Best Trail Running Destinations

This list represents the most popular trail running in North America (learn more about Top Trails). Use this list to plan your next trail running trip. Select a state and/or activity below to find even more top trails.

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#1. Seattle's Favorite Loop - Tiger Mountain

Each New Year, Northwest ultrarunners join together for two loops on this route to take care of excess holiday eating. This tradition allows guilt-free meals all through the holidays. The route offers…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Washington"
Issaquah , WA - Trail Running - 16 miles

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#2. Griffith Park to Mount Hollywood

This delightful course is ideal for newcomers to trail running in Los Angeles. The wide, smooth fire roads are popular with walkers, runners, and equestrians. There are several water stops and rest ar…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Southern California"
Los Angeles , CA - Trail Running - 5.25 miles

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#3. Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail

Two wide canyons, Strawberry Canyon and Hamilton Gulch, run east-west from the Berkeley Hills to the campus of the University of California. You’ll have views of the Campanile and beyond to San Franci…

From the guidebook "Trail Runner's Guide: San Francisco Bay Area"
Berkeley , CA - Trail Running - 7 miles

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#4. Franklin Canyon Loop

Franklin Canyon is a wonderful treasure between Hollywood and Beverly Hills. This island of open space has lush trails with forests of eucalyptus, oak, and sycamore trees. There are ponds with ducks,…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Southern California"
Los Angeles , CA - Trail Running - 5.5 miles

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#5. Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park

Delightful plants including wild artichokes, cactus, and colorful flowers line this course in abundance. A tree-lined stream is at the bottom of Wood Canyon. Rabbits are plentiful and often dart acros…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Southern California"
Laguna Beach , CA - Trail Running - 8.5 miles

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#6. Lake to Lake Trail

Rather than just one trail, this is really a network of trails—part of my never-ending quest to travel through urban areas on trails. The Bellevue Parks Department has done a wonderful job of helping…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Washington"
Bellevue , WA - Trail Running - 19 miles

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#7. St. Edwards State Park

St. Edwards State Park offers more than 7 miles of meandering forest and waterfront trail, which can be combined to create a scenic and challenging workout. The trails traverse up and down the high ba…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Washington"
Kirkland , WA - Trail Running - 8 miles

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#8. Ray Miller Trail

If you can only run two trails in Southern California, one should be the Ray Miller Trail and the other should be the Ray Miller Trail in the opposite direction. This extraordinary course has well-mai…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Southern California"
Malibu , CA - Trail Running - 10.7 miles

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#9. Malibu Creek State Park to Paramount Ranch

Some of the higher ridges and peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains surround Malibu Creek State Park in Malibu Canyon. This run follows Malibu Creek and surrounding grass-filled meadows. The Paramount R…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Southern California"
Malibu , CA - Trail Running - 8 miles

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#10. Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion

The route starts next to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington Park, winds through Hoyt Arboretum, and then heads into Forest Park and to Pittock Mansion. City and mountain views. Bridge crossings. This…

From the guidebook "Trail Running Oregon"
Portland , OR - Trail Running - 7.2 miles

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#11. High Line Canal

Despite its considerable length, I have rated this trail as "beginner," due its nonexistent elevation changes, easy running surface, and the ability to turn around at any point to return to your car.…

From the guidebook "Run The Rockies: Classic Trail Runs in Colorado's Front Range"
Littleton , CO - Trail Running - 28.6 miles

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Published by Colorado Mountain Club Press

#12. Bridle Trails State Park

In the middle of the busy “east side” is a 482-acre, second-growth forest park crisscrossed with more than 28 miles of trail. Such a wonderful find so close to Interstate 405! The trails are well main…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Washington"
Kirkland , WA - Trail Running - 4.8 miles

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#13. El Moro Canyon

Open fields of grass and wildflowers and sagebrush-covered hills with ocean and canyon views characterize this course. The descent into the canyon follows a stream with heavy vegetation. The parking a…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Southern California"
Laguna Beach , CA - Trail Running - 9 miles

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#14. Temescal Canyon Loop

This popular trail is only 1 mile from the ocean, so you can run on the beach and in the mountains on the same visit. With easy access to the trailhead, you don’t need a lot of spare time to enjoy the…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Southern California"
Santa Monica , CA - Trail Running - 3.5 miles

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#15. Squak Mountain

Well maintained and well marked, Squak Mountain is a good intermediate trail. The close proximity to Issaquah makes it an urban wilderness that is especially good for an evening run after work. Since…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Washington"
Issaquah , WA - Trail Running - 8 miles

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#16. Crissy Field to Baker Beach

A quintessential San Francisco run, this urban trail along the bayshore and coastline of the city offers thrilling views around the bay. You’ll enjoy the San Francisco scene with runners, walkers, bic…

From the guidebook "Trail Runner's Guide: San Francisco Bay Area"
San Francisco , CA - Trail Running - 6 miles

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#17. Cougar Mountain Ring

The Cougar Mountain Ring or Grand Tour, as it has been referred to, has many variations. This route starts from the Wilderness Creek Trailhead and begins with a quick climb through a heavily forested…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Washington"
Issaquah , WA - Trail Running - 14 miles

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#18. Rancho San Antonio

The steep slopes of Black Mountain tower above Rancho San Antonio and dive into the deep ravine of Wildcat Canyon, the heart of the preserve. On this loop, you’ll feel far from the crowds and subdivis…

From the guidebook "Trail Runner's Guide: San Francisco Bay Area"
Mountain View , CA - Trail Running - 9.8 miles

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#19. Discovery Park

Many seasoned trail runners go to Discovery Park for its convenience and beauty. With 534 acres, more than 7 miles of trails, forest, saltwater beaches, a lighthouse, and spectacular views of Puget So…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Washington"
Seattle , WA - Trail Running - 8 miles

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#20. Santa Anita Canyon / Upper Winter Creek Loop

This excellent course has the excitement of waterfalls, forest, chaparral, and great views. Numerous signs along the well-maintained trail make it easy to stay on track. There are several restrooms, p…

From the guidebook "50 Trail Runs in Southern California"
Pasadena , CA - Trail Running - 8 miles

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