OUR HIKES
Exercise through Hiking
The best way to get a work out and see the details of Downtown Kansas City at the same time.
Why Hike With Us?
Experience our unique 3-5 mile guided urban hiking tours that mix modern sites with KC's history in English or Spanish, en inglés o español.
Expert Guides
Our knowledgeable and friendly guides tell the history of Kansas City in addition to sharing about modern street art and buildings.
Hidden Gems
Locals and tourists will experience many interesting places you've never seen in Kansas City.
Our Urban Hikes
We offer urban hikes to the public almost every Saturday and Sunday and sometimes on Thursday and Friday evenings. We have ten talented guides who give our urban hikes and schedule our urban hikes approximately two – three months in advance. We can schedule a private hike ANY day of the week for your group based on your availability as well. We give urban hikes in English and Spanish, también ofrecemos tours en español!
Spring Urban Hikes
Downtown Shawnee Urban Hike
Starting Point- West Flanders Park Learn how this campground and intersection of wagon trails, named Gum Springs, developed into a vibrant community just outside Kansas City. We'll explore stories through murals, historical markers, and gravestones as we hike through the eastern and southern parts of Downtown Shawnee, as well as West Flanders Park. We also touch on some on some less know history of lynchings in the area. Bring a little extra money because we may even stop for a sweet treat! If it's a Moonlight Market evening, we'll stop for 30 minutes at the Moonlight Market! Shawnee mural by Artist Jacob Cromer 3-4 miles 3 hours Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
New! Westport Urban Hike
Step back into the footsteps of America’s westward dream on this guided urban hike through historic Westportl We begin at the Conestoga wagon, a powerful symbol of migration and hope, where pioneers once prepared for life-changing journeys west along the Santa-Cali-Gon Trail. You'll hear stories of grit, commerce & conflict as Westport emerged as a critical outfitting point. We walk by Harris-Kearney House, Nutterville, Old Westport & hop on the streetcar to explore the historic Union Cemetery. We’ll then hop aboard the streetcar to Westport Landing; the bustling river port that evolved into what we now know as Kansas City. Standing at the river’s edge, you’ll see how geography, transportation, and ambition transformed a frontier landing into a major American city. 3.5 miles 3.5 hours Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
The Artful KC Streetcar Urban Hike
Last date until Jan 2027: April 11, 1pm In this artful urban hike, perfect for the winter, we will experience Kansas City’s art scene from the outside and inside, while touching on Kansas City history. We’ll spend time in the Leedy Voulkos and the Crossroads Hotel, both of which are located inside historical buildings and full of art. We'll also experience art in non-traditional settings like streetcar stops, walk through art filled spaces around Kansas City Art Institute, the Nelson Atkins Sculpture Garden, The Arterie and the Kemper Museum of Art. In between urban hiking & art gazing, we will ride the KC Streetcar extension twice and have the opportunity to buy a hot drink at the Kemper's Oil on Linen. Since we are inside some, this hike is a perfect winter and rainy spring experience. *Apx. 2 miles of walking 3 hours Cost $38 p/p + booking fees
Bi-State Rosedale Arch, Volker & Roanoke Urban Hike
A Bi-State hike starting at the Rosedale Memorial Arch! We’ll cross the state line to W. 39th Street’s row of local shops, restaurants and murals. Sometimes we pop in a shop or two for 5-10 min. Next, we’ll explore Volker & Roanoke; historic homes, boulevards, parks… and a bat cave! Our hike will include hiking a segment of the Roanoke Park Trail and a tour of the Thomas Hart Benton Home/Studio. Some slight hills, steps and a segment of a dirt hiking trail. Apx 3 miles 3.5 hours Cost $45 p/p + booking fee (This includes your ticket for a guided tour of the Thomas Hart Benton Home)
Strawberry Hill & Downtown KCK Urban Hike
Starting Point: Splitlog Coffee, KCK Come explore Downtown Kansas City, KS and the eclectic Strawberry Hill! A key highlight is hearing the stories of the many ethnic groups that formed this area in addition to walking through the picturesque, quaint and eclectic neighborhoods of Strawberry Hill & Russian Hill. We also get up close views of the murals in Downtown Kansas City, KS that local artists and youth painted together to celebrate the history and culture of KCK. This hike includes spectacular views across the river of Downtown Kansas City, MO, a community garden and the Wyandot Native American National Burial Ground. Mural in image by Gregory Kolsto 4.5 miles 3.5 hours Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
