How to Trail Run in Colorado

Trail running is a wonderful sport not only because you can get such a great workout, but also because you get to see the best the outdoors has to offer. One of the best places to trail run is in Colorado, a state with incredible vistas and a fantastic diversity of trails. Whether you're a newcomer to the sport of a seasoned pro, just one trail run in Colorado will make you fall in love with the landscape. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Map
• Water
• Trail sneakers
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock

Trail Run in Colorado

1. Choose your location. There are hundreds of different places to trail run in Colorado, and unless you're going to tour the state, you'll want to find one near you! Consult a brochure or a visit the one of Colorado's tourism websites (see Resources below).
2. Determine the length of the trail you wish to run. This is important from both an endurance and a practical standpoint. If you can't run or hike an 11-mile trail, you might want to find a shorter trail. Also, if you are not interested in spending several hours on the trails, a shorter route is also a good choice.
3. Check the difficulty level of the trail before you head to it. Some trails are relatively flat and ideal for newer runners, while some are far steeper.
4. Choose a trail near Denver. The Denver area has on of the largest collections of trails for running of the entire state. Red Rocks is a popular choice, as is the Green Mountain Loop.
5. Wear sunglasses, particularly on a trail like Green Mountain Loop which lacks vegetation. The sun can become pretty intense. Shadier trails exist. Sourdough Trail is one of the most popular ones.
6. Challenge yourself on the Mount Galbraith Loop. This is a trail that is particularly popular with experienced trail runners. The first mile and a half is a very difficult incline. The remainder of the trail (less than 3 miles) is a varied and challenging trip.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear sunscreen! Believe it or not, more people forget this tip more than any other. If you are going to be out in the hot sun all day or more, adequate skin protection is key, especially when you trail run in Colorado.
• Avoid trail running alone unless you know the area well and have experience with the local flora and fauna. Going on a trail run through unknown terrain can have very dangerous repercussions.

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