The city of Phoenix welcomed CBS’s Survivor 50 Challenge to South Mountain Park and Preserve on Monday, Feb. 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, which premiers Wednesday night, and South Mountain Park was selected as Arizona’s destination.

“I am thrilled to welcome Survivor to a cherished Phoenix landmark, South Mountain Park,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stated in a news release. “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.”

Fans lined up as early as 5 a.m. to find a Survivor Immunity Idol on South Mountain's Judith Tunell Trail.

(Courtesy city of Phoenix)

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.

“This event showcased not only the natural beauty of our preserves but our dedication to making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone,” stated Phoenix Parks and Recreation Interim Director Marty Whitfield in the news release.

Fans taking photos with a Survivor Immunity Idol.

(Courtesy city of Phoenix)

More than 1,000 fans showed up for the challenge, lining up as early as 5 a.m. to find and take photos with an 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.

“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,” Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington stated in the news release. “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.”

Editor’s note: The above was republished from a city of Phoenix news release.