The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy (SDRVC) https://sdrvc.org has sponsored a 5-Trail Challenge each of the past 9 years.

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.

2025-2026 5-Trail Challenge Hikes

       1) San Dieguito Lagoon. (3 mi, easy)

       2)  Santa Ysabel East (4 mi, moderate)

       3)  San Pasqual Valley (5 mi, moderate)

       4)  Volcan Mountain Five Oaks Trail (4.5 mi, strenuous)

       5)  Mule Hill (2.5 mi, easy)

Note: Finish the five hikes by June 30, 2026; complete the hikes in any order.