Tippet Rise Tours
Hiking & Mountain Biking
Tippet Rise is open for hiking and biking on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June 19 through October 4, 2026. Registration is open through the season. Read more below and check the drop-down menu for availability.
If dates are sold-out, please note that additional hiking and biking reservations are added to the website on a weekly basis, beginning at the time of our opening in June.
- Dogs are not allowed at Tippet Rise, out of respect for the livestock that graze here and the wildlife for which the art center is vital habitat.
- Please stay on designated trails and roads.
- Please dress for the outdoors and bring sun protection.
- Please bring a water bottle, which you can refill in the Visitor Center.
- If you are cycling, we highly recommend that you bring a mountain bike, e-bike (Class 1 only), or any bicycle suitable for rough, single track trail.
- Please bring a helmet. All cyclists are required to wear a helmet.
- Tippet Rise does not rent bicycles.
- Drones are not allowed at Tippet Rise.
- Tippet Rise is entirely non-smoking.
- Transportation by private vehicle around the art center is not permitted.
- For certain trails, hikers may request a “hiker assist” van. This is available to hikers only on a first come, first served basis by checking in at the Visitor Center.
- Please be aware of your surroundings and alert to changing weather. Tippet Rise is a working ranch and you may encounter sheep, cattle and herd dogs. Please do not approach or feed any of the animals or wildlife you may encounter.
- For more information, including a packing list, please see the FAQs section of our Visit page.
- Tippet Rise is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June 19 through October 4, 2026.
- Tippet Rise is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. You are welcome to arrive any time after the gates open. We recommend arriving in the morning to get the most out of your day.
- After checking in at the front gate, you will be directed to the Curlew Parking Lot. All guests are encouraged to stop by the Visitor Center in the Olivier Music Barn before embarking on their hiking or biking journey, where you can get more information and plan your day with members of the Tippet Rise team.
EASY TO MODERATE TRAILS
Cottonwood Campus Loop
2.5 mi round-trip | 150 ft elevation gain
This loop around the main campus takes guests on gentle, rolling terrain to several outdoor works. Beginning at the Curlew parking lot, visitors can experience The Soil You See… by Wendy Red Star, Two Discs by Alexander Calder, Xylem by Francis Kéré, Daydreams and Cursive Takes a Holiday by Patrick Dougherty, and Iron Tree by Ai Wei Wei, all within approximately half a mile. For a slightly longer journey, guests can walk or bike the single track trail or road an additional two miles to reach Trilogy by Louise Nevelson and Scythian by Mark di Suvero.
Gnomon
5 mi round-trip | 312 ft elevation gain
The lower section of the Gnomon trail gently winds its way from Daydreams by Patrick Dougherty to a main 4-way intersection, the Compass, one mile away. This family-friendly trail is a great way to ease into an exploration of our trail system, or as a short walk to see the land beyond the Cottonwood Campus. The upper section of the Gnomon Trail takes visitors 1.5 miles (3 miles round-trip) on rolling terrain from the Compass intersection to Satellite #5: Pioneer by Stephen Talasnik. From the visitor center to Satellite #5: Pioneer, the Gnomon is 5 miles round-trip.
Lower Andesite
3.4 mi round-trip | 388 ft elevation gain
The lower portion of Andesite takes guests from Gnomon to the Beartooth Portal by Ensamble Studio. Following the rim of Murphy Canyon up 388 ft in 1.7 mi, this is a good way to explore the land without the challenging climb up Meridian. (From Beartooth Portal, this trail also provides easier access to the Geode, one of the art center’s outdoor concert venues.)
Azimuth (East)
The east section of the Azimuth, or the first trail intersection reached on the Meridian, takes guests .9 miles (1.8 miles round-trip) on moderate rolling terrain, climbing over 100 feet over and up to the Inverted Portal by Ensamble Studio. Note: Access to Azimuth (East) requires a 2.4 mile climb up Meridian with 600 ft elevation gain.
MODERATE TRAILS
Ecliptic
4.6 mi round-trip | 692 ft elevation gain
Beginning and ending at the Domo, , by Ensamble Studio, this trail brings guests to three sculptures by Mark di Suvero: Beethoven’s Quartet and Proverb as well as to Archway II by Alexander Liberman. (While the loop portion can be taken in either direction, we suggest doing it counterclockwise.) Note: Access to the Ecliptic requires bikers to ascend the Meridian (3.9 miles; 1,140 ft elevation gain). Hikers may ride a “hiker assist” van to the Domo to start their trek.
Upper Andesite
1.5 mi | 216 ft elevation gain/descent
Upper Andesite can be followed in either direction. It connects Beartooth Portal by Ensamble Studio with Azimuth. Gaining or descending over 170 feet in 1.5 mi, this trail
takes guests along the rim of Murphy Canyon while climbing up to the ridge above
Beartooth Portal, or down to the intersection with the Azimuth. A mile into this trail, there is also a short path that leads to the Geode, one of the art center’s outdoor concert venues, which can also be accessed via a one-mile, two-track road from the Beartooth Portal.
DIFFICULT TRAILS
Meridian
7.8 mi round-trip | 1,140 ft elevation gain
Beginning at the Compass intersection, Meridian climbs 3.9 mi to reach the Domo by Ensamble Studio. (Enroute to the Domo, short and well-marked side trails also lead to Crossroads II by Richard Serra, Bronze Bowl with Lace by Ursula von Rydingsvard, and Causa Formalis by Alicja Kwade.) While the trail switchbacks throughout the ascent, the climb is moderate to demanding in difficulty. This trail can be explored in either direction, making it an enjoyable descent back to the Visitor Center.
Azimuth to Andesite (or inverse)
1.25 mi | 200 ft elevation gain
The west section of Azimuth starting from the Meridian is 1.25 mi (2.5 mi round-trip). It
descends into Murphy Canyon before climbing 200 feet to a sweeping bowl beyond the Beartooth Portal by Ensamble Studio. This trail can also be done in reverse, from Andesite to Azimuth, and over to Meridian. Known as “the crossover,” it features technically challenging terrain such as rock ledges, stream crossings, and steep grades.
Lunch items are available for purchase in Will’s Shed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, or while supplies last. Prepared daily by chef Chris Lockhart, we offer a variety of to-go style salads, sandwiches, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. Reservations at Will’s Shed are not required. You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments. Food & beverage can be enjoyed indoors at Will’s Shed or out on the trails. Please note that Tippet Rise does not accept cash.
