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 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.
Nature Unplugged Hike-A-Thon Kickoff
The Hike-A-Thon kicks off with a free celebration on Saturday, October 3, 9:00am–12:00pm at Los Peñasquitos Ranch House, in partnership with San Diego County Parks & Recreation. Attendees can enjoy wellness booths, community resources, animal ambassadors, and a ranger-led hike suitable for all ages.
Kick-Off Agenda:
- 9:00 a.m. – Presentation
- 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Ranger-Led Fun Hike
- 11:30 am - 2:00 pm – Nature + Wellness Fair
Event Location:
Los Peñasquitos Ranch House
12122 Canyonside Park Drive, San Diego
How the Hike-A-Thon Works
- Register as an individual or join a local 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 #2 | Sat. October 10, 9:00am — Santa Margarita County Preserve
- HIKE #3 | Sat. October 17, 9:00am — Dictionary Hill County Preserve
- HIKE #3.1 | Sat. October 18, 9:00am — Mt. Woodson County Preserve
- HIKE #4 | Sat. October 24, 9:00am — San Elijo Nature Center
- HIKE #5 | Sat. October 31, 10:00am — San Dieguito County Park
Register today and start logging your miles: www.natureunplugged.com/hike-a-thon
Looking for More San Diego Events?
Browse our Events Calendar to find San Diego wellness events, workshops and festivals near you.
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