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
A trail 5K and 10K at Granite Beach for runners with or without dogs, featuring shaded single-track trails, mid-course aid stations, finisher medals and dog bandanas.
A two loop 4.15 mile cross country race on the fire roads of the UC Santa Cruz campus, starting and finishing at the meadow above the fire station and included in the Pacific Association USATF Grand Prix series.
A 5k trail run at Red Rock Wilderness near Silverado, CA featuring fire roads and single track, 300 feet of climbing, one aid station, a cupless policy, and no pets allowed.
Free untimed 3 mile community trail run in Del Mar on August 26, 2026, limited to 250 participants with a throwback shirt and medal for each finisher.
A night trail run on private ranch trails in Alpine, California, under reflective course markers. Multiple loop distances are offered, headlamps are required, camping is available and aid stations will be illuminated.
NorCal Spartan Event Weekend at Mahon Ranch features a Super 10K, a Sprint 5K, kids races across two days, and spectator access in Elk Grove, California.
Trail races at Huddart Park, King's Mountain and Bear Gulch offer measured distances from a 50 yard kids dash to a 50K, with fees listed per distance and registration opening November 11, 2025.
A loop-course event at Tanri Lake in Miramonte with relay, a 10-hour individual lap race, and a 10K, plus prize awards and a Western States raffle option.
A free community run and expo in Los Angeles on August 29, 2026, featuring a 4 mile trail run, brand booths, a raffle and local vendors.
A limited-field island race on August 29, 2026 featuring a scenic half marathon and 10K circling Angel Island with ferry access and medals for half finishers.
A community run, hike and walk in San Anselmo on August 29, 2026 covering 4.75 miles up and down Bald Hill with a finish party at Imagination Park.
Free weekly 5 km community event at Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Reserve in Woodland Hills, organised by volunteers; bring a scannable barcode for a recorded time.
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 waterfront 5K through Crissy Field and Fort Point Promenade in San Francisco on August 30, 2026, with live and virtual entry options and advance registration required.
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-focused trail running event in Butte Meadows on September 5, 2026 with 5k, 12k, and 24k routes, aid stations, swag, and proceeds supporting local trail groups.