Trail Running in Colorado
Colorado has 35 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. That is the 5th-highest event count for trail running of any state. Most of the calendar falls in the warmer months: 26 of 35 races (74%) take place between May and September, with July (9 events) the busiest month. No single city dominates the calendar. Steamboat Springs leads with 3 races, followed by Colorado Springs (2), Durango (2), and Buena Vista (2). The remaining 74% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Trail-running races by month in Colorado
Jul (9) · Aug (6) · Oct (6) · Sep (5) · Jun (4) · May (2) · Feb (1) · Mar (1) · Dec (1)
Showing 24 of 35
Trail Running
Beas Knees Citizens' Race and National High School Trail Championships
July 25, 2026
Salida, CO
Trail Running
Mountain Marmot Trail Run presented by Durango Running Company
September 26, 2026
Durango, CO
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.