Quindaro Ruins Urban Hike
Starting Point: John Brown Statue, KCK Come learn the stories of freedom seekers crossing the MO River into the Town of Quindaro during their journey on the underground railroad. We'll explore the ruins buried in the hillside of pre-civil war structures like a brewery, well and hotels from this pivotal town that changed our history. Terrain has one steep hill and is rocky. *During the summer, there are mosquitoes. *There is no bathroom at this site *If you normally do day hikes with hiking sticks, bring them. **5% of proceeds go to the Quindaro Townsite Project **We have a long and short version Longer Version March 21, April 19, May 16 Apx 4 hilly miles 3 hrs Shorter Version Apx 3 hilly miles 2-2.5 hrs Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
Union Hill Urban Hike
The Union Hill Hike explores one of KC’s oldest neighborhoods. We'll stroll past restored Victorian homes & tree-lined streets, experience lively Martini Corner’s bars & outdoor art and we dip into Hyde Park. We finish at Union Cemetery, a peaceful tribute to KC’s early pioneers. This hike blends history, culture, and local flavor. 3 hrs 3 miles Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
North Kansas City Urban Hike
Spring launch- March 21 9am In partnership with the North Kansas City Historical Society, this Urban Hike was designed for everyone from lifelong residents to honorary Northtowners for a day. Together, we’ll explore this artful, historic city of just under five square miles, located just across the river from downtown. Along the way, we’ll discuss how bridges and floods have shaped its development, how the city balances the needs of business and industry with those of its roughly 5,000 residents. We’ll stop at sites important to the town’s history and consider how they continue to shape NKC’s future. If we’re lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of one of the city’s famous black squirrels! Mural in this photo painted by Jason Naylor 4 miles 3 hrs Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
Crossroads Art District & Westside Urban Hike
Starting Point- Liberty Memorial This adventure starts with an amazing view of KC from Liberty Memorial. We see colorful and thought provoking murals in the Crossroads Art District. We stop for a refreshing treat in the architecturally and culturally diverse neighborhood of the Westside. We end with a hidden bridge and the KC Streetcar. 4-5 miles 3 1/2 to 4 hours Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
Spray See MO Mural Urban Hike
Starting Point: River Market Join us to experience the most recent Spray See MO murals painted in October 2025 and past seasons. We'll walk through the alleyways and streets of the the Crossroads Art District & River Market, Art Alley seeing and learning about the street art that paints a story on KC's walls. We will also ride on the KC Streetcar. Come ready to be impressed by over 20 vibrant murals. Apx 3 miles 3 hrs Cost $38 p/p + booking fee 5% of the proceeds go to Spray See MO
New! Nelson Atkins Area & Plaza Urban Hike
Starting Point: Nelson Atkins Museum of Art Join us for this scenic urban adventure! Starting outside of the iconic Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, we’ll explore stunning sculptures, the Kauffman Gardens & Printers Row all while hearing the history. We walk through the Country Club Plaza, where architecture and fountains blend history and modern charm and loop back to our start. 4 miles 3 hrs Apx 4.5 miles 3 hrs Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
Hilly Historic Northeast Urban Hike
Starting Point: PH Coffee We’'ll cross through forested trails in the hilly Kessler Park, hit the hidden Cliff Drive, KC Museum, see beautiful historic homes, an abandoned reservoir & go down a huge adult-size slide! It's hilly & has 1 set of apx 160 steps, so your heart rate will increase! Level- moderate 4 miles 3 hrs Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
West Bottoms Urban Hike
Starting Point: Blip Roasters Join us to walk through KC history and see local businesses, vibrant murals, and construction of the Rock Island Bridge. The West Bottoms was an essential area in Kansas City's early days and we’ll learn about the plans to make it a bustling hub again as we explore its century old cobblestone streets, eclectic details surrounded by towering historic buildings. 4 miles 3 hours Cost $38 p/p + booking fee
