Best Trail Running Trips in the World: Top 10 Destinations for Runners

What Are Trail Running Trips? 

Trail running is an outdoor adventure on hills or mountains with rugged terrains and unpaved trails. It often involves considerable ascents or descents. While it may seem much like cross-country running, it is quite different regarding gear and logistics. The terrain, weather, and facilities are not as predictable on trail running trips as when you do cross-country running on the road. Running on unpaved terrain requires stamina, focus, and skill. As a sport, trail running gained legitimacy with the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) in 2013. Since then, this sport has continued to gain popularity across nations such as the United States of America, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, etc.

What Makes a Great Trail Running Destination?

For a destination to be a great trail running trip destination, there are a few things it should offer:

• Scenic and Trail Diversity: It should offer a variety of landscape views, such as mountains, lakes, forests, etc., so that running is especially rewarding. There should also be a variety of trails in terms of length, difficulty level, ascent, descent, etc.

• Trail Quality & Maintenance: The trails should be suited to running and well-maintained, with proper signage, marked trails, and no overgrown foliage. 

• Accessibility: It must also be accessible with basic amenities close to trailheads, such as parking, restrooms, water, and basic meals and snacks. 

• Local Culture & Accessibility:

• Safety: The authorities should provide handy instructions on safety (wildlife, weather, emergency services contacts). 

• Ecological Preservation: A great destination must also follow the Leave No Trace policy to ensure ecological preservation.

• Local Culture: The local culture and events are a rather immersive and fulfilling part of trail running. A trip that includes traversing places that help you experience the local essence is great. 

Top 10 Trail Running Trips Around the World

1. Torres del Paine

2. Dolomites

3. Yosemite

4. Colorado

5. Lagunas Atlas Loop Trail

6. Timberline Trail

7. Tour du Mont Blanc

8. Queenstown

9. Isla de La Palma

10. The Otter Trail

Torres del Paine

• Country: Chile

• Location: Patagonia region, southern Chile

• Distance: Varies depending on the trail

• Elevation: Varies depending on the trail

• Best time to visit: November to March

• Overview: The park is located in the Patagonia region of southern Chile. So, the areas that the running trails pass through are relatively untouched. The backdrop with snow-covered peaks, lakes, and granite towers will entice you as you run through.

• Trail Highlights:

  • This trail running destination offers rugged terrain. 

  • The various landscapes, including tall mountains, turquoise blue lakes, and magnificent glaciers, make it a striking visual delight. 

  • The most loved trails are the Ultra Fiord 2018 (107.9 miles/173.8km, followed by Camping Francés - Camping Los Cuernos (45.9 miles/7.4 km)

  • Ultra Fiord 2018 is said to be the most difficult of the trails in this park, with a (19399-feet) 5,913-meter ascent. 

  • The park hosts a unique race called Ultra Paine, which is held annually in late September or early October, just before summer, when the snow is melting. It attracts thousands of runners from across the globe.

Dolomites

• Country: Italy

• Location: Northeastern Italy

• Distance: Varies depending on the trail

• Elevation: Varies depending on the trail

• Best time to visit: Late June to mid-September

  • Overview: The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the best running trails in the world. They offer a unique blend of challenge and beauty, which trail runners always appreciate. 

  • Trail Highlights: 

    • World War I soldiers created most running trails in the Dolomites. But they've been very well-marked, cared for, and preserved since. This is also why the Dolomites have such a vast network of trails.

    • There are a variety of trails that are great for beginners and those who love an extreme challenge. 

    • These trails connect refugios (making rest during the run easy and accessible) to towns and countries. 

    • Depending on your skill level, you can choose from some of the best running trails in the world: Alta Via 1, Alta Via 2, Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit, Cinque Torri Loop, Seceda Ridgeline to Col Raiser, Cima Rosetta Summit Circuit, and more. 

    • The transition from green, thick valleys to tall limestone peaks makes for a physical challenge as well a visual delight.

Yosemite National Park

• Country: United States of America

• Location: California

• Distance: Varies depending on the trail

• Elevation: Varies depending on the trail

• Best time to visit: May through September; though the park is open throughout the year

• Overview: Yosemite National Park is predominantly a valley landscape, characterized by its waterfalls, tall granite cliffs, lush meadows, larger-than-life sequoias, glaciers, and abundant wilderness. The nearly 1,200-sq-mile (3108 sq km) park is a great running trail trip destination, along with a haven for hikers and climbers.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The park offers several trails to suit different levels of skill and difficulty. 

  • Yosemite is a delight when it comes to scenic landscapes and remote locations. 

  • You can choose from the Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop, North Dome & Indian Arch, Sentinel Dome, Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Four Mile Trail, Clouds Rest, and more. 

