Trailblaze Challenge is an 18-mile endurance event in Joshua Tree to grant life-changing wishes for local children
Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire have announced that the Trailblaze Challenge is officially returning March 6 – 8 for the first time since before the pandemic, and the charity is inviting the community to “blaze a trail” for local children facing critical illnesses.
The Trailblaze Challenge developed a devoted following among hikers, fitness enthusiasts, individuals and corporate teams, as well as families whose lives have been touched by a wish. This year, Make-A-Wish OCIE is bringing the beloved event back in an elevated format, and more inspiring than ever.
Taking place the first weekend in March, the 2026 Trailblaze Challenge will feature an 18-mile, one-day hike through the breathtaking landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Participants will embark on a journey of resilience, courage, and community — a journey that mirrors the emotional terrain wish kids face every day.
The reimagined 20267 Trailblaze Challenge includes:
- 18-mile guided hike through Joshua Tree with trained hike leaders
- Weekend basecamp at AutoCamp Joshua Tree with modern Airstream accommodations
- Welcome dinner, post-hike campfire and stargazing, and celebration Trail to Table brunch
- Training program, fundraising support, and community meet-ups leading up to event weekend
- Opportunities for corporate teams, individuals, and local fitness clubs to participate
- Special mission moments from wish kids and families
A Challenge With a Purpose
Each hiker commits to raising $4,000 to directly support wishes for children across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. More than 400 local children are currently waiting for their wish to be granted by the Make-A-Wish chapter.
“Trailblaze Challenge is not just a hike,” said Anne Grey, CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. “It’s a powerful expression of hope. When individuals challenge themselves on the trail, they mirror the courage and determination our wish kids show every day. We’re thrilled to bring this experience back to our community and invite everyone to be part of something extraordinary.”
Community, Fitness, and Impact — For a Cause
Alongside individual hikers, Make-A-Wish OCIE is launching the Corporate Trailblaze Challenge, sponsored by Justworks, inviting companies to engage employees, promote wellness, and compete for the coveted title of Corporate Trailblaze Champion.
The 2026 event will also welcome collaborations with:
- Local and regional outdoor groups
- Fitness and wellness influencers
- SoCal hiking clubs and community groups
- Outdoor, athleisure, and lifestyle brands
From training hikes to event weekend activations, partners will help elevate awareness and inspire more people to hike, fundraise, and support wishes.
Info Sessions Hosted by REI
Community members are invited to attend upcoming Trailblaze Challenge Information Sessions at REI Tustin, REI Rancho Cucamonga, REI Rancho Mirage, and additional virtual sessions. Attendees will learn about the hike, training program, fundraising support, and how their participation changes lives for wish kids.
How to Join the Challenge
To learn more, attend an info session, or register for the 2026 Trailblaze Challenge, visit wish.org/ocie/trailblaze-challenge-0. For sponsorship opportunities or to become a Corporate Trailblaze Champion, contact Clarissa Morales at cmorales@ocie.wish.org or events@ocie.wish.org for more information or to get involved.
About Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire
Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire (OCIE) creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The organization seeks to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows that children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. Since the founding of the Orange County and Inland Empire chapter in 1983, more than 8,400 wishes have been granted for children in the local community. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff, and more than 34,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and 56 other chapters throughout the U.S. have granted more than 550,000 wishes nationwide. For more information about Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, visit wish.org/ocie. The organization can be found on Facebook, YouTube and X at @makeawishocie.
