{"id":34534,"date":"2014-11-25T07:15:01","date_gmt":"2014-11-25T12:15:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=34534"},"modified":"2022-04-19T18:44:20","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T22:44:20","slug":"best-trail-running-adventures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/best-trail-running-adventures\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Trail Running Adventures to Try Before You Die"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"14<\/p>\n

There are so many beautiful, breathtaking destinations across the world that it\u2019s nearly impossible to narrow down the very best trail runs<\/a> you need to try before you die. But hey, we\u2019re going to give it a shot anyway. We\u2019ve scoured the web, read the reviews and recommendations, and have even been on some of these ourselves in order to compile this list. From treks across the Grand Canyon (and back!), through Civil War battlefields, and along picturesque paths on the Hawaiian coast, we\u2019ve got a stack of runs that\u2019ll leave you breathless both literally and figuratively. Here are our top 14 trail running adventures you\u2019d be crazy not to try (listed alphabetically by state).<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> The Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Trail Running Destinations<\/h3>\n
\"Grand
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (to Rim)<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Grand Canyon, AZ
\nDistance:<\/b> 24 miles Rim to Rim, 48 miles Rim to Rim to Rim
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> Late April-early May, late October-early November
\nThey say you haven\u2019t really seen the Grand Canyon until you\u2019ve been below the rim. Running the fabled Rim to Rim trail is the perfect way to get a one-day overview of the dizzying heights, monstrous rock formations, and endless displays of sedimentary rock walls. Start at the South Kaibab (7,200 feet above sea level) trail and set off to your first pit stop: the Phantom Ranch Cantina on the Colorado River, where you can load up on food and water (even a beer if you want). Then finish the last 14 miles up the North Kaibab (8,200 feet above sea level). If you don\u2019t want to worry about the logistics of driving back<\/a> to the South Rim, you can always double back and cross the Rim to Rim to Rim run off your bucket list.<\/p>\n

\"Long
Photo: Sedona Running Company<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. <\/b>Long Canyon<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Sedona, AZ
\nDistance:<\/b> 7 miles (round trip)
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> March-May
\nSedona is known as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, but its Long Canyon shouldn\u2019t be ignored. The 7-mile round trip takes runners deep into the canyon, where the cacti fades into greener shrubs and the walls offer shade from the desert heat. After a few short, steep scrambles, they\u2019ll find themselves a ledge above that canyon\u2019s canopy that marks the turnaround point. This location is perfect for photo ops or runners can choose to continue on over the rim and to a mesa where elk and antelope occasionally gather.<\/p>\n

\"Nine
Photo: Cobber99<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. <\/b>9 Trails<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Santa Barbara, CA
\nDistance:<\/b> Up to 35 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> High season is May-August, but there\u2019s really no bad time to visit
\nAs its name suggests, Santa Barbara\u2019s 9 Trails system lets you choose your own adventure, mixing and matching the area\u2019s nine routes to adjust your distance. You\u2019ll grind up switchbacks to run up amidst the peaks and cruise through the valleys of Los Padres National Forest<\/a>. If you\u2019re up for it, choose to blast through all the trails for a 35-mile out-and-back run. A bit too intense? There are loops throughout that let you cut back and log however many miles you can handle.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> The 30 Best Marathons in the Entire World<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Dipsea-(by-Craig-Solin)\"
Photo by Craig Solin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Dipsea Trail: Muir Woods to Stinson Beach<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Marin County, CA
\nDistance:<\/b> 9.5 miles (round trip)
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> March-May, September-November
\nThe most scenic section of Marin County\u2019s famed Dipsea Trail begins at the Muir Woods trailhead, winding down through wildflower-dotted coastal hills and picturesque sights of Mount Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco Bay. Said to follow the inland Native American’s original trail to the coast, the Dipsea Trail features single-track, fire roads, a few brief paved sections, and the (in)famous corkscrew stairs before concluding at Stinson Beach.<\/p>\n

\"Leadville
Photo: Life Time<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. <\/b>Leadville 100 Run<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Leadville, CO
\nDistance:<\/b> 100 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> August 20, 2014
\nLong regarded one of the premier ultrarunning<\/a> races in the world, the Leadville 100 takes participants on a 100-mile running tour of some of the most beautiful yet difficult terrain that Colorado has to offer. With elevation ranging from 9,200 to 12,600 feet above sea level as runners cross Hope Pass<\/a>, some elevation training is recommended. There are 11 aid stations that keep racers fueled up so they can beat the 25-hour cutoff time and earn the respect of trail runners everywhere.<\/p>\n

\"Palmer<\/a>
Photo: Jessica Lamirand<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Palmer Park<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Colorado Springs, CO
\nDistance:<\/b> 25 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> March-May, September-November
\nWith easy access from Colorado Springs, Palmer Park offers distinctly Western views from its 25 miles of trails. Sandstone bluffs, cacti and the occasional equestrian can make a runner feel like he\u2019s journeyed back into a John Ford Western. The trails vary in distance and difficulty with options ideal for runners from the beginner to advanced level. Make sure your eyes stay peeled for sporadic mountain bikers and the occasional pile of horse\u2026evidence.<\/p>\n

