How to Trail Run in California

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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California holds an incredible amount of natural beauty. Whether you're in Lake Tahoe or the Santa Monica Mountains, there are dozens of terrific, dedicated running trails throughout the state. Several trails in California run along the Pacific Coast, offering incredible views of the ocean while you run. Follow these steps to pick the best trail for your skill level.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Trail footwear

Trail Run in California

Step1

Make an adventure of trail running in California! Many trail run enthusiasts plan trips around trail running, moving from on trail to the next up or down the state. Start in San Diego or even cross the border in Oregon.

Step2

Pick which trail you want to run based on the incline and the difficulty. Some trails, like those of the Santa Monica Mountains, can have a very rapid incline over a short distance, which is recommended at a slower pace or only by experienced runners.

Step3

Participate in sanctioned trail runs, like those held at Muir Beach. The Muir Beach trail run, usually held in December, goes the entire length of the trail, roughly 50 km. The cost to enter the race varies by the distance you choose to run. Prices range from $25 to $50.

Step4

Choose a trail that is heavily trafficked, particularly if you're unfamiliar with it. Trails with a heavy volume are often easier to run simply because more people are present. Getting lost on the trail is less of an issue. Always pick up a trail map, though, regardless of where you run.

Step5

Select the Golden Gate National Recreation Area for your trail run. It is close to San Francisco, and offers a wide range of activities in addition to just trail running. The GGNRA is also a central hub for a number of other parks, which makes it easy to pass from one trail to another without needing to drive.

Tips & Warnings

Use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat while you run some of the trails in California, especially in Southern California. The sun can be constant and intense, and protecting your skin should be a priority.
Be sure to check with any park rangers about wildlife along the trails that could pose a danger while you run. Mountain lions, rattlesnakes and other such creatures should be a concern, although the danger is usually very, very low.