Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Start the hike from city parking lot H. The Blue Bayou Trail, aka the Sabine-to-Bagby Promenade, was
opened in June 2006. Much of the trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. This is a multiuse trail, so
stay to the right and watch for cyclists and joggers. There are benches along the trail.
The trail's signature element is the cobalt blue and white lights that line its entire length and at night
illuminate the bayou. The lights shift with the phases of the moon. On each full moon all lights are
white. Then, traveling from east to west, the lights change to blue until they are all blue for the new
moon. There's also blue and white lighting of the trees, which makes for a spectacular visual. This
lighting created a new opportunity for hiking at night.
Daytime hiking is also visually pleasant due to 300,000 plants and 600 native trees that line the
banks of the bayou. The trail weaves through willows, oaks, river birch, sycamore, magnolia, dog-
wood, and many other tree species. Attention-getting shrubs and groundcover reach down to the edge
of the water. Birds, including songbirds and white egrets, enjoy the water. Sections of the trail are be-
low I-45, which furnishes additional shade—and noise.
The trail has five entries, called portals, which invite hikers into the park. Each portal has a raised
20-foot stainless-steel, upside-down canoe sculpture that serves as a bayou landmark. Folks can walk
under it as they enter the park. Now that's something different!
The Downtown Aquarium, located just before the Bagby Street bridge, features a 500,000-gallon
aquarium, dining venues, and an amusement park. The aquarium is located on the north side of the
bayou and can be reached from the trail. The Entertainment District is on the south side of the bayou
and includes the Wortham Center, where the Houston Ballet and Grand Opera perform. The Hobby
Center for the Performing Arts is also on the south side.
The pedestrian bridge, 189 feet long and 10 feet wide, has plenty of space for hikers, joggers, cyc-
lists, and tourists. It provides access to both banks of the bayou without having to cross any streets.
The view from the center of the bridge provides a good photo op.
After reaching the University of Houston, enjoy a great view of downtown. Then backtrack to the
trailhead, possibly stopping to enjoy a meal along the way.