Hop-hunt hike McPolin Farm with Summit Land Conservancy

Hops Hunter. Photo: courtesty of the Summit Land Concervancy

PARK CITY, Utah — Join the Summit Land Conservancy for their series: Hops Hunters: “Hike, find hops, harvest, drink, repeat annually,” is the series motto. Join a summer hike to search for wild hops growing on the mountain slopes—then attend Hoppy Hour to swill and savor the bounty. 

Established in 2002, they’re the only nonprofit dedicated to saving the open spaces of Park City and the Wasatch Back.

Once again, the Summit Land Conservancy is teaming up with Wasatch Brewing to hunt for local hops in the Park City area. Join the Hops Hunters as they hike along hillsides protected by the Conservancy. They’ll be seeking wild-growing hop binds— descendants of plants tended by German miners, discussing local history, and identifying native and invasive species along the way.

The event will take place on June 21 at McPolin Farm’s iconic White Barn. Meet at the parking lot off of SR 224 across from the Barn.

The hike will begin at 6 p.m. and will last around an hour and a half. Participants should wear hiking shoes and sunscreen, and bring water. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash and friendly.

“By early fall, we hope to harvest the hops with your help,” Amy Tisovec, outreach manager for Summit Land Conservancy, said in a statement.

Harvest dates will be posted when we get closer to that time. Once the hops are harvested, a limited edition open space beverage will be brewed and sold through Wasatch Brewery. A portion of the profits from the truly local brew will be given to the Conservancy to protect additional open spaces of the Wasatch Back.

If the hike you’d like to attend is full, email Tisovec to be put on a wait list or for more information. If plans change and you are unable to attend the hike, please email Tisovec at amy@wesaveland.org so your spot can be filled from the waitlist. 

July 12 will be the Rail Trail for the Hops Hunters Hike.