Make-A-Wish Inland Empire Trailblaze Challenge
March 6 @ 8:00 am - March 8 @ 5:00 pm
Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire (OCIE) announced the Trailblaze Challenge, the chapter’s signature endurance fundraising event, will officially return March 6–8, 2026, for the first time since before the pandemic. The nonprofit is inviting the community to blaze a trail for local children facing critical illnesses by participating in the reimagined experience.
The Trailblaze Challenge has long inspired a devoted following of hikers, fitness enthusiasts, corporate teams, and families wanting to make a difference. Make-A-Wish OCIE is bringing the beloved event back in an elevated format—more immersive, more meaningful, and more inspiring than ever.
The Challenge will feature an 18-mile, one-day guided hike through the breathtaking landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Participants will embark on a journey of resilience, courage, and community – one that mirrors the emotional terrain Make-A-Wish kids face every day.
The reimagined Trailblaze Challenge experience includes:
• An 18-mile guided hike through Joshua Tree National Park with trained hike leaders
• A weekend basecamp at AutoCamp Joshua Tree with luxurious Airstream accommodations
• A welcome dinner, post-hike campfire and stargazing, and a celebratory Trail 2 Table brunch
• A comprehensive training program, fundraising support, and community meet-ups leading up to event weekend
• Participation opportunities for individuals, corporate teams, and local fitness clubs
• Special mission moments featuring wish kids and families
Each participant commits to raising funds that directly support life-changing wishes for children across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Currently, more than 400 local children are waiting for their wish to be granted by Make-A-Wish OCIE.
“Trailblaze Challenge is about more than endurance—it’s about hope and heart,” said Anne Grey, CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. “When people challenge themselves, they echo the bravery of our wish kids, and we’re thrilled to bring our community together again for such an inspiring purpose.”
In addition to individual hikers, Make-A-Wish OCIE is launching the Corporate Trailblaze Challenge, sponsored by Justworks, which invites companies to engage employees, promote wellness, and compete for the coveted title of Corporate Trailblaze Champion.
To learn more, attend an information session, or register for the 2026 Trailblaze Challenge, visit //wish.org/ocie/trailblaze-challenge-0. For general information about Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, visit //wish.org/ocie.
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 the 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 615,000 wishes nationwide.
The organization can be found on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
and LinkedIn at @makeawishocie.
