National Summit Day Hike ~8.1 Miles

Please bring a mask on this hike.

We will have our break on Rice U campus and use of the bathrooms will require wearing the mask. A mask is also needed to enter any MFAH buildings near the sculpture garden.

Help us maintain good relations by following each venue's guidance.

Backpacker Magazine has proclaimed the first Saturday in August as National Summit Day. As part of this celebration of "our favorite mountains and the people who climb them" they have asked groups around the county to plan hikes to the highest places in their respective regions.

HATs is one of the invited groups and we have put together a hike to visit not just one, but five, physical and cultural high points in Houston. Each conveniently located around Hermann Park.

HEAT PRECAUTIONS:

The heat index is now regularly above 100° F before noon. Consider your heat tolerance. Start the day well hydrated and bring at least a third more water than you carry in cooler weather. Consider bringing three liters if you are not experienced hiking in hot weather.

If you don't feel well and can't keep up, tell someone right away and stop walking so it doesn't become something serious. You can phone a friend or an Uber. Or call the hike leader for a pick up after the hike.

If anyone needs help during the hike call Tom: 713-781-1680.

THE HIKE:

The hike is an approximately 8 mile loop hike through Hermann Park, Rice University and the MFAH area. By climbing these five Houston summits of National Summit Day we can:

1. Ascend to new heights in the performing arts.
2. Step up to a hero.
3. Stand with the sky almost in reach.
4. Climb above the Cloud.
5. See the beauty of the world spiral all around us.

To enjoy these wonderful summits join us on the hike.
(Or look at the hike map and outfit your own expedition!)

The Trail:
The trails are a mostly shaded mix of crushed granite and pavement. But be aware, the last mile or so is in full sun.

Hike map and elevation profile are the photos.

There are bathrooms at the gathering point. If the music school building is open, there will be bathrooms at the break.

Geolocated Maps:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Bj3fYzRINV1XXuSmFJ-ZZOMtjUZC9S9V

Parking:
Nearest to the finish.
McGovern Centennial Gardens
https://goo.gl/maps/up4KMFELKQz

Alternate with more space:
Houston Zoo off Concert Drive
https://goo.gl/maps/6fH7MMVqZTHt8c6Y7

We will start at 8:00 AM. Allow extra time to find parking and 10 minutes to walk to the hike starting point.

About HATs and our hikes
https://www.hatsandmore.org/

HATs 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. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness level to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

Weather Forecast:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=29.7166&lon=-95.3868&FcstType=graphical

After Hike Event:
Due to the large size of the group, we are changing the venue.

Under the Radar Brewery
1506 Truxillo St, Houston, TX 77004
https://goo.gl/maps/zYrHmkgaaArzLmBu8

https://www.undertheradarbrewery.com

They will have a food truck. Given the size of the group, stopping along the way or ordering for delivery are good options.

Nearby choices are Luigi's Pizzeria and the Blodgett Food Hall.
Luigi's Pizzeria
3700 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004
Order on Doordash

Blodgett Food Hall
2616 Blodgett St
Order on their website
https://blodgettstreetfoodhall.com/