Your 2026 outdoor bucket list challenge
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How many challenges will you check off? Photos: Nadia Lopez/Axios
For those of you looking to get out in nature or be more active this year, consider this our official challenge to you.
The big picture: Try knocking off as many of these outdoor physical bucket list challenges this year.
Pro tip: Stay safe and when in nature, leave no trace.
🥾 Hike Mt. Tam
Why: The 360-degree views of the Bay Area above the fog line are stunning. This hike begins at Pantoll Campground and follows the Matt Davis and Fern Creek Trail to the Mount Tamalpais East Peak summit.
Distance: 8.8-mile loop.
What to know: No dogs allowed. 1,715 ft elevation gain; 4.5–5 hours.
Bonus challenge: Start early to catch the sunrise from the summit.
🏞️ Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
Why: For the ultimate outdoorsy adventurer. Knock out six Bay Area peaks in six months, six weeks or six days.
Distance: The hikes range from six to 20 miles, with Mission Peak being the shortest and Rose Peak being the longest.
What to know: Each hike comes with its own challenges, so be sure to check conditions, weather and whether dogs are allowed.
Bonus challenge: Complete all six within a week.
🏊 Swim in the Bay
Why: If hiking isn't your thing, swimming at Aquatic Park Cove can be just as rewarding.
Distance: A full lap across is about 0.35 miles (620 yards).
What to know: Join groups like the Dolphin Club and South End Rowing Club to learn how to best perfect your open-water swimming technique. Don't forget your gear.
Pro tips: Do not attempt the perimeter swim following the cove's sea wall on your own if it's your first try. Stay in a group unless you're an advanced swimmer.
💧Hike to Alamere Falls
Why: This rare tidefall — a coastal waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean — is one of the most striking natural sights in Marin. Start from the Coast Trail via the Palomarin Trailhead.
Distance: 13.8 miles, out and back.
What to know: Do not go off-trail or take short cuts because there are eroding cliffs, poison oak, ticks and no cell phone service. 1,784 feet elevation gain; 6–6.5 hours.
🏃♀️ Run in the Dipsea Race
Why: It's not only one of the oldest trail races in the U.S., it's also one of the toughest. Steep climbs, stairs and rugged paths make it especially grueling, but the sweeping views along the course are a worthy reward.
Distance: 7.4-mile course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach along the Dipsea trail.
What to know: The event will be held 8am on Sunday, June 14. Registrations begin in mid-March.
🚴 Bike the Golden Gate Bridge
Why: Get ocean views and explore the city's most famous landmark by bike. Start at Fisherman's Wharf and head toward Sausalito before taking the ferry back.
Distance: About 8-9 miles one way.
What to know: Stop by the Palace of Fine Arts on your way to the bridge.
Pro tip: Start early on the weekends to avoid the crowds.
🌊 Explore Fort Funston
Why: The towering coastal bluffs, wild sand dunes and dramatic windswept stretch of coast feels quintessentially Californian.
Distance: 1.7 mile loop.
What to know: Dog-friendly. It's a steep hike down toward the beach and back up. 164 feet elevation gain; 30-60 minutes.
🧗Bouldering in Glen Canyon
Why: It's one of the few under-the-radar outdoor spots in the city to try bouldering.
What to know: Bring climbing shoes and a crash pad — routes are unmarked. Tread lightly to avoid damaging local habitats.
🚶SF Stair Challenge
Why: San Francisco has hundreds of scenic public stairways that double as a full-body workout.
Distance: 5 miles, totaling about 2,000 steps.
What to know: This year's event will be held Saturday, May 2 in Bernal Heights.
🌄 Hike Tennessee Valley
Why: It's a beautiful hike with a big payoff that requires low to moderate effort, where rolling green hills meet the Pacific. Take the Tennessee Valley trail to Muir Beach.
Distance: 5.7-mile loop.
What to know: No dogs allowed. 1,286 feet elevation gain; 3-3.5 hours.
🏔️ Hike Mt. Diablo
Why: On clear days, the summit delivers one of the widest panoramic views in California. Start at the South Gate and follow the Summit Trail to get to to the top of Mount Diablo.
Distance: 11.6 miles out and back.
What to know: No dogs allowed. 3,254 feet elevation gain; 7-7.5 hours.