Wild hops growing on Prospect Ridge will end up in a pint glass in late September, thanks to a partnership between Summit Land Conservancy and Offset Bier Co.

The conservancy's fifth and final "Hops Hunters Hike" of the summer starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, on Prospect Ridge. Participants will forage for wild hop bines, descendants of plants once tended by German miners, while learning about local history and native species. The hike is free, lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and dogs are welcome on leash.

Once the hops are harvested, Offset Bier will brew two limited-edition, wet-hopped beers for a Hoppy Hour celebration Thursday, Sept. 24, at Offset's new location. Ticket details have not been announced.

"It's always a challenge because the brewmaster never knows exactly what the quality of those hops, what the taste and the flavor is going to be," Summit Land Conservancy CEO Cheryl Fox said on KPCW's Local News Hour on Tuesday, Aug. 4. "It's like trying to cook something with an ingredient that you're not real sure of, so we're excited that they're willing to give that a go."

The hike caps a series that ran every other Wednesday across conservancy-protected lands, with earlier stops at Virginia Mining Claims, McPolin Farmlands, the Rail Trail and Empire Canyon. The first two hikes filled to capacity.

More on protected lands this month

Beyond the hops hike, the conservancy has three more events in August on Wasatch Back open space, all capped at 20 participants:

Mindful Monday: Outdoor Pilates — Monday, Aug. 10, 6–7:30 p.m. at Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway. A restorative, low-impact class open to all levels. Bring a mat and water bottle. $10.

Mindful Monday: Nature Therapy — Monday, Aug. 24, 6–7:30 p.m. at Risner Ridge in Park City. A guided forest therapy walk led by Amy Cairn, focused on presence and connection with the landscape rather than distance. $10.

Golden Hour Photography — Thursday, Aug. 27, 6:30–8 p.m. at McPolin Farm. Led by NGP Adventures, the session coincides with the Sturgeon Moon rise. All camera types welcome, including phones. $10.

Space is limited for all events. Registration is at wesaveland.org/happenings.

Upcoming calendar

  • Aug. 5 — Hops Hunters Hike, Prospect Ridge, 6 p.m. (free)
  • Aug. 10 — Mindful Monday: Outdoor Pilates, Wasatch Mountain State Park, 6 p.m. ($10)
  • Aug. 24 — Mindful Monday: Nature Therapy, Risner Ridge, 6 p.m. ($10)
  • Aug. 27 — Golden Hour Photography, McPolin Farm, 6:30 p.m. ($10)
  • Sept. 24 — Hoppy Hour Celebration, Offset Bier's new location (details TBA)