Choose your own adventure at the 9th Annual Sky Islands Summit Challenge on Saturday, May 23! Take on one, two, or three peaks in Sierra Vista’s majestic Huachuca Mountains. Registration is limited to the first 250 challengers, so sign up today at: :
https://www.active.com/sierra-vista-az/other-endurance/sky-island-summit-challenge-2026.
All participants get a swag bag, event shirt, bragging rights and two beer tickets for the Wine, Beer, & Spirits Festival in Veterans Memorial Park that same day. Entry to the festival is free and the tickets can each be redeemed for a glass of beer or 3 wine/spirit samples. Plan for an extraordinary Memorial Day weekend in Sierra Vista!
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.
This is an 11.2 mile, moderately difficult hike, gaining 4,319 feet in elevation. The hike begins at 6:15 a.m.; shuttle leaves the Rothery Educational Service Center/Sports Division parking area at 5:30 a.m.
Route: Ramsey Canyon, Hamburg Trail, Crest Trail, Carr Peak Trail, Miller Canyon Trail. The trail down Miller Canyon is a 3.5-mile downhill trek with a 3,031′ drop.
Fee: $50 per person.
Double Summit - Carr Peak and Miller Peak
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 Rothery Educational Service Center/Sports Division 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
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 Rothery Educational Service Center/Sports Division parking lot at 4:20 a.m. Challengers must reach Bear Saddle by 1:00 p.m. 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.
FAQ
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: 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.
Q: What does the fee cover?
A: 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.
Q: Will the Summit Challenge still take place if the weather is bad?
A: Yes, the Challenge will take place unless there is lightening or flash flood warnings due to rain.
Q: What should I bring to the Challenge?
A: 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.
The City of Sierra Vista is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. This event is held in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Coronado National Forest.
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