Hiking Challenges for 2018

As 2017 comes to a close and the New Year approaches, many of us will prepare all the goals we plan to accomplish in 2018. For me, 2017 brought a new hobby of hiking into my life and has quickly become an outdoor lifestyle for not just me but also my family. Being involved in the hiking community I have come across many hiking challenges. Some of these challenges don't cost any money to register and are more for the motivation to complete a personal goal, but some of these challenges do cost a registration fee and have opportunities to win tangible prizes along with the gratification of the accomplishment. Either way they are fun and addicting ! 
I found myself registering for these different challenges and thought I would make it easier for others by listing them conveniently here in this blog post. The disclaimer is that these challenges are partial to female only groups ( that is mostly who I hike with ) and they are mostly located in Southern California ( that is where I live.) But, there are some that can apply to anyone no matter where you live.

Take on one or do them all ... which hiking challenges will you complete this year ?!   

              ALL FEMALES PLEASE DO THIS FIRST!!!

10k Women Trail Project - https://trails.hikeitbaby.com/10k-women/

The 10k Women Trail Project is an initiative started by the Hike it Baby organization, and funded through a Force of Nature Grant from REI. It started in November 2017 and will continue until September 2018. The project was created to encourage more women and girls of all ages to experience hiking and to motivate them to get out on the trails. It is free to register using the free Hike it Baby trial, but you will be registered for the duration of the project. You will be given access to a log that you can keep track of your hikes and how many other women you invited to hike with you. In order for the goal of ten thousand women to be reached they need your participation by registering, and by doing so you will even have the opportunity to win monthly prizes. Your support for women in the hiking community is needed and appreciated !  

                               

                                   Anywhere Challenges

52 Hike Challenge -  https://www.52hikechallenge.com/

The 52 Hike Challenge is a commitment to yourself to hike at least once a week for a year. The original 52 hike challenge can be any hike that is over 1 mile and can begin on any date that you choose. The challenge can be completed at your own pace as long as it is only 1 hike per day.There is also the Adventure Series, and the Explorer Series for a more advanced guided challenge. All 3 series are free to register and you will be given a login to access more resources online.

365 Mile Challenge - http://www.365milechallenge.org/

The 365 mile challenge begins on January 1, 2018 and is a challenge to get outdoors and move at least 1 mile per day. Registration is open and there is a $25 fee. The registration will give you the support of a Facebook group with fellow participants, a 365 mile challenge sticker, exclusive discounts, and entry into special giveaways.

Hike It Baby 30 - https://hikeitbaby.com/hike-it-baby-30/

Hike it Baby 30 is a 30-day, membership-based family challenge to encourage families across the globe to get their babies and children outside for 30 miles in 30 days or 30 minutes three times a week. They offer the challenges four times a year (January, April, September, and November) and you don’t need to live in a Hike it Baby city to participate! There is the option to purchase a Hike it Baby annual membership with a one time challenge entry or a suggested donation for each individual challenge.

Hiker Babes Org 100 - https://www.hikerbabescommunity.com

Hiker Babes Org 100 is an Instagram based challenge for women. There isn't an official registration, fee, or timeframe to complete. It is simply a challenge to reach 100 hikes. To participate use the hashtag #hikerbabesorg100 along with the number of the hike you are completing for the chance to be featured.

                                   So Cal Challenges

City Slicker Challenge - https://girls-who-hike.myshopify.com/products/city-slicker-challenge-2018

The City Slicker Challenge is a series of challenges hosted by the founder of the Girls Who Hike organization. This year there will be 5 different City Slicker Challenges in 4 different Southern California regions throughout the year. The first of this series will start on January 1st in San Diego County. The others will follow in Orange County, the Inland Empire, and 2 will be held in Los Angeles County ( Spring & Fall ).  This challenge is to complete 60 miles in 60 days. It consists of a pre-arranged list of 10 - 15 hikes in the corresponding region. The big catch of excitement is in the way that the list of hikes is not released to the registered participants until midnight of the first day of the challenge. There is also a CSC sign included in the packet and an exact point on the trail that there must be a picture taken with the sign to show proof of the trail completed.

There is a fee, but also a big payoff. The first 60 girls to complete the list of hikes will be entered into a drawing to win $1,000 !!! To gain more insight into this series, then join the corresponding chapters Facebook group.

Six Pack of Peaks Challenge - https://sixpackofpeaks.com/

The Six Pack of Peaks ( 6 POP ) is starting it's 4th year in So Cal but has expanded to include a series in Colorado, and Central Oregon. The challenge runs from January 1 st - September 30, and there are 3 different packages you may purchase for registration. The So Cal  challenge includes six of the bigger and well known peaks. This challenge will really test your endurance and give you bragging rights. After the close of the challenge there is a Finisher's party that you won't want to miss !!

Everything In-Between Challenge - https://eibchallenge.wordpress.com/

The Everything In-Between Challenge is hosted by the So Cal Mtn Chicks group. It consists of a list of 12 hikes that can be completed at any time over the 12 months of 2018. The hikes range from San Diego to Santa Barbara and everything in- between. When you complete a trail on the list ( provided in the link) then post it to your Instagram and tag @mtnchicks for a chance to be featured. When you attend an official Mtn. Chicks meetup hike then you can receive a button for the hike you completed and a special EIB sticker when the whole list is completed.

Coast to Crest Trail Challenge - http://sdrvc.org/coast-to-crest-trail-challenge/

The Coast to Crest Trail Challenge ( #C2C ) is 5 iconic hikes that take place in the San Dieguito River Park. This challenge is free and already started in July, 2017 but continues until June  30, 2018. Make sure to take a picture at the selfie spot listed  and when all 5 are completed then email them in to receive a certificate, decal, and other special giveaways.

5 Peak Challenge - http://www.mtrp.org/five_peaks01

The 5 Peak Challenge is hosted by the Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego. This is a free challenge and can be completed in your own time frame. When  completing the 5 peaks that are listed take a selfie in front of the name sign of the peak. You can send those photos to the email provided to be verified and then instructed to pick up your certificate and logo pin.

This list of challenges was compiled with my personal research. If you have questions and need more info then please follow the links provided for better clarification. If you are affiliated with one of these groups and find a discrepancy in what I have posted then please notify me so that I can make any corrections needed. If you know of other challenges that would benefit this list, then please email me for it to be added.

I hope you enjoy this info and have a great New Year with lots of happy hiking !!!