Maura Fox: Push your limits in 2025 with one of these 7 Southern California hiking challenges

SAN DIEGO — Dare yourself to take on new trails in 2025 with one — or all — of these local and regional hiking challenges.

There are more than 50,000 acres of open space in San Diego County, plus thousands more in Southern California, with several organized challenges that explore the area’s trails. Some are easier, like the Living Coast Discovery Center’s Trail to Bay Challenge, while others — such as the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge — are geared toward more experienced hikers.

The Coast to Crest Trail Challenge, a five-hike series from the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, is already underway and ends July 1, 2025.

Here are seven other challenges for your 2025 adventures.

100 Peak Challenge

This one encourages hikers to explore the biodiversity of San Diego and includes 100 peaks around the county, from the Anza-Borrego Desert and Cuyamaca Rancho state parks to Mission Trails Regional Park, Cabrillo National Monument and beyond. Peaks range from elevations of a couple hundred feet to more than 6,000. The challenge, created by local hiker Derek Loranger, is an unofficial event, so there’s no registration or fee to sign up. 100peaks.com/challenge

Living Coast Discovery Center Trail to Bay Challenge

Hikers can join free guided hikes in South County with educators from the Living Coast Discovery Center. Hikes are offered throughout the year at locations such as the Sweetwater River Trail, Tijuana River Valley Regional Park and Otay Lakes County Park. Complete three hikes — and join at least one clean up event near...