Visitors stargazing at Wild Basin Preserve
Several times each year, Austin Astronomical Society members and Wild Basin volunteers conduct special astronomy tours at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, weather permitting. On an evening when the Moon is a crescent, there may be a Star Gazing tour. Evenings at or near the full Moon, there may be a Moonlighting tour. Please note that these tours are subject to cancellation, if the sky is overcast.
Members of the Austin Astronomical Society volunteer telescopes for viewing at many of the Wild Basin Astronomy Tours. Early visitors my want to visit the Solar Scope presentation on the observation deck just west of the main office.
The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is located on the east side of Capitol of Texas Hwy (360) and about 1.2
Courtesy, Michael Schaffer
miles north of the intersection of Bee Cave Road (FM2244); or about 3.2 miles south of the 360 (Pennybacker) Bridge. If you are driving southbound on 360, there is a turn-around/cross-over at the entrance to Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve.
The Wild Basin Astronomy Tours are usually full! Advance reservations are highly recommended. To make a reservation, phone Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve at (512) 327-7622. There are tour fees for adults, seniors and students in grades K-12. Preschool children are admitted free and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18. Proceeds benefit Wild Basin.
We recommend that you bring with you drinking water, a small flashlight, binoculars (if you have them), good walking shoes and perhaps something small to sit on while at the Overlook. Please do not leave your valuables in your vehicle, and instead leave them at home.
Listen for radio announcements and local news media for the next Star Gazing and Moonlight tour at Wild Basin Preserve.
The Wild Basin Preserve is located at 805 N Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746. A GPS may direct you to the back entrance via Wild Basin Ledge and Toro Canyon Drive. There is NO back entrance available to the public.