  • As you embark on any of its several well-marked running trails, you witness captivating sites such as Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome in the high Sierra region.

  • Almost 95% of the park is wilderness, making it an immersive experience for trail runners.

  • If you're lucky, you might also spot black bears, deer, racoons, white-headed woodpeckers, eagles, and a number of other birds and high-altitude animals.

Colorado

• Country: United States of America

• Location: Western United States of America

• Distance: Varies depending on the trail

• Elevation: Varies depending on the trail

• Best time to visit: Late April through October

• Overview: Colorado is one of the favorite trail running destinations in the world, thanks to its vast grid of well-curated and marked trails. If you love a high-altitude run on rugged terrain, you will keep coming back to Colorado. This state has options for all levels of trail runners among scenery that's not easy to forget.

• Trail Highlights: 

  • You will have ample choices among trail routes across the following fronts in Colorado: Front Range (near Denver/Boulder/Colorado Springs), Central Rockies, Southwest Colorado (San Juans), and Western Slope.

  • Given the vast range of trails across different mountains and terrains, there is something for each skill level, from easy runs to extreme adventure. 

  • In cities such as Boulder and Aspen, hubs for athletic activity, you will likely find a strong trail runner community. 

  • Colorado also hosts one of the most challenging ultra-trail races in the world, the Hardrock 100. It takes place in July through thirteen major passes ranging from 12,000 feet (3657 meters) to 13,000 feet (3962 meters).

Lagunas Atlas Loop Trail

• Country: Chile

• Location: Patagonia

• Distance: 13.6 miles (22km)

• Elevation: 3,937 feet (1,200 meters)

• Best time to visit: October through April

• Overview: The trail is considered challenging and takes 6-10 hours to complete. The scenery, replete with thick jungles, mountains, and lagoons, makes the challenge rather rewarding. 

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The trail is very well-kept and marked with rebar poles for easy running. 

  • You will start your trail running journey from the Los West Winds Campground.

  • Once the ascent begins, the trail gains as much as 850m (2,800 ft) within a little more than 4 miles (7 km). 

  • You can end the run at one of the two points: 

    • Camino La Pepa, the less popular one with a slightly shorter hike than the other. 

    • You end between Camping Westwinds and the headquarters of the park

  • As you ascend, you will be rewarded with captivating views of mountains, lush jungles, and lagoons, especially the  Chacabuco Valley and the Jeinimeni mountains. 

  • The running trail does not have thick vegetation, so it is recommended that you use sun protection and stay hydrated. 

Timberline Trail

• Country: United States of America

• Location: Oregon

• Distance: 42 miles (67 km) approx.

• Elevation: 3,100 meters (10,000 feet) approx.

• Best time to visit: Late June through October

• Overview: This trail circles Mount Hood and ascends to an exhilarating elevation through varied terrain and accessible paths through forests. After a challenging climb, you will be sure to be rewarded with captivating views. 

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The trail is famed for the Timberline Lodge, which was featured as the Overlook Hotel in the iconic movie The Shining. 

  • You can go trail running on this loop counterclockwise if you prefer easier terrain and navigation and steeper climbs earlier on, or clockwise if you prefer a more forgiving start and manageable climbs later, allowing you to run faster in the early miles. 

  • It offers a variety of terrain, from rocky land to forest, a river (White River), a series of falls (Heather Canyon Falls), and a creek (Clark Creek), making it a perfect candidate for trail running races. 

Tour du Mont Blanc

• Country: France

• Location: Chamonix

• Distance: 103 miles (170 km) approx.

• Elevation: 32,800 feet (10,000 meters) approx.

• Best time to visit: June through September

• Overview: The trail offers some of the most amazing views of the highest mountain in Western Europe. Its rugged terrain and substantial elevation gain make it a thrilling challenge as you traverse through France, Italy, and Switzerland. 

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The trail is notorious for sharp ascents and sudden, steep descents. But that is what makes it so popular among adventure enthusiasts. 

  • Since 2003, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) has been attracting the best trail runners worldwide to Chamonix. 

  • This trail, the holy grail of trail running, is home to a thriving community of seasoned and amateur trail runners. 

  • You will also find stores specializing in trail running gear, information, and guides. 

  • Apart from the UMTB, you will find several trail running races taking place here throughout the year. 

Queenstown

• Country: New Zealand

• Location: Queenstown-Lakes District, Otago region

• Distance: Varies depending on the trail

• Elevation: Varies depending on the trail

• Best time to visit: March, April, October

• Overview: Queensland is New Zealand’s much-famed adventure capital and home to breathtaking natural landscapes. It offers trails that are an interesting mix of coastal lines and mountainous paths. Apart from some of the best running trails, the destination hosts adventure activities such as mountain biking, paragliding, and rafting. 