\"Appalachian
Photo: National Parks Service<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Appalachian Trail<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Springer Moun\u00adtain, GA to Mount Katahdin, ME
\nDistance:<\/b> Up to 2,179 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> March-September
\nIf you\u2019re looking to achieve trail running immortality, it\u2019s as simple as running 2,000 miles. Thru-hiking<\/a> the Appalachian Trail is on almost every hiker\u2019s bucket list, but running it can only be attempted by the most elite (or masochistic) runners. The iconic runs along the eastern side of the United States from Georgia to Maine, giving runners an exhaustive overview of the Appalachian Mountain Range. If you\u2019re not game to jog the whole thing (and we definitely don\u2019t blame you), we\u2019d recommend the 101-mile section in Shenandoah National Park<\/a> for its ridgeline views and access to burgers and beer at Big Meadow Lodge<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Kennesaw\"
Photo: Stephen Rahn<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. <\/b>Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Kennesaw, GA
\nDistance:<\/b> 1-17 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> March-July
\nIt\u2019s not every day you get to run through a historic battlefield. The site of the Atlanta Campaign<\/a>, this park\u2019s nearly 2,965 acres present over 17 miles of trails for runners and cyclists, with lengths ranging from one to 16 miles. We recommend hitting up the visitor\u2019s center and grabbing some info on notable areas like Cheatham Hill, one of the bloodiest combat sites in Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. It\u2019s like running through time.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Hate Running? 25 Ways to Learn to Love It<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Pine<\/a>
Photo: Pine Mountain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9.<\/b> <\/b>Pine Mountain Trail<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Pine Mountain, GA
\nDistance:<\/b> 23 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> March-April
\nRunners get a passing tour of Georgia\u2019s natural beauty on this 23-mile trail in F.D. Roosevelt State Park<\/a>. Waterfalls, streams, rock outcroppings and scenic viewpoints break up the bucolic forest setting.\u00a0 Not up for a long run? No problem. Seven loops offer shorter runs, including the 6.7-mile Wolf Den Loop, which runs by waterfalls and beaver dams, and the 4.3-mile Dowdell\u2019s Knob route, which offers views of the valley below.<\/p>\n

\"Kalahu
Photo: kalahautrail.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10. Kalalau Trail<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Kauai, HI
\nDistance:<\/b> 11 miles (22 miles out and back)
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> Mid-May to early October
\nLocated on Kauai\u2019s scenic Na Pali coast<\/a>, the Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile (one way) path offering stunning panoramas of waterfalls, the Pacific Ocean, and of walled terraces that offer evidence of historic Hawaiian agriculture. Considered one of the most difficult trails on the Hawaiian islands, the hilly trail crosses over sea cliff and continues through verdant valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach, where runners can enjoy a well-earned cool-down swim in the ocean.<\/p>\n

\"Indiana
Photo: Tom Gil<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11. <\/b>Indiana Dunes<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Chesterton, IN
\nDistance:<\/b> Up to 70 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> May-September
\nUnique for its mix of rocky trails, sand dunes and views of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes offer a running experience that you won\u2019t find anywhere else. Visitors can plan out their unique routes and distances along the 70-plus miles of trails available. For a quick sweat session, try trail 10. Known as one of the more challenging trails, it incorporates grueling sand dune hill climbs and deep forest sprinting into a six-mile loop.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>50 Running Resources for Speed, Strength and Nutrition<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Dale
Photo: Paul.Colorado<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12. Dale Ball Trails<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Santa Fe, NM
\nDistance:<\/b> 22 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> September-November
\nEasily accessible from Santa Fe, the 22-mile Dale Ball Trail system offers landscapes of both the city behind and the wilderness ahead. The well-marked trails loop through the rolling hills just outside of Santa Fe, with switchbacks and steep climbs for runners to get in a quick workout. The 6.3-mile Dale Ball Central Trail has short, steep climbs, while the Dale Ball North Trail offers an easier 3.7-mile loop for those just starting out.<\/p>\n

\"McKenzie
Photo: fiveforfun<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13. <\/b>McKenzie River Trail<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Eugene, OR
\nDistance:<\/b> 26 miles (one way)
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> May through October
\nWith waterfalls, lava fields, clear lakes, and 300-year-old growth forests, Eugene\u2019s McKenzie River Trail crams a mind-blowing amount of eye candy into its 26 miles. The view can present a hazard, though: you\u2019ll need to pay attention to keep your feet in order to navigate the trail\u2019s exposed tree roots and the handmade log bridges that span the streams and rivers crossing the trail. Plus, watch out for mountain bikers, as well: Bike Magazine named it one of the best mountain biking trails in America, in case you need a post-run pedal session.<\/p>\n

\"Eagle
Photo: Michael McCarthy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

14. Eagle Rock Loop<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/b> Sisters, OR
\nDistance:<\/b> 5.6 miles
\nWhen to Go:<\/b> March-May, September-November
\nLooking for something short, but sweet? The 5.6-mile Eagle Rock Loop gives takers a view of the Three Sisters mountains, but its challenging features ensure that runners will have at least one eye on the trail. Rock hurdles, bridge crossings and Squaw Creek all serve to keep athletes on their toes (so to speak). Want to go farther? Tack on miles by running through the town of Sisters to get to the Eagle Rock Loop trailhead.<\/p>\n

Have you run any of these trails? Share your favorites in the comments below.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From gorges to mountains, sand to rock, valleys to streams, these trails have it all. Add one or all 14 of these adventures to your trail running bucket list. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":34613,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,6],"tags":[108,341,357,174,100],"class_list":["post-34534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-fitness","tag-running","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2running","tag-travel","tag-workout"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34534","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34534"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34534\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}