Chose Nature the day after Thanksgiving with an adventure behind-the-scenes of the Refuge on our 8-mile hike at our Igau Tract!

This challenging hike will take you deep into Golden Cheeked Warbler habitat, with many elevation changes taking us to beautiful views of the Refuge

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?

This is a 8-mile hike on an old ranch road, heavily eroded in places, which we classify as a “strenuous” hike due to several significant elevation changes and loose rocks through many sections. This hike is only for those who are accustomed to walking long distances, including significant uphill and downhill portions.

This hike is for those in good health who enjoy long-distance hiking, and the challenge of long inclines and descents to access unseen views of the Refuge!

What kind of hike will this be?

On this hike, we will walk deep into juniper oak forest, prized habitat for our Golden Cheeked Warbler residents. We will pause at breathtaking views of the refuge, view many of our native plants and see evidence of the geological uniqueness of hill country. Along the way your guides will pause at about 8-9 pre-determined stops to share information about this wonderful place that so many plants and animals call home!

By the end of this hike, you will have seen part of the refuge only known to a few, and be more connected to this beautiful place.

What do I need to bring?

Due to the high amount of hiking on slippery rocks and elevation changes, ankle height boots and hiking poles are highly recommended for this hike. Even if you do not typically hike with a pole, we highly recommend it for this hike due to unstable terrain in several areas.

Given the length of the hike, please also bring a snack for the hike such as protein or granola bar, and plenty of water.

Please note, for safety, participants that are not properly equipped with proper hiking shoes, and water will not be permitted on the hike.

MEETING LOCATION: This tract of the refuge is North of 1431 on Cow Creek Rd. Since this is a private tract, specific directions will be provided to hike registrants at the time of registration.

RESTROOMS: There are not any restrooms available at this closed tract location. Given the length of the hike, please be prepared to use the “great outdoors” when a restroom break is needed.

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 at least three hours prior to the hike start.

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!