Trail Running in California
California has 38 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. That is the 4th-highest event count for trail running of any state. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in August, October, and November, quietest in January, May, and June. No single city dominates the calendar. Orange leads with 2 races, followed by San Diego (2), Shaver Lake (2), and Oakland (2). The remaining 79% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Trail-running races by month in California
Nov (7) · Aug (6) · Oct (5) · Sep (4) · Apr (3) · Jul (3) · Jan (2) · Feb (2) · Mar (2) · Dec (2) · May (1) · Jun (1)
Showing 24 of 38
Trail Running
Ely Mountain Trail Race
Shaver Lake, CA
Trail Running
Ely Mountain Trail Race
August 4, 2026
Shaver Lake, CA
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.