SAMO 2025-2026 Trail Challenge: Zuma Canyon

Hit the Trails with a Ranger – and Take on the First-Ever Santa Monica Mountains Trail Challenge!

Ready for an adventure? Join us for an exciting new way to explore the Santa Monica Mountains! We’re kicking off the first-ever Santa Monica Mountains 2025 Trail Challenge, and you’re invited to be part of it.

This free program invites you to hike 8 specially selected trails, showcasing the stunning beauty of the region—from easy strolls to moderately challenging treks. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just getting started, there's something for everyone.

🌟 Here’s the twist: As part of the fun, we’re offering ranger-led hikes where you can meet different park rangers on every Trail Challenge hike. Chat with them on the trail, hear what a "day in the life" looks like, and learn all about the important work they do to protect and care for these incredible landscapes. It’s part hike, part storytelling session—led by someone who’s lived the adventure!

Ready to hit the trail? You're in great hands with Ranger Heidi and Ranger Jeff leading the way!

• Ranger Heidi has been working with NPS and SAMO for 2 years.
• Official title: Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Biological Technician
• Favorite hike: Solstice Canyon
• Hiking must haves: "A hike must have herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians)!!"

• Ranger Jeff has been working with NPS and SAMO for 2.5 years.
• Official title: Wildlife Ecologist
• Favorite hike: Mishe Mokwa
• Hiking must haves: Camera for wildlife, Trader Joe’s snacks

🌿 Come for the hike, stay for the stories. Bring your curiosity, and get to know the awesome rangers behind the hat—on the trail with Ranger Heidi & Ranger Jeff!

The Challenge:

The challenge officially kicks off September 28, 2025, and runs through May 31 , 2026—so you’ll have plenty of time to complete all 8 hikes (approximately 29.1 miles total). Take them on solo, rally your hiking crew, or join one of our scheduled guided hikes with a ranger.

Register:

Start by registering for the SAMO 2025 Trail Challenge using the link below.

Trails Challenge Registration

After you’ve registered you can start signing up to individual dates/locations on our Eventbrite. *Reminder: Attending the scheduled ranger-led hikes is completely optional, you can complete the hikes on your own or with friends.

Free T-Shirt:

Pick up your free 2025 SAMO Trail Challenge T-shirt to wear proudly during your hikes! Shirts will be distributed at your first ranger-led hike or can be picked up at:

Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center at 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302 Wednesdays through Sundays 9am-4pm.

They can also be mailed to you at an additional cost.

Track Your Progress:

Use the trail log sheet (linked below) to record each completed hike.

SAMO 2025 Trail Challenge Log Sheet

Once you've finished all 8 trails, upload your completed log to Trails Challenge Completion for Medal

Finishers who submit their logs by May 31, 2026, will receive a commemorative SAMO Trail Challenge medal.

All 2025 SAMO Trail Challenge routes are listed on AllTrails for easy navigation.

👉 View the SAMO 2025 Trail Challenge AllTrails List here

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Host or Publisher Santa Monica Mountains Fund