California
California Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in California for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 407 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in California below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
Apple City 5k at Pinto Lake County Park in Watsonville features a 5k on gentle park trails and a kids 1k around the soccer fields.
The 33rd annual Phil Widener Empire Open is a 3.4 miles PA/USATF cross country race at Spring Lake Regional Park featuring rugged trails and a $1500 prize purse.
Course preview at Rancho Simi Park in Simi Valley with marked looped routes, aid stations each loop, and options from 5k to half marathon.
A 5k loop through Crissy Field and Fort Point Promenade in San Francisco for DSE’s 60th anniversary, with live, virtual, and self-timer options.
September 2026
Trail races in Pine Valley, California on September 5, 2026 offering 50 kilometer and 15 kilometer options. Both races have fixed cutoffs, marked trails with frequent ribbons, staffed aid stations, and specific rules for pacers, crews, and drop bags.
Community 5K and 1 mile fun run in Tahoe Vista on 09/05/2026, free registration listed, parking included, proceeds support Friends of the Park.
A memorial stair climb in San Diego honoring the 403 emergency responders of 9/11 while raising funds for FirefighterAid at 1 Park Blvd.
A community trail running event on September 5, 2026 in Butte Meadows California with multiple distances supporting trail maintenance and local volunteer organizations.
Cross country invitational on September 5, 2026 at John Glenn High School, co hosted by Cerritos and John Glenn, with in person and virtual open races.
Monthly Richmond meetups offering a community hike plus an optional trail-run option, organized by FIERCE Advocates with Moving Forward and Richmond Run Club.
A one-day cross country meet in Santa Clarita on September 5, 2026 featuring a 4K open race for runners 19 and older with a $15 entry fee.
A 3-mile community race at University Regional Park near the Scary Dairy with chip timing; proceeds benefit the high school cross country program.
Trail races at Mammoth Bar OHV Area in Auburn State Recreation Area on September 6, 2026. Options include a 13.1 mile half marathon and a 6.2 mile 10K, each with notable elevation gain and staffed aid stations.
Experience the natural scenery of Mount Diablo State Park through a variety of trail races. Runners can select distances ranging from 4 miles to a 50K with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Community 5K, 10K, and Kids Mile at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach raising funds for 17 Strong and the Central Coast Athletics Foundation.
The 61st Mt Baldy Run to the Top on September 7, 2026 is a fundraising mountain trail race in the Angeles National Forest covering about 7 miles with 4,000 feet of ascent to the 10,064 foot summit, with proceeds aiding local services.
A point-to-point trail run around Emerald Bay of about 7 miles (approximately 11 to 12 km). The single-track course includes granite steps and moderate climbs and finishes at Lester Beach with shuttle service back to the start.
A weekend trail running festival at Mendocino Woodlands Park with 10K, half marathon and timed six and twelve hour formats on a 6 mile loop through ancient redwoods.
A chip-timed one-mile uphill trail race to the top of Pincushion Mountain in Friant, CA, with awards and finisher items. A Mountain Goat edition allows multiple timed ascents within a four-hour window and includes special awards.