Sul Ross State University has announced the schedule for the Summer 2024 series of Guided Hikes on Hancock Hill.

The guided hikes began this past spring, each led by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) from Sul Ross State. Themes vary, but participants will learn about the history of Alpine and SRSU and the natural history of Hancock Hill while taking in stunning views. The 1.8-mile hike is moderately strenuous and begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings and lasts approximately two hours.

In honor of National Trails Day on June 1, two different groups will start at 9 a.m., including a shortened family hike, during which children and their parents will hike less than 1 mile and will use the Seek app to identify plants and animals, and the Hancock Hill Trail History hike, which will take the regular 1.8-mile route to learn about the trail system, the Big Bend Trails Alliance (BBTA), trail advocacy and sustainable trail design and maintenance.

The Summer schedule is as follows:

June 1: “Family Hike,” Dr. Maureen Frank and “Trail History,” Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk

July 13: “Insects,” Dr. Chris Ritzi

Aug 10: “Geology,” Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk

The hikes are free and open to the public, though only 12 hikers will be allowed for each event. A reservation is required and can be made online at www.sulross.edu/guided-hikes.

The September through December dates will be announced at the end of the summer season.

Hancock Hill Guided Hikes are a collaborative effort among the Borderlands Research Institute, the Center for Big Bend Studies, Rio Grande Research Center and the Department of Geology. Additional guides are being sought. Interested students, faculty and staff must be available to lead one or two hikes per year.

For more information, email guidedhikes@sulross.edu.