The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy (SDRVC) https://sdrvc.org sponsors a 5-Trail Challenge each year.

I led the challenge hikes for GOYR last year, and several Rockers are doing it again this year.

Challenge hikers need to take their selfies at a recognizable spot on each trail and send them into sdrvc@sdrvc.org after they finish all 5 challenge hikes designated for the year. 

• Include the name of everyone in the photo (dogs, too!). 
• Include your mailing address to receive a finisher’s packet: a special certificate and a 2025-2026 patch.

At the end of the challenge, the winner of the favorite photo will receive a vintage C2C trail shirt. If you post selfies and tag @sdrvc, you are entered into a monthly drawing to receive a SDRVC t-shirt.

The SDRVC wants to promote its dozens of trails along the 50+ miles of the San Dieguito River that flows from Volcan Mountain near Julian to the ocean by the Del Mar Racetrack.

Starting Now: The Coast to Crest Trail Challenge 2026-2027

And so it begins, Year 10 of the Coast to Crest Trail Challenge. Following are the five Challenge hikes plus a bonus for this year's series.

Lagoon Trail 4 - miles Easy Oct 15

North Shore Lake Hodges 4 -mile Easy Nov 29

Santa Ysabel West 5 - miles More Difficult Dec 18

Bernardo Mountain 7-miles Difficult Jan 8

Del Dios Gorge 4 - miles Moderate Mar 24

Bonus Lower Santa Ysabel Truck Trail 5-6-miles Moderate Jan 23

Note: Finish the five hikes by June 30, 2027; complete the hikes in any order.