Eighth Annual National Summit Day Hike ~8.1 Miles
Details
Backpacker Magazine proclaimed the first Saturday in August as National Summit Day a few years ago. As part of this celebration of "our favorite mountains and the people who climb them" they asked us and other groups to plan hikes to the highest places in their respective regions.
This set off HATs collective irony meter off the scale, but we managed to put together a hike to visit not just one, but five, physical and cultural high points in Houston. Each conveniently located around Hermann Park.
This year it will be lead by Henry who has an irony meter all his own.
** See the photos for the elevation plot **
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.
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. We are never far from the start or from an airconditioned space.
You can phone a friend or get an Uber for a short ride back to your car. Or call the hike leader for a pick up after the hike.
Walking should be fun so don't let it become not fun for you.
If anyone needs help during the hike speak to anyone and message Henry.
Parking:
Nearest to the finish.
McGovern Centennial Gardens
Google Maps Link
Alternate with more space:
Houston Zoo off Concert Drive
Google Maps Link
We leave promptly at 8:00 AM. Allow time to park and a 10 minutes to walk to the hike starting point.
Gathering Point
Google Maps Link
We'll gather in the picnic area by Miller Theater, next to the concessions. There is no parking adjacent to the gathering spot. See the main description for parking suggestions. Late comers may post message to ask where the group is at but there's no guarantee of an answer once the hike has started.
Bathrooms:
There are bathrooms at the gathering point. If the music school building is open, there will be bathrooms at the break. There should also be a bathroom at the MFAH. So drink plenty of water.
The Hike:
The hike is an approximately 8 mile loop hike through Hermann Park, Rice University and the MFAH sculpture garden. By climbing these five peaks of National Summit Day we can:
- Ascend to new heights in the performing arts.
- Step up to a hero.
- Stand with the sky almost in reach.
- Climb above The Cloud.
- See the beauty of the world spiral all around us.
To enjoy these wonderful summits join us on the hike.
(Or use 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, a mile or so of hiking late in the walk are partly in the sun and the last two stops are full sun.
Hike map and elevation profile are the photos.
Maps:
Hike map in the photos.
Geolocated Maps:
Click Here
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:
Click Here
Bonus Culinary Summit:
Bodegas Taco Shop
Fia Pizzeria
Side by side co-owned restaurants with shared outdoor seating. Two blocks from the final peak. Join us at these culinary high points. No driving needed.
5650 Caroline St
Houston, TX 77004
Google Maps Link
http://www.bodegastacoshop.com/
http://www.fiaspizzeria.com/