SATURDAY: Meet at the Visitors Center near the 30-foot-tall rainwater collection tower. (Allow plenty of time to drive - it's often underestimated) Join us on a 10-mile challenging hike thru Government Canyon State Natural Area (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/government-canyon), combining rugged canyon trails and gentle rolling grasslands. Physical demands: Hikers should be able to climb 50 flights of stairs carrying a loaded daypack over rocky terrain without difficulty. Bring boots, water, snacks, $6 park entrance fee or state park pass. No pets please. Options (on your own): It is possible to sign out from the group and do a shorter loop hike instead - please let Leader know beforehand. Trail Map (https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4505_0165e.pdf)



CAMPOUT: Join us after the hike for a potluck dinner (bring food items to share) and primitive camping. Bring tent, sleeping bag and pad, camp chair, warm clothes, dishes and eating utensils, beverages. Options (on your own): Some folks may want to come for a single day. For those staying both days who prefer not to camp, there is a motel (https://www.motel6.com/en/motels.tx.san-antonio.4085.html) a few miles away.



RESERVATIONS for campers: Space is limited. RSVP on Meetup does not reserve your camping spot. Send an email to the leader at [masked] , telling us about your hiking and camping experience in a few sentences. Preference given to those who have previously participated in our hikes and service projects. Leader will reply with instructions to pay $10 campsite fee.



SUNDAY: Note Daylight Savings Time change early Sunday morning. After a night under the stars, we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast at camp (cooking equipment and food shared; could use some kitchen help). Then we'll pack up and head to nearby Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area (http://fosana.org/portfolio_page/crownridge-canyon-natural-area/) and Friedrich Wilderness Park (http://fosana.org/portfolio_page/emilie-and-albert-friedrich-wilderness-park/), where we'll explore and hike about 6 miles total. Afterwards we'll have a late lunch at a local cafe (bring cash) to end a memorable trip. Options (not part of trip): Some folks may want to go to Wurstfest (https://wurstfest.com/) on the way back to Austin.



TRANSPORTATION: To minimize our carbon footprint you're encouraged to self-organize carpools. If interested please post a Comment, with your starting location and your plans.



For more info about the Austin Sierra Club and to join the club (in addition to the Meetup group), visit our website at: http://sierraclub.org/texas/austin



https://youtu.be/N-u_t9W2TbI