Outdoor SoCal

Canyon Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego 2025
2025-04-25 - 2025-04-27 | Draft Republic, 255 Redel Rd, San Marcos, CA, 92078, United States
The San Diego Canyon Belgian Waffle Ride is a hard-core mountain bike ride that takes place in North County San Diego, inspired by European one-day cycling races.
Part race, part festival, the three-day event will feature a variety of race classes and lengths, as well as dozens of vendors and activities in the festival area.
Canyon Belgian Waffle Ride Routes and Divisions:
The centerpiece of the event is the BWR itself, which is distinguished by its combination of paved and off-road segments. Participants can choose from multiple distances:

The full “Waffle” course is an arduous 207-kilometer (128.7 miles) ride, featuring approximately 10,500 feet of climbing, with 84 kilometers (52 miles) of off-road terrain.
The “Wafer” route offers a mid-distance challenge at 127 kilometers (79 miles), including around 6,500 feet of climbing and a greater proportion of off-road sections.
For newer participants or those preferring a shorter distance, the “WANNA” course covers 70 kilometers (43.7 miles) and includes the formidable “Muur van Dubbelberg” climb, providing a condensed yet authentic taste of the event’s challenges.

Cycling Expo
Accompanying the race is the Canyon Pure Cycling Expo, commencing on Friday at North City, San Marcos. This gathering is expected to be San Diego’s largest annual cycling-related event, bringing together enthusiasts from across the spectrum.
Proceeds from the event are dedicated to the San Diego Mountain Biking Association, supporting the local mountain biking community.
This older video about the event gives you a flavor for it:

Tough Mudder Los Angeles 2025
2025-04-05 - 2025-04-06 | Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino, CA, United States
Tough Mudder returns to Southern California in 2025, bringing its rugged obstacle course challenge to Glen Helen Raceway. Nestled at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, this course offers scenic views, intense elevation changes, and over 20 epic obstacles designed to test your strength, endurance, and teamwork.
Races include:

Tough Mudder Classic: 15+ kilometers, 20+ obstacles.
Tough Mudder 5K: 12+ obstacles.
Tough Mudder Infinity: Push your limits with multiple laps.
Spectators: Join the action in Mudder Village.

Special discounts are available for military and first responders, and group packages offer savings for teams of 10 or more.

About Tough Mudder

Tough Mudder events are endurance challenges that combine distance running with obstacle course elements, designed to test participants’ physical strength, mental resilience, and collaborative spirit. Each course features a variety of obstacles, including walls to climb, mud pits to traverse, and ice baths to endure, all aimed at pushing individuals to their limits.
Unlike traditional races, Tough Mudder places a strong emphasis on teamwork. Participants are encouraged to help one another overcome obstacles, fostering a sense of camaraderie rather than competition. Events range from 5K to 15K or more, accommodating varying levels of fitness and experience.
These events also include spectator-friendly areas known as Mudder Villages, where attendees can watch the action and enjoy food, drinks, and other activities.

Van's Jacks Surfboards Pro Contest
2025-04-03 - 2025-04-06
Surf City USA shifts into contest mode each spring when the Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro lands on the south side of Huntington Beach Pier. Sanctioned as a Men’s and Women’s QS 4,000 stop on the World Surf League’s North America Qualifying Series, the event dangles 4,000 valuable ranking points—often the first big haul of the season—at surfers looking to climb toward the Challenger Series and, ultimately, the Championship Tour.
Huntington’s peaky beach‑break wedges and long-running lefts create a high‑performance canvas that consistently draws a mix of rising phenoms and seasoned tour vets. Over the years, champions have ranged from future world‑title contenders like Caitlin Simmers to Championship Tour mainstays such as Nat Young, Sawyer Lindblad, Crosby Colapinto, Keanu Asing, Lucca Mesinas, and Kirra Pinkerton—underscoring the contest’s reputation as a launchpad for the sport’s next big names.
Beyond the action in the lineup, the shoreline turns into a mini‑festival: live commentary from the pier, sponsor activations and games, board‑swap vibes at Jack’s pop‑ups, and plenty of ice‑cold beer.

