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Phoenix's South Mountain Park Hosts CBS Survivor 50 Challenge, Drawing Over 1,000 Fans
The City of Phoenix proudly welcomed CBS’s Survivor 50 Challenge to South Mountain Park and Preserve on Monday, February 16, transforming one of the nation’s largest municipal parks into a celebration of adventure, community and television history.
The Survivor 50 Challenge is taking place in one iconic location in each of the 50 states to celebrate the show’s milestone season, and Phoenix was selected as Arizona’s destination. Fans received cryptic clues 24 hours before the event, guiding them to South Mountain and ultimately the Judith Tunell Trail, a scenic and ADA-accessible route offering stunning desert views and an inclusive experience for all participants. The selection of this trail reflected the City of Phoenix’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, could participate in the event.
More than 1,000 fans showed up for the challenge, lining up as early as 5 a.m. to find and take photos with the iconic Survivor Immunity Idol and enter for a chance to win an unforgettable prize: a trip to the live finale of Survivor’s 50th season. To add to the excitement, fans enjoyed appearances by Survivor legend and season 27 winner Tyson Apostol, Jerome “Rome” Cooney from Survivor 47, and Survivor 47 alum and season 50 contestant Genevieve Mushaluk, making the event an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
“I am thrilled to welcome Survivor to a cherished Phoenix landmark, South Mountain Park,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “The park is a key part of Phoenix’s community, history, and shared identity, and by Survivor choosing to showcase it, fans and participants alike get to experience our desert beauty and see how our sense of adventure matches that of Survivor,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.
“South Mountain is a cherished treasure in District 8, and having it featured in a national event like the Survivor 50 Challenge is an incredible honor. This event brought together locals and fans from across the country, showcasing not only the beauty of our preserves but the sense of community that makes Phoenix special,” said Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington.
“South Mountain Park and Preserve is an iconic Phoenix landmark, and hosting Survivor here is a dream come true for fans and for our city. This event showcased not only the natural beauty of our preserves but our dedication to making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone,” said Phoenix Parks and Recreation Interim Director Marty Whitfield.
The Survivor 50 Challenge at South Mountain Park and Preserve was an event that united fans, highlighted Phoenix’s breathtaking landscapes, and reinforced the City’s leadership in accessibility, outdoor recreation, and fun.
Learn More
For more information about the Survivor 50 Challenge, visit Survivor50Challenge.com.
Learn about the City of Phoenix’s commitment to accessibility at Phoenix.gov/accessiblephx.
Learn about outdoor recreation and hiking trails in Phoenix at Phoenix.gov/parks.
