The Exploring Roots Summer Adventure Challenge encourages everyone to get outside this summer and explore Kansas City’s trails along the Blue River! This free event occurs from June to September. Each month will feature a new trail loved by the locals, to give participants the chance to see Kansas City and the Blue River in new ways. Folks can explore the trails themselves or participate in a guided hike! Guided hikes will be held toward the end of each month at each location. Details are TBD, check out HCA's calendar for details.
 
Participants will take a selfie with a Summer Adventure Challenge sign to show they have participated. These signs can be found throughout the trail to guide you, and we will also provide an event here sign at the beginning of the trail. Participants are encouraged to hike whatever distance is the most comfortable for them! Every participant wins a small prize, and prizes can be picked up at one location throughout the 4 month event. We will also have a grand prize winner at the end of each month, selected via raffle. These prizes are up to $500 in value! You will be contacted via the email used to register, you will also be asked to provide your selfie with the Exploring Roots sign on the trail to confirm eligibility before recieving the grand prize.

Important information when hiking: 

- Don't hike the trails after a large rainfall! This damages the trails. If you are unsure if the trail is hikeable, check out Urban Trail Co's trail status website (click here). This list might not be extensive, but is a good place to check!

- Wear long pants and closed toed shoes if you can, this helps prevent bug bites. Always check for ticks after a hike.  

- Always bring water.

- Some parks may not have restrooms, keep this in mind and plan accordingly.

- Wear bug spray and sunscreen.  Mosquitoes are particularly bad at the June trail, the Blue River Parkway Trailhead, so bug spray is particularly important at the first trail! 

- It's always best to hike with a buddy!

September parking details: 

Parking is located at Brown Athletic Field,  944-972 E Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64146. 

September trail details: 

Directions to the Trailhead:
Park at Brown Athletic Field.
Walk east along Blue Ridge Road. The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the street from the parking lot at Brown Athletic Field. This trail does not have a specific address, but the coordinates are approximately 38.88930° N, 94.57977° W.

Trailhead Information:
Approximate Coordinates of Trailhead: 38.88930° N, 94.57977° W.
Signage: There is a sign at the start of the trailhead, and additional signs are placed along the trail. You'll find a total of seven signs:
- One at the trailhead entrance.
- Six more signs along the trail.
- The final sign is positioned approximately 1 mile into the trail.

Map and Trail Details:
Map Link: Strava Trail Map – This map provides a visual guide from the parking lot to about one mile into the trail, and then back to the parking lot.
Trail Surface: The trail this month is a dirt path with some uneven sections. Please be cautious and watch your step.

Trail Locations:

June trail: Blue River Parkway Trailhead at Minor Park, 11477 Blue River Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137

July trail: Alex George Wetland, 10633, 10831 Blue River Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131

August trail: 7762-8428 Blue River Road, Kansas City, MO 64132 (parking at 7501 Blue River Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132, see above for details)

September trail: Approximate coordinates of trailhead -- 38.88930° N, 94.57977° W, park at Brown Athletic Field, located at 944-972 E Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64146

Prize Pick Up Location:

Cleaver YMCA (click here for website)

7000 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131

Hours: 

Mon - Thu: 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.