ABOUT THE EVENT:

2B-RAD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has joined forces to do even more good!

HIKE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS.

Today’s realities are becoming ever uncertain and stressful for our communities at large and we’re seeing higher instances of anxiety, isolation, depression, suicide and obesity than ever before. Let’s get back to what’s truly important. Connecting with each other, protecting nature and engaging with the wild outdoors around us.

During the month of October, we host an annual Hike-A-Thon with a dual purpose: to help you experience nature and to raise money to provide individual scholarships and subsidized services for organizations and communities in need. It's a win win!

100% of the net proceeds go to providing programs, scholarships and subsidized services for a variety of communities. Check out our services and partners page to learn more.

HIKING SCHEDULE 2024*

Join our group hikes listed below! You’re invited to keep your hiking going on your own throughout the month but we know how much fun it is to gather together and remember why we do this hike-a-thon!

See below for our Saturday Hikes in San Diego County.

For our Oregon schedule, please email Mia.

For our Washington schedule, please email Evan.

For our Bay Area, CA schedule, email Zac.

For our Encinitas, CA or Santa Cruz, CA group schedule, email Christina.

San Diego County Hikes 2024

10/5 - San Elijo Loop to Annie’s Canyon: Opening Event

Meet at the San Elijo Ecological Reserve Center to walk the loop to Annie’s Canyon. Enjoy the longer route to Annie's Canyon to enjoy a trail that is about as unique as they come. On this hike, you'll be able to experience a sandstone slot canyon, complete with narrow walls and ladders. And on the way to the canyon, you'll get beautiful views of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, a critical migrating waterfowl habitat. The hike is about 4 miles long and 426ft of elevation.

Meet at San Elijo Nature Center: 2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA. Additional parking is available across the street at the water campus.

10/12 - Cowles Mountain: Iconic 360’ Views via Big Rock Trailhead & Secret Loop Trail

The road less traveled meets the road even lesser traveled. This loop hike is an unconventional route up to the Cowles Mountain summit (5.6 miles and 1,525 ft elevation) via Big Rock Park and for the daring: a “secret” trail that cuts across the north face of Cowles over to the Pyles Peak Trail (8 miles total and 2,122 ft elevation from Big Rock trailhead). It passes through a small flowing creek and also involves some mild scrambling up a narrow, not very known use trail. This is definitely an interesting and adventurous alternate route up a local mountain that’s normally a pedestrian mall walk from it’s obvious south approach that most people follow.

Summit Pro Tip: If you’d like to take the BRAD Challenge, one group will continue onto Pyles Peak together. Take a short snack break at the top of Cowles and try not to continue onto Pyles Peak until we take a photo opp on Cowles and savor that view together.

10/19 - Stonewall Peak: A Humphrey Family Favorite

Want to see some of the best that Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has to offer? Join us for an afternoon hike to sunset up Stonewall Peak. We’ll gather at 3:00pm to begin this excursion of gentle switchbacks through canopies of black oaks, sycamores, and other coniferous trees. Great views of Anza Borrego, the Laguna Mountains, (on clear days) the Salton Sea, and 30+ miles to Palomar Mountains are the reward for all who make the ascent. According to All Trails, kids embark on this hike but no dogs allowed.

The trailhead is located on the opposite side of Paso Picacho across CA-79. (3.8 miles and 823 ft of elevation gain) Come to Richie’s campsite for a s’more on your way home…or better yet: reserve a night at Paso Picacho and stay with the campers in the group until Sunday morning. Reach out to us if you can’t get a reservation, we may have some extra spots available.

10/26 - Fox Point Farms and Brad’s Table in Encinitas: Sunset Closing Event

Our closing afternoon hike will end up at Fox Point Farms in Encinitas, CA to celebrate this year’s hike-a-thon. After a walk to Brad’s table, enjoy grazing bites from the farm and inspiring 2B-RAD stories in this local community farm and event space. Register to learn our meeting point for walking to Brad’s table. We can’t wait to celebrate community and our accomplishments on the trails together this year!

*Maps, meeting places, and hike details will be provided to all hikers registered to in-person events.

Every hiker is eligible for this year’s miles based tickets to win some RAD swag BUT, those miles must be captured through Strava! Beginning October 1st - you can track your miles all month long. You can register for the hike-a-thon beginning in September. Check back for our registration link.

The more miles you track, the more tickets you get to help access hiker prizes and perks. Soon you can click above to register and track your miles.