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The vast network of running trails offers several. 

  • There are a variety of trails in Queenstown that cater to trail runners of all skill levels. 

    • Easy: Queenstown Gardens Loop, Moke Loop Track, Kelvin Heights Peninsula Loop, Arawata Bridle Track, etc. 

    • Moderate: Moonlight Track from Arthur’s Point, Jack’s Point Track, Queenstown to Sunshine Bay, etc.

    • Hard: Queenstown Hill Walkway, Fernhill Loop via One Mile Track, etc. 

Isla de La Palma

• Country: Spain

• Location: Canary Islands

• Distance: Varies depending on the trail

• Elevation: Varies depending on the trail

• Best time to visit: March through May; September through November

• Overview: One of the Canary Islands of Spain, Isla de La Palma is home to unique volcanic landscapes, forests, and cliffs spanning across 273 sq mi (708 sq km) and an over 620-mile (1000-km) network of running trails. 

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The running field is as diverse as crossing beaches, lava fields, and forests all in a day before you reach the summit Roque de los Muchachos, that’s over 7900 feet (2400 m). 

  • The hardest challenges include the Volcano Trail via GR 131 / E7, Roque de los Muchachos—Pico de la Nieve, Mirador de Cumbrecita—Pico Bejenado, Refugio El Pilar—Montaña de la Barquita—Pico Birigoyoo, etc.

  • There are also easy to moderate trails such as PR LP 51 Cubo de la Galga - Somada Alta Lookout Point, La Cumbrecita – Lomo de las Chozas, Cascada de Colores, Pico de La Sabina - Pico de la Nieve - PR LP 3, etc. 

  • Isla de La Palma also hosts one of Spain’s most popular and one of the world's toughest mountain-ultramarathons annually. 

The Otter Trail

• Country: South Africa

• Location: Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park

• Distance: 26 miles (42 km) approx. one way

• Elevation: 8,530 ft (2,600 m) approx. 

• Best time to visit: November through March

• Overview: This rugged African trail takes you through the coastline of the Indian ocean, forests, and rivers. Since the trail strictly implements the Otter Green Principle, what you get is pristine natural beauty all around you. 

• Trail Highlights: 

  • The Otter Africa trail is the oldest in South Africa. 

  • It is also called the Grail of Trail. 

  • While it is not one of the hardest trails to run, this 5-day run does pose a difficult challenge. 

  • The trail runs through thick indigenous forests, beaches on the East Coast, and rivers that require wading.

  • To preserve the natural beauty of this ecological zone, only 12 runners are allowed on the trail each day. This warrants bookings and no ad hoc showing up. 

How to Prepare for a Trail Running Trip

• Physical Conditioning: It is imperative to build endurance over time. Go for regular long runs, elevation workouts, and strength training. Also, consider practicing on varied terrain. 

• Trail Running Gear Checklist: Well-broken-in trail shoes with strong grip are an absolute essential. Carry light, moisture-wicking clothing. Layer your outerwear. Also pack sun protection, a first aid kit, and a headlamp.

• Altitude & Weather Adaptation: Acclimatization is necessary, especially for high-elevation trails. Before the trail run, take a day to rest and acclimate to the elevation and weather. 

• Nutrition & Hydration: Carry at least one 2L water bottle, electrolyte tablets, and a hydration system. Pack energy-dense snacks like nuts, gels, and bars for the trail. Eat light before the run.

• Navigational Tools & Safety Gear: Learn basic navigation and carry a GPS watch, map, and compass. Bring trekking poles if needed. Also, pack a whistle, emergency blanket, multi-tool, locator beacon, and power bank for emergencies.

Why AdventureTripr is the Best Choice for Running Trips?

AdventureTripr experts, with decades of experience in the best trail running destinations in the world, curate immersive experiences for you. We always have your back, from itineraries to advice, logistics, and affordable prices. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: Do I need special shoes for trail running?

Answer 1: Trail running requires special trail shoes for better grip, stability, and foot protection on varied terrain. 

Question 2: Is it a good idea to do trail running alone?

Answer 2: Trail running alone is possible, but running with a group is recommended for better safety. If you plan to run alone, take extra precautions, such as informing someone about your run and keeping an emergency kit, including a power bank. 

Question 3: What’s the best way to navigate trails?

Answer 3: The best ways to navigate are a GPS watch or a smartphone app (like AllTrails or Gaia GPS). (Always download offline maps.) If you know how to use a map and compass, go for it. Also, learn some basic trail marker recognition.