The Warrior Hike is more than a physical challenge, it’s a tribute. By designing the event around active duty, veterans, and their families, the program taps into a spirit of service, strength, and community. At the same time, it opens up one of San Diego’s most rugged natural spaces to a broader audience.

We are proud to share that approximately 450 hikers took on the Challenge this past May for Memorial Day weekend and just last Saturday for Veterans Day weekend another 400 hikers gathered to push their limits and honor our veteran community. This is the largest turnout yet for the event, which averages about 225 hikers, reflecting its growing appeal.

Of course, it also could have been our participation incentive. Anyone completing the hike at any level (2-mile, 6-mile, or 12-mile) received a special commemorative Warrior Hike Challenge Coin.

Thank You Volunteers and Rangers!

None of this would be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers and the tireless efforts of our rangers. Our volunteers stood ready at the Celebration Stations (located at the 1-mile and 3-mile turnarounds) offering refreshments, encouragement, and moral support.

Meanwhile, our rangers started their day setting up and checking in hikers at 4 am. They patrolled the trails throughout the day, helping ensure safety, offer assistance when needed, and provide guidance on the rugged terrain.

To every volunteer and ranger: thank you for being the backbone of the event, for cheering every stride, and for helping keep the day smooth, safe, and memorable.

And, a special thank you to our Lakeside and Spring Valley REC Clubs for creating the dozens of posters that were placed along the trail to encourage hikers to push themselves to the top.

We hope you’ll consider joining us for next year’s event. We’d love to see even more of you out on the trail.

https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/warriorhike.html