What is the Trail to Bay Challenge? 

The Trail to Bay Challenge is free. Join our Educators on guided hikes offered throughout Chula Vista as you learn about the rich biodiversity of our local environment, ways to identify native wildlife and plants, and more. Living Coast cleanups also take place at various locations throughout the year. You will join other families and volunteers passionate about making an impact in their community and help clean up areas near the bay affected by trash and debris. You will also learn ways to conserve our planet, recycle, and compost by making small changes in your daily lives. Attend three hikes and one cleanup with the Living Coast to complete the challenge.

Groups that complete the Trail to Bay Challenge will get a family four-pack valued at $80 (one per household) and a Sustainability Hiking Pack.

Upcoming Hikes

Sweetwater Safari Hike

Join us every Saturday as we explore the Sweetwater Marsh Trail on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge! We will learn about the history of the Sweetwater Marsh, the
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Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr.
Chula Vista, CA 91910 United States
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Questions? Email education@thelivingcoast.org. Location and times may vary depending on extreme weather conditions. RSVP’d guests will be notified ahead of time.  Onsite hikes are offered every Saturday at the Living Coast Discovery Center. For more information visit our Guest Adventures page.

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Community Cleanups

View upcoming cleanup dates »

Important: To RSVP and receive directions to exact location, email volunteers@thelivingcoast.org

For more information about our cleanups click here.

Onsite Hikes

Each onsite hike takes place on the Sweetwater Marsh trails. Take our shuttle to the entrance of the Living Coast. Plan to arrive 20 minutes earlier to allow for pick up and drop off time. 

Onsite guided hikes are offered every Saturday at the Living Coast Discovery Center. For more information visit our Guest Adventures page.

Helpful Tips

All hikes are free and open to the public.

How to Prepare

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It is also recommended to bring enough water for the hike, keeping in mind the time of year and temperatures. Dehydration can set in quickly, and it is recommended to bring half a liter of water per mile. Don’t forget to dress for the weather, bring a jacket and dress in layers, if necessary.

Courtesy

Although most sites allow leashed pets, we ask that you keep your pets at home to prevent any disruption to wildlife. Please do not litter or smoke on the trails. Guests of all ages are welcome, but an adult must be present for participants under the age of 18. Please limit phone conversations while on the hike as they are a distraction to your fellow hikers.

Parking

All locations have free parking options, but spots may be limited (Otay Lakes County Park has both paid and free parking). It is suggested to plan ahead and arrive early. All hikes will have a designated location for the group to meet along with a large canopy for identification located near the parking lot.

Cleanups

Families and friends are encouraged to join the Living Coast Discovery Center for clean-up events once per month. Locations will vary in and throughout Chula Vista. These opportunities will enable citizens to help make a difference in their community. As the host, the Living Coast will provide all necessary tools for the cleanups. Please dress appropriately. Prior to each cleanup, it is recommended you contact the Living Coast to confirm your spot and to receive important details and instructions. If you plan to complete the Trail to Bay Challenge, you are required to participate in one clean-up event. More information about upcoming cleanups and how to make a reservation can be found here.

The Living Coast is proud to partner with the City of Chula Vista on the Trail to Bay Challenge.