Rice University Loop

Introduction: The Rice University near the medical center in Houston has a three mile loop around its campus which is popular with both joggers and walkers. Most of the loop is lined by large oak trees which offer shade in the summer. This loop is also right across the street from Hermann Park which has a one mile and a two mile loop which can be connected for a total of six miles. The metro train stops at Hermann Park as well making it an easy place to get to.

Location: Rice University is located at 6100 Main St. between Sunset and University. The walking loop is completely around the campus, on Main, Sunset, Rice, Greenbriar and University streets. Parking is on Rice at entrances 17, 18 and 20 in visitor parking. Maps can be found at http://futureowls.rice.edu/futureowls/Driving_Directions.asp and http://www.rice.edu/maps/maps.html. Or take the metro train which stops directly across from the loop.

Hours:24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Scoring: Walking = 3.5 Nature = 3
Walking: The path is fairly even and wide and consists of crushed granite and concrete walkways. It can be a little muddy after a heavy rain. There are street lights all along the loop, but they light the streets, and only partially light the walkways. There are two significant drawbacks to the loop: (1) noise because all parts are on busy city streets, and (2) some of the walk crosses busy parking lot driveways where you may have to stop and certainly have to be alert.

Nature: The trees are quite nice, large and provide shade. Some parts of the loop are landscaped nicely. It still is, though, in a busy area of the city.

Background:

Coolest Thing About Park: It can be connected to the trails at Hermann Park, it's near a metro station and you can also walk through the campus which is very pretty.

Trails: There is no way to get lost, just follow the sidewalk all the way around the campus. Occasionally, you have to turn, but it's pretty obvious where to go. If you're walking in front of residences, you went the wrong way. Pay attention to traffic. Bicycles, runner and walkers all share the path. Trail is flat and wide and easy to walk on.

Other things you'll want to know:

1. No water or restroom facilities are on the trail. Although if you're desperate you can always walk on campus and find one. (NOTE: I received a comment that there are two water fountains on the trail. I'll update again after I find them and note their locations. Keep your eyes open if you're walking the loop.)
2. Even though some people do walk there at night, I would not. It's not quite well enough lighted and is relatively close to some not so nice areas of town.
3. Take water, cell phone and ID whenever you walk anywhere.

Feel free to add any comments you think would be useful to others about this blog.

Photography by Mary Anne Fields.
All blog content is copyrighted, all rights reserved, Mary Anne Fields and Life Unfolds, 2006