What is the minimum age for this activity?

Participants must be at least 12 years old.

How long is the session?

The Tomahawk & Spear Throwing session lasts approximately 2 hours.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

No—throwing axes and practice spears are provided; just bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Full refunds are available for cancellations made 48+ hours in advance; cancellations within 48 hours are non‑refundable.

How large are the instructional groups?

Groups are limited to 12 participants to ensure focused coaching and safety oversight.

Is it safe for beginners?

Yes—the session emphasizes safety with clear lanes, protective procedures and coached instruction suitable for first‑time throwers.

Tomahawk & Spear Throwing in Santa Fe: Primitive Skills and Target Practice

On the edge of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a compact two‑hour session called Tomahawk & Spear Throwing teaches modern visitors the mechanics of ancient hunting tools while set against the high‑desert backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The experience runs for ages 12 and up and emphasizes hands‑on instruction, safety, and a little friendly competition. Wooden target lines and marked throwing lanes sit on packed dirt beneath piñon and juniper; the geology here—sandstone outcrops and high‑desert soils—gives the feel of a place that's been a practical training ground for millennia. Instructors break down the physics: grip, release, arc and follow‑through. You’ll learn how tomahawks rotate end‑over‑end, how shaft length and weight change spear flight, and which habits improve consistency. Drills progress from coach‑assisted tosses to scored rounds where every hit earns points. The session highlights primitive skills in a controlled way, pairing ancient technique with modern safety—helmets, clear throwing lanes and a defined check‑in procedure at the Camp Office ensure a low‑pressure environment for novices and experienced outdoorspeople alike. What makes this more than a novelty is its place in Santa Fe’s outdoor offerings. This is an activity that translates regional history into movement: the high desert around Santa Fe has long supported woodcraft traditions and close observation of terrain. The program’s focus on practical technique and competitive scoring draws families, scout troops and small groups looking for an active, social experience that’s different from hiking or mountain biking. It’s short, memorable and accessible—age 12+ and limited to small groups for focused coaching. Guides keep groups small—maximum 12 participants—so everyone gets repeated throws and personalized feedback. The scoring rounds introduce an edge: hits closest to the bullseye score highest, and instructors offer drills to correct common errors like side‑spin or early release. Because the site sits at 7,000 feet elevation, visitors should hydrate and take a slower warm‑up set to acclimate. Families report that kids often leave more confident, and adults appreciate learning precise mechanics rather than theatrical stunt‑throws. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to sign the digital waiver and get fitted for gear. Wear sturdy closed‑toe shoes and comfortable layers; the high desert swings from cool mornings to strong sun by midday. There’s no need to bring your own equipment—the session provides throwing axes and practice spears—so you can simply show up ready to learn. Cancellation policy is straightforward: full refunds for cancellations made 48+ hours in advance. Beyond the target line, Santa Fe offers red‑rock ridgelines, piñon‑scented trails and cultural sites to explore after your session. Treat this as a compact outdoor school: you’ll leave with better motor skills, a new appreciation for tool design, and the kind of hands‑on competence that invites the next challenge.

About The Wilderness Institute

The Wilderness Institute, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, operates outdoor education and guided recreation across a private, 160-acre property. The program lineup includes Archery, Yoga in the Woods, Rock Climbing, Tomahawk & Spear Throwing, Guided Hikes, QiGong, Celestial Wonders Walk, and Climb Into the Heart of The Mother Tree. Each experience emphasizes safety, hands-on instruction, and a connection to the natural landscape.

Archery sessions use soft-tip arrows and professional targets with expert guidance to help participants improve aim, form, and safety. Rock Climbing takes place on private Santa Fe cliffs; instructors provide knots, belaying instruction, and all necessary climbing gear for uncrowded granite routes. Tomahawk & Spear Throwing teaches primitive skills and controlled competition at wooden targets. Guided Hikes traverse the property’s trails with naturalists who point out wildlife, native plants, and local history.

Mind-body offerings include Yoga in the Woods and QiGong, practiced outdoors to promote relaxation, grounding, and balanced movement suitable for all levels. The Celestial Wonders Walk uses red-light headlamps for low-impact night hiking while exploring constellations and nocturnal ecology. Climb Into the Heart of The Mother Tree allows participants to ascend a towering Ponderosa Pine near the Treehouse Camp with specialized gear for a bird’s-eye perspective of the forest.

Programs are designed for beginners through experienced participants, with gear provided when noted. The Wilderness Institute focuses on education, safety, and authentic outdoor experiences rooted in Santa Fe’s forested landscape. Reservations and schedules are available seasonally, with programs tailored to small groups, families, and independent adventurers.