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Where to Run in the US? Top 10 Trails in the United States: A Trail Runner’s Guide to America

Writer: Nick ButterNick Butter
Mar 125 min read

The United States is a dream destination for trail runners, offering an incredible variety of landscapes, from rugged mountains and dense forests to vast deserts and coastal trails. Whether you’re training for an ultra-marathon, looking for running retreats, or simply seeking a weekend running escape, America has something for every level of runner.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best trail running destinations in the US, highlighting top locations for adventure running trips, trail running vacations, and marathon training retreats.


 


Top 10 Trail Running Destinations in the US


Silhouetted crowd walking before a large LED American flag display. Patriotic theme, vibrant red, white, and blue colors. Busy urban setting. Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays

Two hikers in bright gear descend a rocky, snowy mountain slope, with distant peaks under a blue sky.


1. Trail Running in the United States - The Grand Canyon (Arizona) – The Rim-to-Rim Challenge


• Distance: 21-24 miles one way

• Elevation Gain: ~5,000 feet

• Why Run Here? One of the most iconic trails in the US, the Rim-to-Rim route offers breathtaking views, technical terrain, and an unforgettable adventure running trip.

• Best For: Experienced runners looking for a challenge.

• Atmosphere: Remote and rugged, with stunning canyon views.

Pro Tip: For a true endurance test, attempt the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R), a brutal 48-mile round trip across the canyon and back.

Runner in colorful gear on a rocky trail at the Grand Canyon, under a cloudy sky. Vivid reds and oranges dominate the rugged landscape. Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays


2. The Appalachian Trail (Various States) – A Historic Running Adventure


• Distance: Up to 2,200 miles (choose your section)

• Elevation Gain: Varies by region

• Why Run Here? The Appalachian Trail is a legendary long-distance route offering everything from gentle rolling hills to steep mountain climbs.

• Best For: Trail running training and endurance-focused runners.

• Atmosphere: Lush forests, mountain ridges, and historic sites.

Recommended Section: The Virginia Triple Crown (Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs) for a 37-mile out-and-back adventure.

Hiking Appalachian Trail Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays


3. The Pacific Crest Trail (California, Oregon, Washington) – A West Coast Classic

• Distance: 2,650 miles (choose your section)

• Elevation Gain: Varies by location

• Why Run Here? This legendary trail runs from Mexico to Canada, offering diverse landscapes from desert terrain to alpine wilderness.

• Best For: Runners seeking a multi-day running travel experience.

• Atmosphere: Epic mountain views, deep forests, and remote wilderness.

Best Running Section: The John Muir Trail in California offers some of the most scenic high-altitude running in the country.

Hiker with a backpack and poles silhouetted against the sunrise in a mountainous landscape. Snowy peaks and a clear sky create a serene mood. Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays


 
Trail running retreats worldwide. Destinations include French Alps, Uganda, Iceland, Mongolia, Dolomites, Tonga, Santiago, Scotland, Cornwall. Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays
Run Weekends - Trail Running Retreat Holidays, Guided Running Escapes
 


4. Zion National Park (Utah) – A Trail Running Paradise

• Distance: Various trails, including The Narrows (16 miles) and Angels Landing (5.4 miles)

• Elevation Gain: Varies by trail

• Why Run Here? Zion’s stunning sandstone cliffs and canyons provide one of the most picturesque settings for running in nature.

• Best For: Those looking for scenic trail running escapes for adventure lovers.

• Atmosphere: Dramatic cliffs, slot canyons, and desert landscapes.

Must-Run Route: The West Rim Trail (14 miles) offers breathtaking views and fewer crowds.

Majestic canyon with red rock cliffs, snowy patches, and a winding road. Blue sky with clouds enhances the dramatic landscape. Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays


5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) – High-Altitude Trail Running

• Distance: Various trails, including the Longs Peak Keyhole Route (14 miles)

• Elevation Gain: Up to 5,000 feet

• Why Run Here? This park is perfect for high-altitude training and is a top destination for trail running Europe-style routes in the US.

• Best For: Marathon training in scenic locations and altitude adaptation.

• Atmosphere: Alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife encounters.

Serene lake with rocky foreground, surrounded by pine trees, reflecting rugged orange mountains under a blue sky at sunset. Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays


6. The Smoky Mountains (Tennessee & North Carolina)  – A Trail Runner’s Hidden Gem

• Distance: Multiple trails, including the Alum Cave Trail (11 miles round trip)

• Elevation Gain: ~3,000 feet

• Why Run Here? One of the best running holidays for beginners, the Great Smoky Mountains offer gentle yet rewarding trails.

