One of the best parts about mountain sports is that you’re not always stuck watching from the sidelines. Unlike mainstream sports like basketball or football, there’s a real chance you’ll find yourself in the same event, and sometimes on the same start line as the pros who inspire you. That’s what gives trail running, skiing, mountain biking, and other mountain pursuits such a strong community feel. Sure, a few folks are chasing podiums. But most are there for the same reason: the love of the sport, the pull of the mountains, and the chance to see what they’re made of.

Over the years, we’ve highlighted alternative mountain pursuits like Nordic skiing and Enduro mountain biking. Another one close to our (Jaime’s) heart is trail running. Running through wild places is as old as humanity, but organized trail racing is still young-ish compared to traditional sports. This list of the best trail races in the US isn’t about lottery-only icons, elite-only vibes, or races buried under a giant corporate umbrella. These events aren’t easy. A few have even grown into full-on mountain-running festivals. But they still give recreational runners a realistic path to the start line. From steep ski-area climbs to high-alpine ridgelines and legendary mountain-town sufferfests, these are the races that deliver scenery, challenge, community, and a finish line that feels properly earned.

Best Trail Running Races in the US

Broken Arrow Skyrace – June 18^th – 21^st, 2026

Olympic Valley (Palisades Tahoe), California

If there’s one race that captures Tahoe’s rowdy, high-alpine personality, it’s Broken Arrow Skyrace at Palisades Tahoe. Built in the spirit of European skyrunning, this mountain-running festival serves up steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, snow patches, hand lines, and big views of Lake Tahoe. It’s basically everything that makes the Sierra both beautiful and humbling. Runners can choose from a stacked lineup that includes the Ascent, 11K, 18K, 23K, 46K, Iron Face Challenge, Triple Crown, Iron Crown, and kids races, giving everyone from the mountain-curious to full-send sufferfest seekers a way to get after it.

Whiteface Mountain Races – July 4^th, 2026

Wilmington, New York

Home to the 1980 Olympics, Whiteface Mountain is a beast even compared to ski resorts out West. In fact, there are only 14 other ski resorts in North America that have a bigger vertical gain. This event covers two race formats on Saturday starting with Marshak’s Mountain Race (MMR) at either ~10K or 21K with almost 8,000 vertical feet gained if you go for the 2 loops, followed by the Ascent (Vertical Climb) competition in the afternoon. We’ve seen this race dubbed #BeastCoast as it may have more vertical gain and loss per mile than any other race in the US. In the end, your lungs and legs might be burned but you’ll feel like an Olympian. All this fun is brought to you by the awesome crew of Red Newt Racing.

Audi Power of Four Trail Run – July 18^th, 2026

Aspen, Colorado

It’s named the Power of Four because this premiere endurance race embraces ALL four resorts, showcasing the topography and scenery that makes Aspen so majestic. Multiple race distances are offered across the weekend from 10K, 25K, and 50K Ultra.

The 50K Ultra event is one-third of the “Triple” crown Power of 4 race along with the following:

• Ski Mountaineering Race on February 21^st – 24 mile race consisting of 10,000 feet of vertical gain starting in Snowmass, traversing over to West Buttermilk and onto Aspen Highlands, and finishing off at the classic Ajax Mountain
• Mountain Bike Race on July 25^th – 1 or 2 loop race (each loop 25 miles; 5,000 feet of elevation gain)

A true festival in everything endurance with access to one of the classic ski-towns in the world.

Kendall Mountain Run – July 19^th, 2026

Silverton, Colorado

Silverton is home to die-hard passionate people embracing the mountain life. Managed by Aravaipa Running, the first of two races dubbed the “modern” version of the Kendall Mountain Run, may be in its 48^th year, but the original race was born from a bet during the silver boom. On Monday August 24^th, 1908, a miner named Neil McQuieg bet that he could race to the top of the 13,066 foot Kendall Mountain and back to town in less than 90 min. He lost the bet but only by a minute and forty seconds! In 1978, this “bet” was revived as the Kendall Mountain Run. While running this race, imagine a miner with boots, a beard and maybe a bit of booze, rushing up and down this mountain in only an hour and a half! A true foot race that deserves a big nod from any avid trail runner.

The Rut Mountain Runs – September 10^th – 13^th, 2026

Big Sky, Montana

The sound of an Elk bugle booming over the large crowd of racers signals the beginning of what many consider the TOUGHEST trail race in North America. The RUT! With over 11,000 vertical feet of climb over high alpine terrain, it’s covered in loose rocks and consistent rockfall danger at every step! If the 50K seems a bit too much, you can attempt several “smaller” race distances starting at the base of Big Sky. From the village, it sends camo and blaze orange colored competitors up 3,466 vertical feet covering three miles to the top of Lone Peak. Once you’re done, don’t forget to check out the one-of-a-kind first place trophy made from elk hide.

IMTUF – September 19^th – 20^th, 2026

McCall, Idaho

 

McCall earned its reputation as (former) Ski Town USA, but the town delivers way more than winter turns. In the summer, this place transforms into a paradise. Filled with mountain and lake activities, it rivals any other town in North America. One of the amazing events that happens here deep in the forest is the Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival (IMTUF).

In its 15^th year, this is the most organic race on the list. Started by Jeremy and Brandi Humphrey, the goal of this race is to provide a challenging 100 mile race. But with the caveat of bringing the running community together at the same time. As a qualifier for both Hardrock 100 and Western States 100, the course covers 20,000 vertical feet of ascents across its 100 miles. If the difficulty wasn’t enough to take your breath away, the scenery in the Salmon Mountain Range surrounding the Burgdorf Hot Springs will. Don’t worry if this competition seems a bit too daunting. Consider checking out the Legend of Bear Peak 30K or the McCall Trail Running Classic instead.

Flagstaff Sky Peaks – September 25^th-27^th, 2026

Flagstaff, Arizona

Arizona Snowbowl’s base sits at 9,200’ above sea level and is home to the Flagstaff Sky Peaks Mountain Runs. When most people picture Arizona, they don’t think of endless alpine forest, but Flagstaff flips that script for Mother Nature. Come fall, the Coconino National Forest lights up with golden aspens, giving Sky Peaks runners a high-country backdrop that feels more Colorado than desert Southwest. The singletrack trail for the 50K Ultra winds its way through:

• Ponderosa pine forests
• Aspen groves
• A climb to the top of Mount Elden
• A traverse below the San Francisco Peaks (tallest mountain range in Arizona)
• Ascent to the summit of Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort

Besides the Aspen Dream 50K Ultra, they’re also offering:

• Ring The Sky 50 Mile – A single loop around the San Francisco Peaks
• Quad Bomber 26K – A beastly climb to the top of Snowbowl and epic descent on the Arizona Trail
• Rocky Moto 10K – The toughest 10K you’ll do with a trip to 11,500 feet

Trail running just like backcountry skiing isn’t about finishing first, but rather enjoying yourself and doing your best. Happy running!

If you want to get more ideas on summer fun, get tips on what to pack for a mountain vacation, or just find some unique ski towns to vacation, check out our guide: Cool Off With Summer Fun In The Mountains