Our Hikes
OUR HIKES
Why Hike With Us?
Experience our unique 3-5 mile guided urban hiking tours that mix modern sites with KC's history.
Exercise through Hiking
The best way to get a work out and see the details of Downtown Kansas City at the same time.
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 Hikes
Join one of our amazing tours, or book a private or corporate event.
Fall Urban Hikes
We have urban hikes all year around! We offer an urban hike almost every Saturday and some Friday evenings and Sundays. We have eight guides who give our urban hikes and schedule our urban hikes approximately two – three months in advance. We can also schedule private hikes for your group based on your availability and that of our guides.
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, KS, 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
Spray See MO Festival Mural Urban Hike
Starting Point: River Market Join our Guest Guide, Ami, Co-Founder of Spray See MO, to experience the most recent Spray See MO murals freshly painted in Oct 2024. We'll cover the Crossroads Art District & River Market, Art Alley and ride on the KC Streetcar. Come ready to be impressed by over 20 vibrant murals Apx 3 miles 2.5 hrs $38 p/p 5% of the proceeds go to Spray See MO
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 Apx 3 hilly miles 2-2.5 hrs $38 p/p
Plaza Lights & Crestwood Urban Hike (Seasonal)
Starts Thanksgiving weekend and runs through December. Starting Point- Valencia Grand Staircase at McCormick & Schmick's See the Plaza details up close and learn the history of the surrounding area. The hike route includes beautiful murals, attention to KC's international cities and pioneers who crossed where we stand on what was the Santa Fe trail. We discuss the role J.C. Nichols played in the efforts to segregate neighborhoods and the history of that era that shapes our city today. We venture into Loose Park and Crestwood, then return via the Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail. The hike includes one steep hill and a staircase climb finale for an overview of the glowing Plaza lights! Apx 4 miles 3 hours Cost $38 p/p
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
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. 2.5 hrs Cost $38 Apx 2.5 miles mostly flat
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 $38
Merriam Urban Hike
Starting Point: Merriam Farmers Market Come explore Merriam like you have never seen it before. Mixing the city, art and nature, we will talk about how Merriam started, how it grew, and learn about its place in the history of Kansas and the country. We'll touch on Kansas during its glacial age and see fossils in the layers of limestone at a local sink hole: Knapp's Hole. We'll also learn the story of a local school that was named after Madam C.J. Walker and discuss the famous court case of South Park School in 1948 that led to school integration in the area. This hike is packed full of stories and beautiful views along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. 4 miles 3 hours Cost $38
Urban Coffee Hike
Starting Point: River Market This caffeinated urban hike mixes sampling coffee while trekking through the River Market & Crossroads Arts District. We start by trying different coffees at Donutology . We then take the KC Streetcar the Crossroads and learn all about Waterbird Coffee while sampling their homemade coffee drinks. We end by hearing the story of Café Corazon and with samples one of their creatively flavored coffees. Between stops and chatting, we see with vibrant murals, hidden gems & discuss the rich history of the area. At the end we return to the River Market or you're welcome to stay and enjoy lunch at Café Corazón or anywhere in the downtown area and return to the starting point on your own. Apx 3 miles 3.5 hours Cost $45
Kansas City History of Transportation Hike
No current dates, but we'll do it by special request for a group 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 hike 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
Crossroads Art District & Westside Urban Hike
Starting Point- Liberty Memorial This early morning 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
The Artful KC Streetcar Urban Hike (winter hike)
In this artful urban hike, perfect for the fall and winter, we will experience Kansas City’s art scene from the outside and inside. We’ll spend time in the Leedy Voulkos, Cebera, and the Upper Gallery Galleries - all of which are located inside historical buildings and full of art. We'll also experience art in non-traditional settings like at streetcar stops, in public spaces as well as in downtown hotels like 21c Hotel, and Hotel Kansas City. In between hikes & art gazing, we will ride the KC Streetcar through downtown and grab a hot drink to go at the Made in KC Cafe on Baltimore. We’ll ride the KC Streetcar twice, see many art pieces from Art in the Loop, spend about 20-30 min in each art gallery and about 15 minutes in each boutique hotel. Since we are inside some, this hike is a perfect fall and winter experience. *Apx. 4 miles 4 hours Cost $38 p/p
North Kansas City Urban Hike
No current dates, but available on special request for a group Learn about the history of North KC, see vibrant murals & experience unique local businesses on foot. We'll weave our way through the unique NKC neighborhoods, experience a veterans memorial, try some delicious samples from local cafes and see this growing city up close. 4 miles 3 hours Mural in this photo painted by Jason Naylor 4 miles 2.5 hrs $38 *We have limited availability for this hike. Let us know if you have a group and would like to book a private hike.
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 $20 & $60 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 and Covid.
- 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 and Covid.
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 stop and talk about what we see about 20% of the time and hike the other 80%. Afterwards, you will have nearly gotten in your 10,000 steps for the day and will have hidden gems of Kansas City.
Our hikes are about 4.5 miles long and last about 3 hours. They are stroller friendly and kid friendly if your child is able to walk 4 miles, with only one possible stop to sit down and rest, which is towards the end of the hike. It really is all about physical level. If you and your kids can keep up a moderate pace for a little over two hours while stopping some to talk about what we see, you’ll do great!
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, as we won’t hike in thunderstorms, but will still hike in light rain. If we or you cancel the hike due to inclement weather, your money will always be refunded.
You are able to cancel up to 48 hours in advance with no charge. If you need to cancel due to having or being exposed to COVID-19, you are able to cancel 24 hours before the start time.
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.