Are you ready to embark on a running adventure like no other? Look no further than California, a paradise for runners seeking breathtaking landscapes, diverse terrain, and endless running opportunities. Lace up your shoes, breathe in the ocean breeze, and immerse yourself in the running wonderland of the Golden State.
When To Run in California
California’s temperate climate makes it a haven for year-round running. Whether you’re drawn to the sunny beaches of Southern California or the crisp mountain air of the Sierra Nevada, there’s a perfect running season for every region. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, creating a vibrant backdrop for your runs. Summer brings warmer weather, inviting you to explore coastal trails and seek shade in the majestic redwood forests. And when winter arrives, head to the mountains where snowy peaks provide a stunning backdrop for your winter running escapades. No matter the time of year, California welcomes you with open arms and perfect running conditions.
The Must-Run Spots in California
California boasts an abundance of must-run spots that will take your breath away. Start your journey in San Francisco, where the iconic Golden Gate Bridge awaits your stride. Traverse the coastal trails of the Marin Headlands and lose yourself in the majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. For an enchanting trail running experience, venture to Yosemite National Park, where granite cliffs, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls create a runner’s paradise.
And if you crave the thrill of the desert, Death Valley National Park beckons with its otherworldly landscapes and unique challenges. These are just a glimpse of the remarkable running destinations that await you in California.
Run Travel Events in California – 2023
California running Holidays
June
Aspire Adventure Running – Lost Coast Trail – June 7 – 11, 2023 [WAITLIST]
3 days, 60 miles, the rugged Northern California coast. Enjoy one of the world’s premier wilderness beach treks as you chart a course between land and sea. From rugged and stunning beaches and sublime ocean vistas to spectacular sunsets and wildlife, this multi-day supported trip is something else.
Aspire Adventure Running – Yosemite Backcountry – June 13 – 17, 2023 | June 20 – 24, 2023 | June 27 – July 1st, 2023
4 days, 100 miles, and a Yosemite adventure you’ll never forget. Escape the swarming crowds and lose yourself (not literally) in Yosemite’s backcountry. Run by immense towers of glacially cut granite, mountain meadows, peaks, and alpine lakes on 100 miles of trails. This run will take you to the limits as you summit El Capitan, North Dome, and Clouds Rest, traverse the Tuolumne 10 Lakes Basin, and run alongside the Merced.
July
Aspire Adventure Running – Yosemite Backcountry – July 4 – 8, 2023 | July 11 – 15, 2023 | July 18 – 22, 2023
September
Runcation – Yosemite + Mammoth Lakes California Trail Running Vacation – September 14 – 17, 2023
California was made for runners, and this run adventure through Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes highlights some of the Golden State’s best running. Enjoy this long weekend in California’s Sierra Nevadas as you trail run through Yosemite’s high country, the high-desert landscape and sagebrush-lined trails at the foot of snow-capped peaks.
Running Across the US
California is just the beginning of the endless running adventures that await you in the United States. From the rugged mountains of Colorado to the scenic coastlines of Oregon, and from upstate New York to the trails of Arizona, the entire country is a playground for runners. If you’re seeking more exhilarating running retreats, camps, or holidays, our expert guides on run travel have curated a collection of the most extraordinary experiences across various states.
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and diverse running landscapes that the United States has to offer, and let your running journey transcend boundaries.
More About Running In California
Here are our recent stories about running experiences in California.