City Walk Deep Shade: Houston's Urban Trees, 6.0 miles

Beginning at the Contemporary Arts Museum, today's walk is miles of shady trails and streets through the Rice University-Hermann Park area. The large old trees that give the area its character come as no accident, fitting nicely into an earlier generation of urban design. The lower end of south Main was rural in the early 1910s, and the donation of land for Hermann Park at the same time as the founding of the Rice Institute in 1912 allowed the entire area to be laid out according to the grand principles of the City Beautiful Movement. Wide boulevards and esplanades through out that part of town all reflect the popular ideas that beautiful cities with grand public spaces for fountains, museums, reflecting pools, and parks are better for uplifting citizens. Popular in America from the 1890s through the early 20th century, it is a contrast to the cul-de-sac culture of the decades to come.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The heat in Texas is always a concern so let someone know if you are having a hard time. For more information about hiking check out this very useful hiking website: HATS and More site

CHAT GPT guesses about what Houston will look like in a thousand years. The trees dont look like they have kept up....

Our organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness needed to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

COVID PRECAUTIONS:
Bring and wear a mask when not hiking and follow the best practices to prevent the transmission of COVID.

Gathering Place:
In front of the
Contemporary Arts Museum
5216 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006
Contemporary Arts Museum

Parking: Lots of parking options with the many art museum garages (paid) and various free parking spots around the immediate neighborhood. Come a bit early to find parking.

Call or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.

The Walk:
The trail is almost entirely paved so we have to be mindful of other traffic. In places the sidewalks may be in poor repair so it is important to pay attention to your surroundings when we need to walk in the street.

Weather Forecast:
Hermann area Weather

Hike map is in the photos.

Optional After Hike:
Bodegas Taco Shop with lots of outdoor seating
1200 Binz on Caroline St.
Bodega's on the Boulevard