What we’re about
This walking group explores the dynamic past and present of Austin's built environment. Tracing the origins of Austin street names, walking streets in their entirety, and stubbornly circumventing limitations posed by half-baked pedestrian infrastructure plans of yore, these events are intended to be adventures but not guided tours. Librarians and blacksmiths, photographers and mechanics, sociologists and forensic accountants alike should feel welcome, provided we have at least two things in common: a deep curiosity about the city of Austin and two strong feet to carry us where curiosity leads.
This monthly group won’t be the fastest hiking group in the city, but we’ll cover long-ish distances, up to 7-10 miles in cooler months. I won’t assume everyone has a car (I don’t), and if you don't you should have the ability and patience to navigate Austin’s far-from-perfect patchwork of bikeshare, public transit, etc. if needed to get to and from the start and end points.
At the end of these walks we’ll find a place to rehydrate, get some food, and talk about it all.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Barton Hills and Barton Creekgravel parking lot on Stratford, Austin, TX
Barton Creek has been an immensely popular hangout since at least the 17th century, when Tonkawa and Comanche Indians set up camps in the area. It’s so popular that unlike so many other “gems” described in history literature it skips the typical adjective “hidden.”
Avoiding the crowds, our 6.6 mile walk (route map here) won’t avoid society- first walking past the celebrated Monkey Tree of Zilker Park we’ll wind southwest along city streets where residents of Barton Hills actually live. Once we reach the trailhead by a hiking area named after socially-conscious civil engineering professor Gus Fruh, we’ll loop back through the shade of Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail.
Finding food is always a part of our plans. We’ll end our walk at a food truck park close to the starting point, but we might also consider El Alma or Chuy’s. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water- August is typically the hottest month in Austin.
TRANSIT LOGISTICS:
- Official walk map
- Parking in the gravel lot at 2224 Stratford should be free for the first two hours, then $3 thereafter
