Spring Ahead into a Hike Challenge: TrailBlaze, 5Peaks and More!

While not technically Spring, it sure feels like it this past week here in sunny San Diego with temperatures in the 70s and flowers beginning to bloom. With more than 266 days of sunshine, SD provides much needed Vitamin D and happy vibes. We’re proud to be part of the San Diego: Life. Changing. campaign that showcases why our city truly is America’s Finest City! We’re also excited to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in May for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please support us here! 

What better way to get out and get active this month than a hike.  There are over 125 hikes and thousands of miles of trails all over San Diego county just waiting for you to check them out for the workout and the view.  Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Most Unique Trail: Annie’s Canyon

This two-mile loop trail in Solana Beach brings you through a narrow slot canyon of sand dunes and up a ladder to a beautiful view of the surrounding lagoon and ocean in the distance.

Pair it with Community Giveback with the REI Outdoor School: Did you know that REI gives back 70% of its Outdoor School profits to the community in which it hikes? And picks up trash along the way? These pro guides lead our group experiences and are the best-of-the-best when it comes to anything outdoors.

2. Best Night Hike: Cowles Mountain

Hike the switchbacks of Cowles Mountain under the stars with a headlamp and sit at the top to check out the lights of Miramar military base, the downtown skyline and Mexico off in the distance.

Pair it with the 5-Peak Challenge:  The five peaks of Mission Trails present the perfect Challenge for you to complete.  Totaling 19 miles in the park, try it out in one day or as a corporate challenge.  Take photos at the top and win a prize! We are partnering with companies around San Diego to offer REI prize packs to the employees that take it on! Check out our corporate team building packages here.

3. Best Coastal Hike: Ho Chi Minh Trail

This short but steep hike in La Jolla leads into Black’s Beach, a prime surfing spot in San Diego. Heads up – it’s also known to be a nude beach for the locals. It’s one of the most challenging and beautiful ocean bluff hikes. Maybe leave the kids with the sitter for this one and take some time to rest and unwind with friends on the beach.

Pair it with Beach Meditation or MindTravel: We host head set hikes that play meditative originally composed music by Murray Hidary of MindTravel. The binaural beats put your brain into a meditative state and are perfect for a post-hike zen sesh on the beach.

4. Best Water Hike: Three Sisters or Devils Punchbowl (seasonal)

Nestled in the Cleveland National Forest, this four-mile out-and-back trail is most popular in the late spring when the snow begins to melt so the best time to hit it is now. Bonus – you can bring your doggie too, but they must be on a leash and great hikers. There are ropes and rock scrambles galour!

Pair it with the All Trails App: We swear by the All Trails mobile app. It gives reviews and photos from hundreds of hikers and tells you everything you need to know before you go like waypoints and directions, and you can even download the map for when you lose service.

5. Best Desert Bloom: Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge

The Anza Borrega desert is a fan favorite and March is the perfect time for this fun hike through old train tunnels and over a trestle bridge. Catch the wildflower bloom and Instagram to your heart’s delight on this seven-mile loop trail. It is not for the faint of heart as there are steep parts, scrambles and very little shade. Bring lots of water!

Pair it with a Training Buddy from TrailBlaze Challenge:

For longer hikes like these, we always like to bring a buddy.  That’s part of the reason why we created a Fit City team for this year’s TrailBlaze Challenge benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.  We will hike 28 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail at Big Bear Lake while raising funds to make wishes come true for local children with critical illnesses.  To learn more and donate to the cause, please visit our TBC page.

As you can see by the variety of San Diego hikes, we are lucky to live in such a diverse climate with fun outdoor options! Get your company together for a hike. We’re here to help you train and take your team building event to the next level with an active twist! Now get out there and hit the trails!