by Lisa Peña, Owner
I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on 2023.
I am so grateful to God that Urban Hikes KC continues to grow. In 2023, we took 500 more urban hikers out to explore KCK and KCMO’s hidden gems and local businesses than in 2022. There were 38 more urban hikes and another guide joined our Urban Hikes KC team! We also led urban hikes with four different international student groups from Denmark and Ukraine and had a hike with the Young Leaders of the America fellows from Latin America.
There were many wins and recognitions for Urban Hikes KC in 2023. The Downtown Council of Downtown KC presented us with the Urban Hero Award. Our business was also recognized as a Small Business Superstar by the KC Chamber, and we ended the year winning The Pitch KC “Best Of” award for the best-themed tour in Kansas City. Our guides led creative hikes that engaged more of your senses, such as our Foraging Hike at Kaw Point and our Kaw Point Hike with Live Music.
As a solopreneur, I was doing everything when I started 2019 and, you guessed it, there was no growth in my business.
We now have a solid team of smart, talented, and fun Urban Hikes KC guides who create an atmosphere of connection and sharing about Kansas City. It is because of their passion for sharing those untold stories hidden in the hills, roads, and alleys of our city that they are guides. They are currently researching routes for future urban hikes that we plan to launch in 2024. We keep our urban hike experiences authentic, interesting, and engaging through my team’s creativity, ideas, and go-getter attitude.
What are the plans for the future? Keep an eye out for a West Bottoms Urban Hike, a new urban hike in collaboration with the KC Streetcar, as well as a few other ideas. Our goal is to provide even more team hikes for local businesses and nonprofits in 2024. Most importantly, we’re honored to provide Kansas Citians with a fun way to experience our city’s rich history, art, and urban landscape.
We remain most grateful to the Kansas Citians and visitors who joined us on our hikes to experience more of Kansas City! Thank you again for urban hiking with us and helping us make each hike unique and memorable.
