California
California Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in California for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 400 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in California below and join the trail community at these great events!
October 2026
A trail race at Almaden Quicksilver County Park with distances from 5K to 50K. Courses are out-and-back, marked with colored ribbons, include aid stations and toilets, and the longer races reach Bald Mountain and Mt. Umunhum.
A stair-climbing event in Central Park, Santa Clarita on October 10, 2026 to raise awareness for rare diseases; registration fee $20 and donations accepted.
Orienteering at Rancho Cuyamaca State Park with beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses, two start locations, a 1:7500 map, and a two and a half hour time limit.
Trail races in Nevada City on October 11, 2026 offering a half marathon, 10K and 5K over mixed terrain with proceeds supporting Mines to Pines trail development.
Experience a fast downhill course through Lassen National Forest on a historic railroad trail featuring wooden bridges and tunnels. This event offers distances from a 10K to a 50K and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
PA-USATF cross-country races at China Camp State Park on Oct 11, 2026, with a roughly 4.25 mile rolling single track course and three race divisions.
Insomnia is a night trail race in the Sierra Nevada foothills offering 35K, 14K and 5K options. Courses are marked with reflective ribbons and headlamps are required; the 35K has a 5 hour 30 minute overall cutoff.
Ruff Run California on 10/17/2026 in Phelan, CA presents a 20 acre obstacle course for people and their dogs with over 20 obstacles, 4K and 1K options, and an after party with music, games and vendors.
Multiple race options from a 5k to a 100 mile event on the Cahuilla Indian Reservation in Anza, CA, plus timed 6, 12, and 24 hour races and on site camping.
Charity trail event in Cool, CA offering 5k, 10k and a trail half marathon with proceeds supporting Georgetown Divide youth programs and Camp Taylor scholarships.
Trail festival at Piedras Pintadas Trailhead in San Diego offering races from a 1 mile kids run to a 50K, plus a Run Bike Run trail duathlon.
Trail running at Vasquez Rocks Natural Park in Aqua Dulce, CA with 13.9 mile, 15K, 10K and 5K race options on October 17, 2026.
Experience the Sierra foothills at the Springville Apple Run featuring trail routes and dirt roads. Choose between 10K and 5K runs or a 2 mile walk as part of the local Apple Festival.
Trail running at Whiskeytown on October 17, 2026 with 8.5 mi, 20.5 mi and 32.5 mi courses featuring steep singletrack, dirt roads, aid stations and a required park pass.
Trail races at Lake Sonoma on October 17–18 2026 offering 100, 50, marathon, half and relay options with significant elevation and staffed aid stations.
Trail races inside Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park offering distances from a kids run to a half marathon across singletrack, fire road climbs, and stocked aid stations.
Chip timed half marathon and 10K through the Alabama Hills with Mt Whitney views, raising funds for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation on October 17, 2026.
Trail races on Mount Diablo in Walnut Creek on October 17, 2026 offering 30K, half marathon, 10K and 5K on hilly trails with possible mud and creek crossings.
Mountain trail event on October 17, 2026 offering 50K, marathon, and half marathon options that climb to Cuyamaca Peak on single track trails, with substantial elevation change and GPX course files available.
An annual 5k cross-country race at Willow Hill Reservoir in Folsom, CA, run as two loops of rolling hills with separate women's and men's categories and age-group records.