Trail Running Calendar Colorado 2025-2026

Welcome to Colorado's premier trail running calendar for 2025-2026! Recognized as a trail runner's haven, Colorado seamlessly blends bustling urban settings with pristine mountain terrains. Whether you're a native, a newbie, or a visitor exploring the Centennial State's running trails, our calendar ensures you don't miss out on any event.

Denver, the renowned Mile High City, beckons runners with its urban-meets-nature charm. Iconic routes like the Cherry Creek Trail zigzag right through the city's pulse. Venturing south, Colorado Springs, dubbed the "Olympic City", boasts of trails skirting the monumental Garden of the Gods. Here, a run transcends the ordinary, offering an experience akin to striking gold.

For those seeking a quiet escape, Aurora presents peaceful reservoir paths, making urban detox achievable. If the allure of academic vibes mixed with nature captivates you, Fort Collins and its famous Horsetooth Reservoir trails won't disappoint. Meanwhile, Lakewood introduces runners to nature's canvas with the Red Rocks painting every run. And let's not forget Boulder, offering a diverse range of trails set against the stunning backdrop of the Flatirons.

Take on the Colorado Cold Rush Ultra in Colorado Springs on Nov 22, 2025 with 50k, half marathon or 10k on scenic Bear Creek and High Drive trails. Runners get a race shirt, BOCO beanie, personalized bib, finisher award and post race food.

December 2025

Tackle winter trails at Staunton State Park in December with 50k, 16 mile, or 8 mile options through high meadows and granite cliffs. Enjoy alpine views, stocked aid stations, shuttle access, and a unique finisher medal.

Take on the Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge in Estes Park for a grueling loop of steep single track and big views as you race to collect poker chips each lap. Limited to 30 runners, unique ascent patches reward milestone climbs and a special p..

Take on the Summit for Life in Aspen on December 6, 2025 with options to race uphill, ride the scenic gondola, or join virtually. Celebrate afterward at the Sundeck with food, live music and awards.

January 2026

Join collegiate and junior skiers for the USCSA Cross Country Ski Racing Festival in Granby, Colorado at Snow Mountain Ranch. Two days of classic and skate racing promise fast snow, college points and gear giveaways in a lively community at..

Run the Rio Frio 5k on the frozen Rio Grande in Alamosa, CO, with San Juan and Sangre de Cristo views and chip timing. Embrace the icy course with traction footwear and chase ice themed awards in this one of a kind winter race.

Tackle the Sourdough Snowshoe Race in Nederland CO on Jan 31 2026, a donation based backcountry challenge where snowshoes are required for the full route. Choose 18K or 30K and warm up at the finish with hot drinks and a warming tent.

February 2026

Circle Gothic Mountain in this scenic nordic ski tour in Crested Butte with two course options and a festive finish at Magic Meadows Yurt. Proceeds benefit Crested Butte Nordic.

Run scenic singletrack at Cheyenne Mountain State Park during the Stories Trail Runs on Feb 21 and 22, 2026. Timed six and 15 hour challenges plus 10k, half marathon and 20 mile options offer something for every trail runner.

Experience the Pine Needle Langlauf at Durango Nordic Center on Feb 21, 2026, with scenic climbs, fast descents and great snow. Celebrate the Southwest Nordic series finale with live music, a deck party, prizes, schwag and the crowning of t..

March 2026

Join the 21st Run Through Time in Salida, Colorado on March 14, 2026 for scenic high elevation trail races: marathon, half, and 2 mile. All registered runners get custom socks and proceeds benefit local trails and search and rescue.

April 2026

Race The Ranch in Granby, Colorado invites snowshoers to tackle scenic looped courses at Snow Mountain Ranch across 5k, 25k, and 50k distances. Finishers earn a custom beanie and engraved camp mug in this supported winter adventure.

The Desert Rats Trail Running Festival will take place in Fruita from Friday 10 April 2026 to Sunday 12 April 2026. You can run between 9 and 100 kilometers.

UTMB Index

Run the Ranch is a weekend trail festival at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Loveland, CO, featuring 5K, 10K and timed 4, 6 and 12 hour events plus relays and virtual options. Enjoy varied ranch terrain, on course support, meal tickets for entra..

Run scenic singletrack at the Rattler Trail Race in Palmer Park, Colorado Springs, with options from 5K to 50K that pass sandstone bluffs and offer Pikes Peak views. Technical but rewarding trails suit a range of abilities.

Hit the scenic Great Western Trail in Severance on April 18, 2026 with 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids fun run options for every level. Enjoy chip timing, finisher shirt and medal, plus post race food and beer while supporting local nonprof..

Mountain Ridge Trail Race in Highlands Ranch, Colorado on April 18, 2026 offers 5K to 21 mile routes on scenic dirt single track and bike path. Enjoy challenging climbs, friendly finish vibes and a spring trail experience for all levels.

Run the rim of the spectacular Royal Gorge in Cañon City with distances from a 5K to a 50K and a kid's mile for the whole family. Expect rugged trails, high canyon views, aid stations, and live race tracking for a spring adventure.

May 2026

Run scenic dirt trails with views of Pikes Peak at the Greenland Trail Races on May 2, 2026, featuring 50K, 25K, 8 mile and 4 mile options. All finishers get a technical shirt and medal and 50K finishers earn a commemorative buckle.

Niwot's Challenge in Sedalia on May 2, 2026 is invitation and acceptance only, not a race, testing rugged off trail navigation and self sufficiency across punishing loops with massive elevation gain. Traditional entries rely on map and comp..