Elevation Mammoth
2025-03-12 - 2025-03-16 | Mammoth Mountain, 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 93546, United States
Elevation Mammoth is an annual LGBTQ+ ski event held at Mammoth Mountain Resort in California. Founded in 2003 by event producer Tom Whitman, it is one of the largest gay ski weeks in North America. The event typically takes place in March and spans several days, featuring daytime skiing and snowboarding, as well as nighttime social events, parties, and entertainment.
Elevation Mammoth attracts a diverse crowd from around the world and is known for its inclusive and festive atmosphere. The event offers a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to enjoy winter sports and connect with others. For the most up-to-date information on event dates, schedules, and ticketing, you can visit the official Elevation Mammoth website or contact Mammoth Mountain Resort directly.

Burton Mystery Series Banked Slalom - Bear Mountain
2025-03-08 | Big Bear Mountain Resort, 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315, United States
The Burton Mystery Series is a global snowboarding event emphasizing community and progression through inclusive banked slalom races. Open to riders of all ages and skill levels, each event features product giveaways, athlete demonstrations, and social gatherings like BBQs or après-ski hangouts. The primary focus is on fostering a fun and welcoming environment rather than competition.

The Bear Mountain event is the only one taking places in California in 2025.

To participate, it’s recommended to register in advance through the official Burton website, as spots may be limited. Even if you don’t plan to compete, attending the event offers opportunities to engage with the snowboarding community, watch professional athletes, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Arc'teryx Backcountry Academy - Mammoth
2025-03-07 - 2025-03-09
The Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy, held in Mammoth, California, is a three-day program focused on mountain skills education, including touring, ski mountaineering, and avalanche safety. The Academy features clinics led by experienced mountain guides and athletes, tailored for varying skill levels in backcountry techniques and mountain safety. Each evening, attendees gather for films, music, and talks centered on mountain culture. Arc’teryx Academies are known for their emphasis on accessible mountain education, community, and respect for natural spaces.

Key Dates:

Clinic Line-Up Release: November 19, 2024
Clinics On Sale: November 27, 2004
Clinic Dates: March 7-9, 2025

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2025 - Encinitas
2025-03-07 - 2025-03-08
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings a selection of films from the annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival to audiences around the world. Known for highlighting stories of exploration, outdoor adventure, and environmental issues, the tour stops in hundreds of locations across more than 40 countries each year.

The films, which range from extreme sports to conservation efforts, are selected from the festival’s lineup of award-winning entries and audience favorites. Featuring stories from diverse landscapes and cultures, the tour offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of adventurers, athletes, and storytellers.
Tour stops in Southern California for 2025 include:
January 24–25, 2025
San Luis Obispo, CA – Live to Play
📞 (509) 951-6793
📧 slo.banff@mountaingear.com
February 21–22, 2025
Redlands, CA – San Gorgonio Wilderness Association
📞 (909) 382-2906
📧 sgwa@earthlink.net
February 28 – March 2, 2025
Santa Cruz, CA – University of California Santa Cruz – Adventure Rec
📞 (831) 459-2806
📧 adventurerec@ucsc.edu
March 1–2, 2025
San Diego, CA – Great Adventure Productions
📧 gapspecialevents@gmail.com
March 4, 2025
Pasadena, CA – California Institute of Technology, Caltech Alpine Club
📞 (626) 395-4652
📧 cseeger@caltech.edu
March 5–6, 2025
Santa Barbara, CA – UCSB Arts & Lectures
📞 (805) 893-3535
📧 info@artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
March 7–8, 2025
Encinitas, CA – Great Adventure Productions
📧 gapspecialevents@gmail.com
March 11–12, 2025
Costa Mesa, CA – Orange Coast College Library
📞 (714) 432-0202 ext. 21058
📧 cmorgan@occ.cccd.edu

Death Valley Dark Sky Festival
2025-02-21 - 2025-02-23 | Death Valley National Park
The Death Valley Dark Sky Festival is an annual event held at Death Valley National Park. It celebrates the park’s incredibly dark skies, which are perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.
The festival typically features a variety of activities, including:

Lectures and presentations by experts on astronomy, space science, and night sky photography.
Telescope viewings to observe celestial objects like planets, stars, and nebulae.
Astrophotography workshops for both beginners and experienced photographers.
Night sky tours guided by park rangers and astronomy enthusiasts.
Family-friendly activities like stargazing games and crafts.

