Lace up your boots -- SBFC's Hike-a-Thon is back!

From September 19–29, hit the trail for a cause. The Hike-a-Thon is your chance to support the next generation of wilderness stewards by fundraising for SBFC’s growing Youth Wilderness Program. This year, we expanded from 18 to over 50 youth participants, but we had more than 100 eager applicants from across Idaho and Montana. With your help, we can grow to serve even more youth in 2026.

Sign up, set a hiking or running goal, and ask friends and family to contribute in support of your goal. Every step helps bring more young people into the wilderness for transformative, hands-on experiences!

  • Step 1: Create your personal fundraising page. We suggest crafting a personal message about WHY you are participating— something that is unique to you and your hike.

    Step 2: Share your fundraising page with your family/friends and ask for their support!

    Step 3: Hike! Run! Walk! Get out there and enjoy!

  • Wherever you want! The hiking portion is self-directed, so that SBFC supporters across the country can participate! You choose when (September 19-29), where, and how far to hike (or run, walk, whatever!).

  • Absolutely! Feel free to create a team or family/friend group to hike and raise funds together or separately.

  • No! Participating in the Hike-a-Thon is totally free! If you would like to support the event, you could donate towards yourself, commit to matching your donors’ pledges, or support another participant!

    Once you’ve raised $35+, we’ll send you some Hike-a-Thon swag!

  • Hike-a-Thon supports SBFC’s Youth Wilderness Program!

    Now in its second year, SBFC’s Youth Wilderness Program is growing rapidly to meet strong demand. In 2025, we’ve tripled the number of expeditions offered and will serve 50 youth through immersive, multi-day backcountry experiences in the Idaho & Montana Wilderness. Over 100 youth applied, demonstrating a clear need and desire for programs like this. Funds raised during this year’s Hike-a-Thon will help us expand even further in 2026, reaching more youth with transformative wilderness experiences.

    This program is a cornerstone of our commitment to cultivating the next generation of Wilderness stewards. Youth participants gain a deep appreciation for public lands through hands-on trail work, experiential learning, and backcountry recreation. They learn how to travel, live, and work safely in Wilderness, while building confidence, leadership skills, and connections to the natural world.

    We’re proud to remove the barriers that often prevent youth from accessing public lands. Our program is offered at no cost to participants, and we provide all the food, gear, local transportation, and leadership necessary for a safe and meaningful expedition.