ALL TICKET SALES END MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 3PM
Guided night hikes during Stars & S'mores are approximately 30-45 minutes, covering 1/2 to 1 mile, roundtrip. Night hikes are informative and allow you to enjoy our habitat from a different perspective, using senses we don't typically rely on during the day.
These hikes typically sell out in advance, so purchase tickets early! You must have a general admission ticket in addition to a reserved hike time to join a guided hike. All participants must have a General Admission ticket to Stars & S'mores.
If you want to be grouped with others on the same hike, please make sure all participants are purchasing tickets for the same hike (time and group). It's important to note that there are two hikes leaving at each timeframe (Group A and Group B). This year, we have set up the reservation system so that participants can purchase tickets for the group that they want to participate in.
Please note that each hike has a maximum capacity. If you see that a particular hike is full or does not have the capacity available to accommodate your group, please check the other hikes for availability. We are unable to increase hike capacity without impacting the enjoyment of the hike for all.
Expect hikes to take approximately 30-45 minutes and cover up to a mile (round trip). The earlier hikes on ADA-compliant trails will likely cover slightly less distance.
Hikes are an "add on" to general admission tickets and priced at $5 per person.
Children under the age of 5 do not need a hiking ticket, but DO need a general admission ticket (priced at $0). Please note that the hikes at 8:15 are not suitable for those under the age of 16. If you will have a child under the age of 5, please join a hike at 6:15 or 7:15. There is a question at checkout to note how many free children under the age of 5 will join you on the hike. This helps our educators to give a great experience for all.
Please note that each hike time/group will be slightly different:
- 6:15 - Group A - Balcones Trail - This is the new paved ADA-compliant trail that parallels FM 1382 and traverses our driveway. This hike is family-friendly.
- 6:15 - Group B - Canyon Floor Trail - Our ADA-compliant crushed granite trail that stays on the canyon floor. This hike is family-friendly.
- 7:15 - Group A - Canyon Floor Trail - Our ADA-compliant crushed granite trail that stays on the canyon floor. This hike is family-friendly.
- 7:15 - Group B - West Loop Trail - This trail is not ADA-compliant and gains significant, but gradual elevation. This hike is family-friendly.
- 8:15 - Group A - ADULT ONLY (16+) - West Loop Trail - This trail is not ADA-compliant and gains significant, but gradual elevation. This hike is not suitable for those under the age of 16.
- 8:15 - Group B - ADULT ONLY (16+) - West Loop Trail - This trail is not ADA-compliant and gains significant, but gradual elevation. This hike is not suitable for those under the age of 16.
Note that both Groups A and B at 8:15 will utilize the West Loop Trail, but groups will be staggered and head in opposite directions on the loop.
We recommend taking very young children on earlier hikes due to darkness increasing throughout the evening.
All guests participating in hikes should dress for the conditions and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Please do not bring flashlights on the hike as white light impacts night vision and the hiking experience. Trekking poles are permitted, but not necessary or required.
Because we run hikes back-to-back during this event, it is vital that guests be lined up for the hike prior to departure. Guests should time their arrival at Dogwood Canyon at least 30 minutes prior to the reservation of any timed activity. This will allow time to park next door at Newman International Academy, hop on one of our free shuttles, get checked in at the event gate/table, and make your way up to the building where the hike will depart. Keep in mind that the event ends at 9:00p and there are many activities to enjoy, so plan your arrival, departure, and any ticketed event times accordingly.
Due to the limited nature of the event, tickets are not refundable. However, we do permit the transfer of tickets. If you are unable to attend and want to transfer your tickets, please contact [email protected] or (817) 845-6125 no later than noon on Thursday, January 27, 2022. We cannot guarantee the transfer of tickets after that time.
Please note that this portion of the event is weather-dependent. In the event that we are experiencing heavy local precipitation at the time of your scheduled hike, the hike will be canceled. We will not cancel solely due to cold temperatures.
If the event is canceled due to weather, please consider your ticket purchase to be a contribution to Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, a non-profit operation of National Audubon Society, Inc., federal tax ID number 13-1624102.