'K'émmunity' Trail ride to Window Rock blends tradition, movement, community healing

By Navajo Times | Jul 19, 2025 | News |

FT. DEFIANCE

A once-humble tribute to the horseback journeys of past Diné leaders has transformed into a five-day, multi-sport trail ride that reconnects communities through wellness, culture, and civic pride.

Courtesy | Delegate Andy Nez, Amber S. Benallie
Walkers trek through the pines between Old Crystal and New Crystal chapters during Day 2 of the K’émmunity 2025 Trail Ride on Thursday, July 17. The trail ride brings together community members of all ages for a week of movement, wellness, and cultural connection.

Now in its third year, Delegate Andy Nez’s “K’émmunity 2025 Trail Ride: To the Peoples’ Chambers” is currently underway, traversing the Fort Defiance Agency on horseback, bike, foot, and running shoes. The event began Wednesday and will continue through Monday, July 21, with its final leg reaching the Navajo Nation Council Chamber in Window Rock.

“This will be our third year,” said Nez, who represents Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill, and Crystal. “The annual summer trail ride resembles how it was in the past, when Council travel leaders would ride into Window Rock.”

While the event honors that legacy, Nez said its design now reflects the needs of a broader Navajo public.

“Not everyone has access to a horse or knows how to ride,” he said. “So we incorporated biking, running, walking … (and) we’ve seen a good number of participants remain consistent.”

More than horses: A trail for all

The ride began Wednesday in Navajo, New Mexico, with a wellness kickoff featuring bike repairs, stretching, Zumba, and activities. Thursday brought a 6.8-mile walk between Crystal chapters, followed Friday by a 13.1-mile bike ride from White Clay to Sawmill.

Saturday’s main event – a half-marathon relay and community run – spans the route from Sawmill to Fort Defiance. On Sunday, riders, runners, and walkers will make the 12.4-mile journey from Coal Mine to the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds. The trail concludes Monday morning with a short ceremonial ride into Window Rock.

“We wanted a space, a healing space,” Nez said of the event’s kickoff. “Our physical, spiritual, mental, emotional well-being is important.”

Amber S. Benallie, Nez’s legislative district assistant and co-organizer from Blue Canyon, said the ride has grown more inclusive every year.

“There (were) populations that wanted to participate, but they don’t own horses or … ride horses,” she said. “So we came up with the idea of walking, biking, running…. That way it extends to all of our relatives.”

Community-driven and growing

Courtesy | Delegate Andy Nez, Amber S. Benallie
Participants share a spaghetti dinner on Day 3 of the K’émmunity 2025 Trail Ride, Friday, July 18. The meal followed a 13.1-mile bike ride from White Clay and brought riders, walkers, and supporters together for food, conversation, and connection.

Organizers estimate 30 to 45 participants per day, with larger crowds expected this weekend. Sunday’s ride through Coal Mine – visible from Highway 54 and SR 264 – often draws families, horse riders, and spectators, with the speaker’s office announcing delegates and chapters as they enter the capital on Monday.

This year’s route features new segments, including additional mileage through Crystal Chapter and a closing leg that passes through Fort Defiance’s Pigeon Springs community.

The entire event is drug- and alcohol-free and welcomes all skill levels and age groups. Safety crews and emergency services remain on standby throughout.

For Nez, the ride is as much about listening as it is about leading.

“We enjoy it,” he said. “The whole goal is to really interact with our communities, meet new people, revisit certain families, and just hear from the people.”