10 Gorgeous Running Trails That Will Make You Want To Lace Up Your Shoes

Sunshine Canyon Trail in Boulder, Colorado 

Boulder, Colorado is up there with Eugene, Oregon as being one of America’s top running destinations (the former is home to Nike and the legacy of iconic track star Steve Prefontaine, and the latter is the altitude-training capital of America and the backdrop to [easyazon_link identifier=”0762773987″ locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]Running With The Buffalos[/easyazon_link]). The beautiful Sunshine Canyon Trail in Boulder branches down the ridge from Red Rock running trail to Settler’s park, with beautiful views of Mt. Sanitas and Sunshine Canyon along the way. Enter at Centennial Trailhead and prepare to connect to other trails if you’re looking to get in more milage (Sunshine Canyon Trail itself is only 1.3 miles, but there are numerous half-mile our-and-back add ons available, which makes it a great area to do some picturesque repeat sprints).

The Monon Trail in Indianapolis, Indiana   

McQueen’s Island Historic Trail (aka “Rails to Trails”) in Savannah, Georgia 

• McKenzie River Trail in Eugene, Oregon 
• The McKenzie River Trail in Eugene, Oregon follows a curvaceous 27 miles of river-front old growth forest in Track Town USA. “The route includes smooth single-track trails, log bridges, hairpin turns, and steep climbs and descents as it traverses over former lava fields, under fallen trees, and past hot springs and blue pools,” quoth Runner’s World: “[McKenzie River] trail’s diverse beauty is a big reason the early September McKenzie River Trail Run 50-K sells out quickly, and why this has also been hailed the number-one mountain biking trail in the country.”

• Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
• The Kalalau Trail is a destination-runner’s dream, serving as the only land access point to the Na Pali Coast of Kauai (arguably the most popular hiking destination in all of Hawaii). The trail begins at Ha’ena State Park and spans 11 miles of native vegetation as it traverses clifftops with ocean views, the iconic Hanakapi’ai Beach, and several magnificent waterfalls before terminating at Kalalau Beach– a lovely spot for a picnic with views that are worth the trip.

Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles, California 

Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hiking destinations in all of Los Angeles, with three major loops through the Santa Monica Mountains in the middle of Hollywood. The primary loop is a pleasant 3.5 miles that rises 970 feet over the course of the climb, which boasts 360-degree views of the Hollywood Sign, Downtown LA, and houses nestled in the hills of Mulholland Drive (it’s also particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset). Enter at 2000 N Fuller Ave and prepare to see an amazing collection of tiny dogs, chaparral, and wildflowers– a little oasis of wilderness in the middle of a bustling Hollywood neighborhood.

Dale Ball Trails in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Dale Ball Trail Network encapsulates 24 miles of hiking, biking, and running trails covered in fragrant Southwest vegetation– including juniper, pinion pine, and mountain cedar. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just a short drive from downtown Santa Fe, the trails are maintained by the Sante Fe Department on Parks and Recreation, and there are various loops (ranging from easy/beginner to advanced/steep terrain) whose maps are available for download online.

The Greenbelt in Austin, Texas 

The beloved Barton Creek Greenbelt spans 12.78 miles of what are considered some of the best hiking trails in Texas– and certainly the best and most scenic in Austin. From the arboreal splendor of Zilker Park to the outdoor rock climbing hub at the Seismic Wall, runners are sure to feel safe and secure on this open-air trail (which has enough shade to block the Texas heat, but is not so secluded as to make women or single adults feel insecure). There are several rural trails outside of Austin, but this one is right in the city, and so enjoys the benefits of regular upkeep and landscaping– manicured footing with a delightfully rural feel.

The East Potomac Park Loop in Washington, D.C. 

Most runners from outside the D.C. area know East Potomac Park Loop as the area where the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler takes place, but more recently the area is recognizable as the backdrop to numerous anti-Trump protests and other political happenings. With beautiful views of The Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, and D.C. gorgeous spring cherry blossoms, there’s a lot more meditative calm to this lake-wrapping loop than its political context would lead one to believe. Long a favorite for both runners and cyclists, the East Potomac Park Loop is particularly beautiful in early May to late June, before the real summer heat kicks in.