• Best For: Weekend running escapes and wellness retreats for runners.

• Atmosphere: Misty peaks, dense forests, and waterfalls.

Sunset over rolling mountains with a vibrant orange sky. Foreground features lush green trees atop hills, creating a tranquil scene. Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays



7. Sedona (Arizona) – Red Rock Running Retreats

• Distance: Various trails, including Cathedral Rock (3 miles) and Devil’s Bridge (4.2 miles)

• Elevation Gain: Varies

• Why Run Here? Sedona’s red rock formations create a surreal backdrop for trail running and yoga retreats.

• Best For: Running vacations for solo travelers and guided running tours.

• Atmosphere: Mystical energy, scenic beauty, and spiritual vibes.

Pro Tip: Check out Sedona Running Company for guided trail running experiences.


Red rock formations under a blue sky with clouds, lush greenery, and a flowing river in the foreground create a serene landscape. Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays Sedona Arizona


 
Trail running retreats image grid with location names in yellow on scenic backgrounds (mountains, beaches). Central text: "Trail Running Holidays." Trail Running, Run Weekends, Trail Holidays
Run Weekends - Trail Running Retreat Holidays, Guided Running Escapes
 



8. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington) – Alpine Running at Its Finest

• Distance: Wonderland Trail (93 miles)

• Elevation Gain: ~23,000 feet

• Why Run Here? A bucket-list trail running escape for adventure lovers, circling the iconic Mount Rainier.

• Best For: Endurance trail runners seeking a challenge.

• Atmosphere: Glaciers, wildflower meadows, and alpine terrain.

Group of hikers walking on a trail towards a snow-capped mountain, surrounded by green trees and grass under a clear blue sky. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington) – Alpine Running at Its Finest Trail Running Holidays Run Weekends



9. The White Mountains (New Hampshire) – East Coast Mountain Running

• Distance: Presidential Traverse (23 miles)

• Elevation Gain: ~9,000 feet

• Why Run Here? One of the toughest but most rewarding runs on the East Coast.

• Best For: Experienced trail runners and adventure running trips.

• Atmosphere: Rugged peaks, technical terrain, and unpredictable weather.

The White Mountains (New Hampshire) – East Coast Mountain Running A winding road cuts through lush green forests under a bright sky with distant mountains in view, creating a serene, natural landscape. Trail Running Vacation Run Weekends UK


10. The Tahoe Rim Trail (California/Nevada) – A 165-Mile Wonderland

• Distance: 165 miles (can be run in sections)

• Elevation Gain: ~24,000 feet

• Why Run Here? Stunning lake views and forested trails make it one of the best running retreats in North America.

• Best For: Those looking for long-distance trail running Europe-style routes in the US.

• Atmosphere: Crystal-clear lake views, pine forests, and rolling terrain.

The Tahoe Rim Trail (California/Nevada) – A 165-Mile Wonderland Four hikers with backpacks trek on a lush green mountain trail with snow-capped peaks and a clear blue sky in the background. Run Weekends Trail Runnings


Trail Running in the United States


Where to Stay: Running Retreats & Guided Tours

If you’re looking for organized running getaways, there are several running retreats and guided running tours that cater to different skill levels. Here are a few to check out:

• Run Weekends (www.runweekends.com) – Specializing in weekend running escapes all over the world.



How to Train for a Running Retreat

If you’re planning a running holiday or trail running escape, proper training is essential. Here’s how to prepare:

  1. Train on Similar Terrain – If your retreat involves mountain running, practice on hilly trails.

  2. Strength and Mobility Work – Core stability and leg strength are crucial for technical terrain.

  3. Increase Mileage Gradually – Avoid injuries by building endurance slowly.

  4. Acclimate to Elevation – If heading to high-altitude locations, train at altitude beforehand.

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Final Thoughts: Where to Go for a Running Holiday in the US?

Whether you’re looking for the best weekend running getaways, marathon training in scenic locations, or guided running tours, the US has an endless array of options. From the rugged mountains of Colorado to the mystical landscapes of Sedona, there’s a trail running adventure for everyone.


For a curated running experience, check out Run Weekends (www.runweekends.com), offering expertly planned running holidays for beginners and seasoned trail runners alike.

Where will your next run take you?



 
Trail running retreats in 15 locations like Australia, Japan, and Patagonia. Bold text reads "Trail Running Holidays" on a purple background. Trail Running Retreat Holidays Run Weekends
Run Weekends - Trail Running Retreat Holidays, Guided Running Escapes
 

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