The month-long, countywide fundraiser and wellness event kicks off this weekend.
Nature Unplugged, a San Diego nonprofit championing preventative mental health through nature and digital wellness, is inviting the community to join in its fifth annual Hike-A-Thon this October. The free month-long event encourages participants across North America to unplug from screens, log miles outdoors, and reconnect with nature — all while supporting school and community wellness programs.
Last year, more than 5,000 participants across 30 cities joined the Hike-A-Thon, advocating for more green time, less screen time, and healthier communities.
“Our Hike-A-Thon is about more than hiking,” said Sonya Mohamed, Executive Director. “It’s about reclaiming balance, reconnecting with nature, and showing that small steps can add up to big changes — for our mental health, families, and communities.”
Nature Unplugged Hike-A-Thon Kickoff: Saturday, September 27
The Hike-A-Thon kicks off with a free celebration on Saturday, September 27, 9:00am–12:00pm at Los Peñasquitos Ranch House, in partnership with San Diego County Parks & Recreation and Live Well San Diego. Attendees can enjoy wellness booths, community resources, a barn and animal area, and a ranger-led hike suitable for all ages.
Kick-Off Agenda:
- 9:00 a.m. – Wellness & Resources Tables
- 9:45 a.m. – Presentation
- 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Ranger-Led Fun Hike
Event Location:
Los Peñasquitos Ranch House
12122 Canyonside Park Drive, San Diego
How the Hike-A-Thon Works
- Register as an individual or join the Locally Well San Diego team — free to join.
- Select “San Diego” to receive local hike info from San Diego County Parks and other organizations.
- Hike (or walk or run) between October 1–31 and log your miles using your preferred tracking app. (Even outdoor dog walks count!)
- Experience weekly themed challenges and prize drawings for extra motivation and fun.
- Raise funds to support Nature Unplugged’s preventative mental health programming in local schools, helping children and teens build resilience through time in nature.
Weekly Ranger-Led Hikes
You can also join in free ranger-led hikes every Saturday in October for solo hikers, families, and groups throughout the month at San Diego County Parks. Hike schedule:
- HIKE #1 | Sat. October 4, 10 a.m. — San Dieguito County Park
- HIKE #2 | Sat. October 11, 9 a.m. — Santa Ysabel Nature Center
- HIKE #3 | Sat. October 18, 9 a.m. — Annie’s Canyon/San Elijo
- HIKE #4 | Sat. October 25, 9 a.m. — Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon
Register today and start logging your miles: www.natureunplugged.com/hike-a-thon
Looking for More San Diego Events?
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