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2025 - Redlands
2025-02-21 - 2025-02-22
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings a selection of films from the annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival to audiences around the world. Known for highlighting stories of exploration, outdoor adventure, and environmental issues, the tour stops in hundreds of locations across more than 40 countries each year.

The films, which range from extreme sports to conservation efforts, are selected from the festival’s lineup of award-winning entries and audience favorites. Featuring stories from diverse landscapes and cultures, the tour offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of adventurers, athletes, and storytellers.
Tour stops in Southern California for 2025 include:
January 24–25, 2025
San Luis Obispo, CA – Live to Play
📞 (509) 951-6793
📧 slo.banff@mountaingear.com
February 21–22, 2025
Redlands, CA – San Gorgonio Wilderness Association
📞 (909) 382-2906
📧 sgwa@earthlink.net
February 28 – March 2, 2025
Santa Cruz, CA – University of California Santa Cruz – Adventure Rec
📞 (831) 459-2806
📧 adventurerec@ucsc.edu
March 1–2, 2025
San Diego, CA – Great Adventure Productions
📧 gapspecialevents@gmail.com
March 4, 2025
Pasadena, CA – California Institute of Technology, Caltech Alpine Club
📞 (626) 395-4652
📧 cseeger@caltech.edu
March 5–6, 2025
Santa Barbara, CA – UCSB Arts & Lectures
📞 (805) 893-3535
📧 info@artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
March 7–8, 2025
Encinitas, CA – Great Adventure Productions
📧 gapspecialevents@gmail.com
March 11–12, 2025
Costa Mesa, CA – Orange Coast College Library
📞 (714) 432-0202 ext. 21058
📧 cmorgan@occ.cccd.edu
April 4–5, 2025
Chico, CA – A.S. Adventure Outings & Chico Performances
📞 (530) 898-6333
📧 ubocustomersupport@csuchico.edu
April 3–5, 2026
Downieville, CA – Sierra County Arts Council
📞 (530) 961-2188
📧 info@sierracountyartscouncil.org

King of the Hammers 2025
2025-01-30 - 2025-02-08
King of the Hammers, which takes place in Southern California’s Johnson Valley, is one of the world’s largest off-road races, combining Baja-style desert racing with extreme rock crawling.
The event, which runs for two weeks from late January into February, race has evolved from a dozen teams racing for bragging rights and a case of beer, to more than 530 teams competing before more than 80,000 fans in person and 2 million viewers online.
Here’s the sizzle reel from last year:

Johnson Valley OHV area will be closed during the event.

CORVA Truckhaven Challenge 2025
2025-01-25 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Truckhaven, 2098 Frontage Road, Thermal, California, 92217, United States
The 27th CORVA Truckhaven Challenge, set in the rugged Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreational Area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers a unique off-road experience. Scheduled for January 25, 2025, this event caters to 4×4 truck and Jeep, ATV and motorcycle enthusiasts, providing a blend of challenging terrains and community-driven activities.

Lake Perris Spartan Race
2025-01-25 00:00 - 2025-01-26 00:00 | Lake Perris Recreation Area, Lake Perris Drive, Perris, CA, 92571, United States
The Lake Perris Spartan Race is set to take place at Lake Perris Recreational Area in Perris, CA. This event is part of the Spartan Trifecta Weekend and features various race formats designed to challenge participants of different skill levels.
The event will include the following races:

Spartan Sprint (5K): This is the shortest course with 20 obstacles. It serves as an introduction to the Spartan race world.
Spartan Super (10K): A more challenging course with 25 obstacles, set in rugged terrain and high-altitude.
Spartan Beast (21K): This is a grueling 21K course with 30 obstacles, designed to test both physical strength and mental toughness.
Spartan Kids Race: Catered to children aged 4-13, this race offers different distances based on age, allowing young Spartans to experience the thrill of the race,

Spectator passes are available for those who wish to watch the event. Additionally, the weekend offers a chance for participants to complete the Spartan Trifecta by finishing the Sprint, Super, and Beast races.
The Spartan Race is a series of obstacle races of varying distance and difficulty, ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. These races are known for their physically and mentally challenging obstacles, which test a participant’s endurance, strength, and agility.

