Your 2026 Bucket List Challenge List
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How many challenges can you check off your bucket list this year? Photos: Claire Trageser/Axios, Courtesy of Dave Nissan and Mary Lang
It's a new year and time for a fresh start, so consider this our official challenge to you.
The big picture: Try knocking off as many of these outdoor physical bucket list challenges as you can this year. We promise to take it (relatively) easy on you.
Caveat: Please don't do anything you aren't physically capable of and don't hurt yourself.
🥾 Hike Cowles Mountain
Why: If you haven't done much hiking, climbing to the top of San Diego's tallest peak (1,593 feet) is a good start.
What to know: It's free, dogs allowed on leashes, no permit required.
Distance: 3 miles out and back
Bonus Challenge: Continue on to Pyles Peak, making it 6 miles
🏊 Swim from La Jolla Cove to La Jolla Shores
Why: If hiking isn't your thing, this beautiful swim is a different kind of challenge.
What to know: You can join groups like One With the Ocean or La Jolla Swim Club – definitely don't swim alone.
Distance: 1.2 miles one way (you'll have to walk back or get a ride)
Bonus Challenge: Take a rest at the beach and then swim back
🥔 Hike Potato Chip Rock
Why: If you've never gotten your iconic potato chip rock pic, you have to go.
Distance: About 7.5 miles out and back, or 4 miles if you want to go up the steep road.
What to know: On weekends, you'll have to buy a permit to park at Lake Poway.
Bonus Challenge: Do a surfer pose or a handstand (please don't) in your rock pic.
🖐 Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge
Why: You get to explore the lesser known Mission Trails peaks and you can buy a pin at the visitor center when you're done.
What to know: To avoid crossing the river, start the Fortunas from the western side of the park or by the Old Mission Dam.
Distance: The shortest route is 14 miles for all five trails.
Bonus Challenge: Do them all in one day.
🌄 Hike El Cajon Mountain
Why: If you feel ready for a steep and challenging hike, making it to the top of San Diego County's highest mountain (3,677 feet) earns you some serious bragging rights.
Distance: 12 miles out and back
What to know: This challenging hike should not be done in the heat. The lot closes at sunset so make sure you leave yourself enough time.
Bonus Challenge: Don't know… do it twice?
🖐☝️ San Diego 6-Peak Challenge
Why: If you've already hiked El Cajon Mountain, you might as well add this list to your bragging rights.
Distance: Volcan Mountain is the shortest at 5 miles, El Cajon the longest at 12.
What to know: Each hike comes with its own challenges, so be sure to check conditions and weather. The challenge gives seven options and says to pick six.
Bonus Challenge: Do all seven hikes.
🏃♀️ Run or Bike the Mission Bay Loop
Why: It's protected paths the whole way and a great place to do training runs or rides.
Distance: 12 miles
What to know: You can add an additional mile by going around the new path near Campland By the Bay.
Bonus Challenge: Add additional miles on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk.
🚴 Bike the Bay
Why: Get ocean views and explore parts of the coast you likely haven't seen before on this route that's now almost completely bike lanes.
Distance: 25 miles
What to know: Take the Coronado ferry to complete the route, giving you a chance to rest along the way.
Bonus Challenge: Do the Bike the Bay race for a rare chance to bike over the Coronado Bridge.
🏞️ Coast to Crest Trail Challenge
Why: The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy suggests a series of hikes each year in North County. If you do all five, you get a patch.
Distance: The hikes range from 2 to 5 miles.
What to know: The challenge wraps up at the end of June, so hop to it.
Bonus Challenge: Do all five in the same day.
🏔️ Hike San Gorgonio Mountain
Why: This 11,503-footer is no joke, but the views are incredible and it's a great training hike if you want to try to climb Mt. Whitney.
Distance: 18 miles out and back
What to know: A permit is required and there's usually snow in the winter, so summer hiking is best.
Bonus Challenge: This hike is so hard that you don't need a bonus.