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The Challenge Course at McLaren Park

Outdoor learning happens best when people step outside their comfort zones. Our Challenge Course offers just that—a chance for groups to engage in calculated risks, problem-solve in real time, and connect in fresh ways.

The image shows a group of young people wearing helmets, likely for an outdoor activity. They are sitting and looking in the same direction, suggesting they are observing something or waiting for their turn. The focus is on the group, with a few individuals clearly visible, and the background is blurred, indicating a natural environment.
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Spend the day in San Francisco like never before.

Challenge Course at McLaren Park, San Francisco

Programs are customized to fit your group’s time, size, and goals.

Group Size: 6–50 participants
Minimum Age: 12

We work with professional teams and groups, and all programs are customized to fit your group’s time, size, and goals.

Who We Work With
  • Youth Serving Partners (From 7th grade)
  • Educators
  • Professional Teams
  • Higher Educational Partners

 

CB17 FAQs

Free Community Day on the Challenge Course!

One Saturday a month, February through October, we host a free Community Day on the Challenge Course.

We built this course to bring experiential outdoor education to our San Francisco backyard. We offer scholarships to youth groups and nonprofits, and the free community day is a way for individuals to have access! A few spots are set aside for neighbors living near McLaren Park—we define this as residents of Districts 9, 10, and 11.

Every ability level is welcomed and encouraged to join in—our skilled instructors will teach you everything you need to know!

What are the 2026 dates?

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Projected 2026 Community Days (subject to change):

Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Full attendance is required.

  • Saturday, February 21
  • Saturday, March 21
  • Saturday, April 18
  • Saturday, May 16
  • Saturday, June 27
  • Saturday, July 25
  • Saturday, August 29
  • Saturday, September 26
  • Saturday, October 24

What time is the Community Day Program?

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9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Full attendance is required.

Who can join the course?

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  • Youth 12+ and adults of all ages.
  • Participants are chosen in advance via lottery and must complete online registration if chosen.
  • If you are selected in the lottery, you can sign up with up to 4 more people.

 

How can I sign up for the free community day?

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  1. Sign Up for Notifications: Join our Community Day Email List by filling out the Contact Us form and choose Sign Up For Community Day Ropes Course Registration Notification Emails.
  2. Enter the Lottery: All email subscribers will be notified when the lottery opens. The entry period lasts 48 hours, starting on the Monday 12 days before each Community Day. Each application can include 1–4 people (for example, you and up to three guests). If chosen, your entire group secures a spot.
  3. Acceptance & Registration: After the lottery closes, entrants are notified whether they have been chosen, waitlisted, or should try again next time. Groups chosen in the first round or from the waitlist have 48 hours to complete registration for all group members. Unregistered spots are re-assigned.

I live District 9, 10 or 11, how can I get early registration?

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Priority for Residents of SF Supervisorial Districts 9, 10 & 11

This course was built to serve the community near McLaren Park. Residents of Districts 9, 10 & 11 receive priority in the lottery. Use this tool to check if you live in one of these districts, and then check the box indicating that during the lottery registration process.

Where is the course located?

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The beautiful course is located in John McLaren Park, San Francisco, at the corner of Mansell St and Visitacion Ave.

What should we wear and bring?

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Dress for the weather and for movement—closed-toe shoes, layers, a packed lunch and a refillable water bottle. The most important thing you need to have is a good attitude and an adventurous spirit. 

Outward Bound provides all necessary technical equipment, as well as extra rain layers if needed.

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