Anza-Borrego Family Camping
2025-01-17 - 2025-01-19 | Camp Borrego, 200 Palm Canyon D, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Anza-Borrego Family Camping offers a three-day, two-night adventure in one of California’s most scenic desert landscapes. Designed for families of all experience levels, this all-inclusive trip provides camping gear, hearty meals, and engaging outdoor activities led by seasoned educators. Participants can explore the unique desert environment on guided hikes, enjoy team-building games, roast s’mores by the campfire, and marvel at a starlit sky far from city lights.
Held at the “Camp Borrego” site in Borrego Springs, attendees learn about desert wildlife, geology, and conservation through hands-on lessons suitable for all ages. The program is led by Annie DeFino, an outdoor education professional with more than a decade of experience teaching in diverse natural settings. Her passion for the Sonoran Desert shines through as she shares insights into local flora, fauna, and the importance of preserving desert habitats.
Whether you’re new to camping or looking to enhance your existing skills, Anza-Borrego Family Camping provides a fun-filled, educational escape perfect for families seeking quality time in nature. Come prepared for desert discoveries, memorable bonding moments, and the simple joy of sleeping under the stars.

Mount Laguna Trail Fest 2024
2024-10-18 08:00 - 17:00 | El Prado Group Campground, 468-470 Los Huecos Road, Mt Laguna, CA, CA, 91948, United States
Mount Laguna Trail Fest is a mountain biking festival held in the Laguna Mountains near the town of Mount Laguna, in the mountains east of San Diego.

Organized by the San Diego Mountain Biking Association, the festival features vendor booths, educational programs, and organized rides on the many trails the area has to offer.

The event centers around El Prado Campground, which is part of the Mount Laguna Recreation Area and managed by the National Forest Service.

For more information on the event, visit the San Diego Mountain Biking Association’s website for the event.

For more information on visiting the Mount Laguna area, check out our guide to Mount Laguna Adventure. Laguna Campground is right next to El Prado and a great place to camp for the event.

Bishop Craggin Classic 2024
2024-10-18 - 2024-10-20 | Bishop, Bishop, United States
The Bishop Craggin’ Classic is an American Alpine Club rock climbing event held annually in the Easter Sierra town of Bishop, California. It is part of the AAC’s Craggin Classic Series, which brings climbers together at world-class climbing destinations in the United States.

The events gather the climbing community to celebrate, learn, and develop new skills and give back to the crag. The event was started a decade ago by local climbers looking to clean up the Buttermilks, a popular bouldering area, and afterward drink some beers with friends.

World Surf League Championships
2024-09-06 - 2024-09-14 | Trestles Surf Break
The World Surf League Championships is the annual pro surf tour finale and in 2023 will be held at Lower Trestles, the famous Southern California surf break in San Clemente.
The World Surf League, which organizes the event, is the governing body for professional surfers. The championship series are held at iconic surf locations worldwide, such as Pipeline in Hawaii, Teahupo’o in Tahiti, and Jeffreys Bay in South Africa. Surfers accumulate points based on their performance in each event, and at the end of the season, the male and female surfers with the most points are crowned the WSL World Champions.

Reel Rock 18 - Outdoor Film Festival 2024 - Southern California
2024-03-22 08:00 - 17:00
The Reel Rock Film Festival is a celebrated annual event, known for showcasing some of the best and newest films in the climbing and adventure sports world. The festival offers a unique experience for climbing enthusiasts, outdoor adventure lovers, and those passionate about filmmaking and storytelling.
The Reel Rock World Tour visits two cities in Southern California this year. Here are the planned stops:

San Diego, CA
Venue: Asylum Climbing Gym
Date: February 24, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Get Tickets
Santa Rosa, CA
Host: B-Rad Foundation
Venue: Summerfield Cinemas
Date: March 22, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Get Tickets
