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The East Bay Regional Park District kicked off the new year by launching its 2025 Trails Challenge, an annual program inviting the public to explore trails handpicked by district staff to show off the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Finishers will receive a 2025 Trails Challenge shirt, while supplies last. There are also awards, prizes and giveaways participants can earn.
“The East Bay Regional Parks Trails Challenge is a great way to explore regional parks and get to know new parks. The selected trails highlight magnificent views, landscapes, and wildlife in the East Bay,” said Mike Moran, the district’s regional interpretive and recreation services manager. “The trails challenge offers an opportunity to get away from the buzz of everyday life and connect with nature and each other in parks.”
Started in 1993, the 2025 challenge includes 20 trails of varying difficulty levels located throughout the East Bay. The list includes a number of fully accessible trails that have been evaluated and identified as usable by persons with mobility limitations.
To finish the challenge, participants need to walk, ride or roll five trails, or 26.2 total miles, by Dec. 31, 2025. Walking, biking, and horseback riding are all ways visitors can participate.
“We want as many people as possible to take the challenge and benefit from time in nature,” Moran said. “In 2025, there are even more rewards for finishers of the challenge, including monthly drawings of finishers, special categories based on age, a trailmaster patch for those who complete all 20 trails, and a 2025 challenge champion award for the person who completes all 20 trails first.”
All finishers must submit their trail log online at www.ebparks.org/trailschallenge to qualify for a special award, prize, or giveaway.
People interested in the 2025 Trails Challenge can pick up a free guidebook and T-shirt at any East Bay Regional Park visitor center starting Jan. 1. The guidebook can also be downloaded at www.ebparks.org/trailschallenge.
There will also be drawings for those who post selfies on social media and tag #TrailsChallengeEBRPD.
For more information, visit the 2025 Trails Challenge webpage at www.ebparks.org/trailschallenge.
— Story by Tony Hicks, Bay City News Service