River Market Urban Hike
Starting Point: Next to Blue Nile Entrance In this urban adventure through the historic River Market, you'll hear stories of the mafia, Annie Chambers, Lewis & Clark, about KC's start along the MO River. We'll enjoy a view of the Missouri River from the Town of KS Bridge in addition to seeing historic murals by José Faus. Once you return, you can shop or have lunch at the River Market. 3 hrs Cost $38 p/p Apx 2.5 miles mostly flat
Food Urban Hikes
Vietnamese Food & Coffee Urban Hike with Vietnamese Egg Coffee Class
Join us as we take a culinary tour of Vietnam right in Gladstone. Start at Origin Coi Nguon Coffeehouse where you will take a class to learn how to make Hanoi's famous egg coffee. We then head south to Little Saigon Plaza to try Vietnam's renowned bánh mì sandwiches. You will then get a chance to drink some fresh squeezed sugarcane juice and warm up with a cup of Vietnamese pho broth. Finally, we will visit a local ethnic market to sample some unique fruits native to Southeast Asia. Don’t miss this chance to learn about the cuisine, culture, and history of the Vietnamese community. 4 miles total 3.5 hrs Cost $60 p/p + booking fee
Taste Your Way Through KCK ~ Food Tour Urban Hike
Starting Point: Cortadito Café Come hungry and ready to get a taste of KCK on this food tour. We warm up inside of local shops to get delicious samples of Cuban coffee, Mexican pastries, champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate), a Honduran baleada and a satisfying taco. We do this while exploring Minnesota & State Avenues and a bit of 18th Street on foot and discussing the origin and history of our surroundings and this delicious food. Apx 3 miles 3.5 hours Cost $60 p/p + booking fee Mural in photo painted by Itraicons
Urban Coffee Hike
This caffeinated urban hike mixes samples of tasty coffee drinks and locally roasted drip coffee at three different coffee shops in the River Market & Crossroads Arts District. Between stops and chatting, we see vibrant murals, hidden gems & discuss the rich history of the area and often ride the KC Streetcar. At the end we return to our starting point or you're welcome to stay in the Crossroads and enjoy lunch or continue exploring and return to the starting point on your own. Apx 3 miles 3-3.5 hours Cost $45 p/p + booking fee
Wine and Cheese Urban Hike
We'll explore the history and murals of the Crossroads Art District & the historic Westside neighborhood. We end the experience enjoying delicious wine & savory cheese at the quaint Made in KC Cafe & Bar. We’ll finish by walking to catch the KC Streetcar back to our starting point. 3.5 hours 3 miles Cost Adults including Wine and Cheese $60 Adults without wine and cheese $38
Limited Availability- Contact us to book your gruop
New! Library District Urban Hike
Starting Point: Central Library Join us on this deep dive into the history, art and the stories of the Library District. We do a 30 min tour of the library and then get outside for our urban hike. We share about the time when downtown was bustling with department stores, banks, a garment district and packed streetcars. We also see Carolina parakeet sculptures hidden in an alleyway and limestone peppered with fossils. Apx 2.5 miles 3 hours Cost $38 p/p + booking fee *We have limited availability for this hike, please reach out to us to book a private group.
Kansas City History of Transportation Hike
Description: Kansas City has a rich transportation history. From the Hopewell, Mississippi, Kansas Osage, Otos and Missouria people who first called this land home and relied on the region’s waterways to the French fur traders who established the first white settlements along the Missouri River and eventually, expansion and development that brought new bridges, roadways and industry, this region has been defined as a place of movement. In collaboration with WAY TO GO, Urban Hikes KC created one of our newest urban hikes tracing the region’s transportation history. The 4 mile urban hike will take participants from the Town of Kansas Bridge in the River Market neighborhood to Union Station. Hikers will travel through Downtown, Quality Hill and the Crossroads neighborhoods on foot to learn about: People who shaped the city's design and transportation systems Stories behind bridges, roads, and notable infrastructure projects Development of the city’s streetcar system and bus lines How the automobile transformed the region, for better and for worse 4 miles 3 1/2 hours Cost: $38 + booking fees
Pricing
We offer regularly scheduled hikes, as well as private and corporate trips for special occasions!
