The final week of the challenge brings us over to Utah and the stunning landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Awaiting us is our final partner for this challenge, the Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks (FOACP). FOACP invites you to discover the beauty of both parks on foot! This week, we have challenges spanning both parks to highlight the essential work they provide in partnership with the parks in the area.

In Arches National Park, the challenge is the Double O Trail or continuing to complete the Devil's Garden loop. FOACP's work is especially important in the Devil’s Garden area, which sees more Search and Rescue calls than almost any other part of the National Park system. In Canyonlands National Park, we will be trekking on the Chesler Park Viewpoint Trail, which is a spectacular route for runners and hikers alike. With its sweeping vistas and unique rock formations, it’s a favorite for those seeking both beauty and challenge.

The Joshua Tree National Park Association is the primary nonprofit partner of the park. They support programs so all ages can enjoy and learn from this wild desert wonder. They operate four visitor centers and fund a variety of offerings, including the Desert Institute, field trips, science research, and artists-in-residence. Since 1962, they’ve been helping protect the trails, wildlife, and stories that make Joshua Tree special. Every membership, donation, or partnership keeps the adventures (and the park) going strong.

For this week's mini challenge, we offer up the Ryan Mountain Trail, 2.8 miles and 1,062ft of elevation that takes you to the summit. This out-and-back will give you rock formations, views, and a magical sunset. It's rocky with no shade and not generally advised during May to October due to the daily highs being over 100 degrees. Nighttime run week!

Yosemite Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Yosemite National Park’s resources and providing enriching visitor experiences in the park. Their philanthropic partnership with Yosemite goes back more than 100 years. The Yosemite Conservancy helps visitors connect with Yosemite through adventures, volunteering, and the arts. In addition, they fund grants for high-priority projects, including restoration, educational programs, and research.

There are so many incredible landmarks scattered throughout the park that it is easy to just stand in the valley and stare in wonder at the towering granite structures around you. But this week we will be running up some of the most iconic trails, including El Capitan and Half Dome.

Washington’s National Park Fund is an official nonprofit partner of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Park. Their organization supports critical projects in all three parks. These efforts range from tracking climate-vulnerable species like the Cascade red fox, to improving visitor education and safety, expanding access, and strengthening volunteer programs that contribute tens of thousands of hours each year. When you fundraise for WNPF your support protects biodiversity, engages communities, and ensures these parks remain vibrant, inclusive, and well-cared for now and for future generations.

With three parks...comes three choices! Which park will you visit for your virtual challenge this week? Olympic National Park — where rainforest meets rugged coastline. Mount Rainier National Park — a giant of the Pacific Northwest standing tall at 14,410 feet. North Cascades National Park — jagged peaks and turquoise lakes as far as the eye can see. Or perhaps you'll tackle all three?

The Glacier National Park Conservancy is the official nonprofit fundraising partner of Glacier National Park. The Glacier Conservancy's mission is to protect and preserve the Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder of Glacier for future generations. Their support is diverse and this year has included projects in trail accessibility improvements, youth‐led construction initiatives, and restoration of historic structures. They also back critical science and conservation work, like whitebark pine restoration, native species recovery, invasive species prevention, and collaborations with tribal nations for long‑term ecosystem resilience. 

For our park trail challenge this week look no further than Avalanche Lake. A moderate 5.9 mile out and back that will reward you with a visit to the crystal clear blue waters of Avalanche Lake. There is no shortage of amazing views (hello forests, waterfalls, and mountains) so you might be too distracted to even notice the 757ft of elevation gain. No wonder this trail is so popular. Over the next few days make sure to get out and log 5.9 miles running, walking, or hiking wherever you are. If you happen to encounter your own awe-inspiring view, send us your photo to share or tag us on social media!

Guided by a long-term strategic plan, we work directly with Grand Teton National Park each year to identify special funding needs that expand what can be accomplished with the park’s federal budget. These initiatives are focused, innovative, and impactful, and they have long-lasting benefit to the park and its visitors. These initiatives include protecting wildlife & natural resources, engaging youth in the park, preserving cultural resources, and improving visitor experiences.

This week, we are stepping up the challenge with one of the most iconic backpacking (or trail running) routes out west, the Teton Crest Trail. This 39.5-mile route in Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning scenery and challenging mountain terrain. Take on this challenge over the course of the week and try to cover the cumulative distance or elevation gain of 9,045 feet!

Since 1931, Rocky Mountain Conservancy has been the primary philanthropic partner of Rocky Mountain National Park, promoting stewardship of the park through education and philanthropy. Each year, the Conservancy commits millions of dollars to the park to fund research projects, land conservation efforts, education programs, and search and rescue in the park. Some of the Conservancy’s projects and programs that support the park include Rocky Mountain Conservancy Conservation Corps and High School Leadership Corps, Field Institute courses, and retail operations at their Nature Stores across Colorado and Wyoming.

We recommend you check out Emerald Lake, a 3.6 mile out and back hike with about 771 feet in elevation gain. Starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead (9,475 feet above sea level), you will steadily ascend through aspen groves and ponderosa pine to reach Emerald Lake. On the way up, you’ll pass the beautiful Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, till you reach the stunning alpine lake sitting at 10,111 feet with a perfect view of the Continental Divide.