Active outdoor programs for participants ages 50+
- Varsity Hiking | Tuesdays | 9am
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Join Varsity Hiking - An Active Group for Adults Ages 50 and Above!
If you're looking to explore the Austin area and beyond while staying active, Varsity Hiking is the perfect group for you. We have two hikes a month, one in town and one out of town, both taking place every Tuesday. Meet us at the Camacho Activity Center, and we'll commute together via van to the hiking destination. The hikes vary in difficulty from 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. Hiking distances range from 2 to 5 miles. We want to make sure everyone's needs are met, so please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or require accommodations. After signing up, expect regular email updates about each hike's specifics.
For additional questions, contact Theron.Sweet@austintexas.gov
______________________________________________10/10 – West Bouldin Creek
Description - We will start the fall semester off with an urban exploration of the West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt. After an out and back single-track trail along the creek we will walk across Barton Springs Road to the Butler Metro Park and check out Doug Sahm hill that provides an amazing view of downtown Austin.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: 1 out of 510/24 – Panther Canyon Nature Trail, - New Braunfels
Description – The Panther Canyon Trail begins near the headwaters of the Comal Springs which are led by waters of the Edwards Aquifer emerging within the Balcones fault zone. The trail ascends the Balcones Escarpment into the Edwards Plateau under the shade of oaks, Ashe juniper, cedar elm and understory trees including Mexican Buckeye, kidneywood, and Texas persimmon. The trail covers over 49 acres and is home to many native plants and wildlife.
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Distance: 2.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: 2 out of 511/14 – Violet Crown Trail - South Austin
Description – In 2006, planning of the Violet Crown Trail began. Its purpose is to create the first regional trail system in Central Texas. After years of strategic land acquisition and planning, the trail is now 13 miles long running from Zilker Park to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. With continued construction, the VCT is on its way to becoming the longest trail of its kind in Central Texas. The section we will do is from the southcross plaza to the beckett meadows neighborhood.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Distance: 2.5-3.5 miles
Difficulty: 2 out of 511/28 – Comanche Bluff Trail – Granger
Description – Comanche Bluff is one of the lesser-known recreational areas around Austin. Situated in the rolling terrain of northeast Williamson County on the Blackland Prairie, it offers some interesting sites and good solitude. Trail is mostly single track in the thick woods and great views of the San Gabriel River that empties into Granger Lake.
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: 2 out of 512/5 – Bauerle Ranch Park – South Austin
Description – In between Brodie Lane and West Slaughter Lane is the Bauerle Ranch neighborhood. Outside this small neighborhood is untouched land that circles the whole neighborhood. We will explore Bauerle Ranch Trail and the dense wooded single track that awaits us.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty 2 out of 512/12 - Description – River Place Trail – Northwest Austin
Description – The River Place Trail is a gem in Northwest Austin. The trail has lots of elevation change, vistas at different points and even a waterfall. The southern trailhead features a boardwalk along the edge of a nice pond. Much of the trail follows along stream beds through the canyon.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: 4 out of 5 - Varsity Kayaking | Wednesdays | 9am
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Join Camacho Varsity Kayaking for an all-inclusive, group program that caters to those new to kayaking or those looking to enhance their skills. The activity center is the meeting point for participants, where our staff will provide everyone with a life jacket and kayak that meets their needs. After receiving basic instructions on water etiquette and kayaking, the group will explore Lady Bird Lake and its surroundings.
While most paddling sessions remain at Lady Bird Lake, a few select dates will feature trips to other waterways that our staff will transport participants to and from via van. There is a limited capacity of 12 participants per trip. Please note that the location of off-site trips is subject to change based on weather, safety, and river conditions, including water levels.
Registration is required for all Camacho Varsity Kayaking events. Local paddles are $5 and trips are $10. Registration is on a monthly basis and will take place on the first Friday of each month at 9am.
_______________________________Fall 2023 Varsity Kayaking | Dates, Times, Locations.
10/4 | 9a-12p | Lady Bird Lake
10/11 | 9a-12p | Lady Bird Lake
10/18 | 9a-4p | Colorado River - Webberville
10/25 | 9a-12p | Lady Bird Lake
11/1 | 9a-1p | Lady Bird Lake Redbud Isle to Camacho
11/8 | 9a-2p | Colorado River – East of Austin
11/15 | 9a-12p | Lady Bird Lake
11/29 | 9a-1p | Camacho to Redbud Isle
12/6- | 9a-5p | San Marcos River – River Trail Park to Zedler Mill, Luling
12/13 | 9a-12p | Lady Bird LakeQuestions: contact theron.sweet@austintexas.gov