- Every weekend we offer different urban hikes for the public. Not only do you enjoy the hike, but you get to meet others in an outdoor setting.
- Most of our hikes are $38. Our specialty hikes are between $45 & $65 p/p.
- *Kids always are at a discounted price
- Tours are offered in English or Spanish.
- Cancelations must be 48 hours prior to hike to receive a refund. More details on under Our Hikes-FAQ
- Your time is precious. Maybe you just have an evening or a certain morning available for a hike. You may want to celebrate a birthday, bachelorette party or just get together with your friends group.
- We offer private urban hikes and will customize the experience for you or your group’s interests. We'll come up with a price based on amount of people and length of the hike.
- Tours are offered in English or Spanish.
- * $100 cancelation fee if the hike is canceled within 3 days of the event for reasons other than bad weather.
- Our corporate team building urban hikes are always a hit! Initiate something different in the workplace with an urban hike. Sun, fresh air, exercise and laughter will breed positivity, innovation and creativity. Our hikes will get your teams out of their routine. Urban Hikes Kansas City will facilitate a fun, customized and memorable experience for you and your colleagues, clients, interns or visitors. Those who play together stay together!
- Tours are offered in English or Spanish.
- $100 cancelation fee if the hike is canceled within 3 days of the event for reasons other than bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are the only “urban hiking” company in Kansas City. Urban hiking mixes the sport of hiking and the city. Since we take hikes, this means that we purposely include hills, sometimes nature hiking trails and beautiful overlooks. Afterward most of our urban hikes, you will have nearly gotten in your 10,000 steps for the day and will have seen many hidden gems of Kansas City.
Most of our hikes are about 3 hours, 4-4.5 miles long. The exact mileage is in the description. They are stroller friendly and kid friendly if your child is able to walk the length of the hike, interspersed with stops to talk about what we are seeing. If you are able to walk about 2 miles without stopping on your own, you’d definitely be able to join us on an urban hike.
We require a minimum of three people per tour. If we don’t meet that quota, we’ll be in touch to either move you to another day, or refund your money. Most of our scheduled tours meet the three person quota. But we will be sure to be in touch to provide you options.
The Kansas City weather forecast is so unpredictable. Hiking in the rain can be fun, but we understand if that isn’t your thing and we’ll refund your money. We’ll take rain on a case by case basis and are in touch with our gruop beforehand when there is a forecast for rain. If we or you cancel the hike due to inclement weather, we forgo our regular cancelation policy and you booking can be transferred to a different day, you can receive a credit or your a refund to your credit card.
You are able to cancel up to 48 hours in advance with no charge. We make an exception for rain and inclement weather (see FAQ above).
You are responsible for your own water. You should wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and hat for the sun. Kansas City sun is hot, so sunscreen is a good idea!
Tipping is customary in the U.S. service industry and is an important component of guides’ compensation. The tip amount is at your discretion, but as a rough guide, consider giving 10-15%. Thank you for your consideration!
Unless otherwise stated, there is a bathroom at the beginning or the first half an hour of the hike.
Many of our urban hikes are or can be ADA accessible and a person in a wheelchair can come out with no trouble, except for the Quindaro Ruins as it is on 90% rocky, hilly, nature trails. The Rosedale, Volker & Roanoke and Hilly Historic Northeast Urban Hikes both have segments of nature trails, but we can make accomodations for someone in a wheelchair if we know in advance.
Additionally some of the surfaces we walk on are uneven, but we can accomodate.
If you or a friend/family member would like to come out in a wheelchair, please email us in advance at adventurer@urbanhikeskc.com and let us know the route that you’d like to take and we’ll do our best to coordinate a plan.
Unfortunately, unless the dog is a service dog, we do not allow dogs on our urban hikes, for various reasons such as sometimes we encounter stray dogs and our participants have varying levels of comfortability around dogs.
Yes! The Kansas City urban hike setting is the perfect outdoor classroom and we can integrate your curriculum in the experience. The cost for schools is $20 per student, with a minimum of $350. If you are interested please fill out this inquiry form.
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