

  Join us in the great outdoors with a Guided hike at the Martin Tract, a tract of the Refuge usually only seen by wildlife and refuge staff!

  
  

  
  

  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 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.

  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
• Second Saturday Group Guided Hike at Warbler Vista!

  • When
    Saturday, June 08, 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Quarry Canyon Trailhead; Warbler Vista, West of Lago Vista on 1431
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  Connect with nature and other nature-lovers with a group hike at Warbler Vista!

  The second Saturday of every month we will have a group hike at Warbler Vista guided by our trail guides so you can learn about the birds, plants, history and MORE of this wonderful public trail!

  Join us for multiple months to see the beauty of the Refuge evolve across the seasons

  
  

  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 2.1 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.

  In the Spring time, we have many feathered friends at the Refuge, so we may take longer pauses at various areas to listen to the bird calls and identify birds. Bring your binoculars to look with us!

  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 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.  Looking forward to seeing you at the Refuge!

  Show details
• Third Sunday Group Hike at Doeskin Ranch

  • When
    Sunday, June 16, 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Doeskin Ranch Trailhead: 10645 FM-1174, Bertram, Texas, 78605
  • Spaces left
    27

  Register

  Connect with nature and other nature-lovers with a group hike at Doeskin Ranch!

  The third Sunday of every month we will have a group hike at Doeskin Ranch guided by our trail guides so you can learn about the birds, plants, history and MORE of this wonderful public trail!

  Join us for multiple months to see the beauty of the Refuge evolve across the seasons

  
  

  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?

  Doeskin Ranch has a mix of easy flat terrain as well as uphill and downhill climbs that we rate as moderately difficult due to the inclines and rocky trails.

  The trails lead us through grasslands, and along creeks and also through mixed juniper oak hillsides. 

  Throughout the hike we will pause to look at plants, birds and to share information about the history, geology and other aspects of this trail and therefore you will have frequent opportunities to pause and look more closely at your surroundings.

  START TIME:This hike should take approximately 2.5-3 hours.

  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