Doeskin Ranch Guided Hike
Description
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.
LOCATION:Doeskin Ranch is located at 10645 FM 1174 Bertram, TX 78605. If you are coming from the Austin area, take Highway 183A to Highway 29 and turn west. Take Hwy 29 for 3 miles and turn left (west) on Ranch Road 1869. Take RR 1869 for 10 miles until it ends at RR 1174, where you will turn left (south). The entrance to Doeskin Ranch will be 2.5 miles on your left (east).
START TIME:This hike starts at 10AM and 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.
GROUP SIZE:Registration is limited to 25 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