May 27, 2023
Challenge yourself with one, two, or three peaks–all in one day–in the Sky Islands Summit Challenge! Held in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Coronado National Forest, this event is one of a kind! All participants get an awesome swag bag, event shirt, bragging rights, and amazing views from the top! The Summit Challenge will take place regardless of weather conditions, unless extreme thunder and lightning is in the forecast. Dress for changing temperatures as you change elevation. Challengers will be responsible for carrying their own water and snacks. Check out the trail map.
One Summit: Carr Peak (9,236 feet)
This is a 10.8 mile, moderately difficult hike, gaining 3,680 feet in elevation. The hike begins at 7:30 a.m.; shuttle leaves the Oscar Yrun Community Center parking area at 6:50 a.m.
Route: Ramsey Canyon, Hamburg Trail, Crest Trail, Carr Peak Trail, Miller Canyon Trail. The trail down Miller Canyon is a 5-mile downhill trek with a 3,375′ drop.
Fee: $50 per person.
Double Summit: Carr Peak and Miller Peak (9,465 feet)
This 15 mile, difficult-to-very-difficult hike gains 4,596 feet in elevation. The hike begins at 6:15 a.m.; shuttle leaves the Library parking lot at 5:30 a.m. Hikers must reach Bathtub Spring by noon in order to complete the challenge.
Route: Ramsey Canyon, Hamburg Trail, Crest Trail, Carr Peak Trail, Crest Trail, Miller Peak Spur Trail, Crest Trail, Miller Canyon Trail.
Fee: $75 per person.
Elite Triple Summit: Carr and Miller Peaks, plus Pat Scott (8,517 feet)
This 18.1 mile hike gains 5,146 feet in elevation, is very difficult-to-most-difficult, and suited for extreme athletes. The hike starts at 5:00 a.m.; shuttle leaves the Domingo Paiz parking area at 4:20 a.m. Challengers must reach Bear Saddle by noon in order to complete the challenge.
Route: Ramsey Canyon, Hamburg Trail, Pat Scott Trail, Spur Trail to Summit, Crest Trail, Carr Peak Trail, Crest Trail, Miller Peak Spur Trail, Crest Trail, Miller Canyon Trail.
Fee: $100 per person.
FAQs
Can I bring my dog? No. Part of the hikes include Ramsey Canyon Preserve, and no dogs are allowed. Also, due to the strenuous nature of the Challenge and limited water resources, dogs are not allowed.
Why is there a fee? Included in the cost is a great swag bag, which includes free entry to the wine festival, a shirt, and other goodies. Also staff will provide first aid stations and security measures usually not available to hikers who go into the mountains on their own.
Will the Summit Challenge still take place if the weather is bad? Yes, the Challenge will take place unless there is lightening or flash flood warnings due to rain.
What should I bring to the Challenge? All hikers should bring at least three liters of water, snacks, sunscreen, and other gear such as rain ponchos, layered clothing, and sunglasses. Water may be available on some parts of the trail if you wish to bring a water purification system with you. It is often hot in May, so plan accordingly. Water and electrolytes will be available at the beginning and end of the challenge. All hikers will receive a route and parking map in their swag bag at the registration.
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