Looking to take your runner’s high on the road this year across North America? We can’t think of a better place for runners to explore. From the gorgeous Rocky Mountains in Alberta to the red rocks of Utah and the rugged wilderness of Alaska, there are so many amazing trails to explore.
And thankfully, there are a number of amazing running trips this year, designed to allow you to do what you love, challenge yourself in new and fun ways and see more of this truly amazing continent.
Here are our top picks for running trips across Canada and the United States that you won’t want to miss.
Zion & Bryce Running Tour
Heading out to run through one of the USA’s national parks will surely get the nod of approval from John Muir, but the four-day Zion & Bryce Running Tour allows you to run through the spectacular scenery of two of the USA’s best-loved national parks: Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park!
The retreat’s epic trails will take you through mountains, slot canyons, buttes, spire-like hoodoos, monolithic rocks, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches. The scintillating scenery will help you push through your limits, and the daily runs will be led by experienced guides and trip leaders who know the area well. The package price includes all accommodation during the tour, as well as all transport, meals (including snacks and beverages), and all park permits, licenses, and fees.
Dates: Oct 28 to Nov 1, 2024
Vancouver Island Women’s Trail Running and Wellness Retreat
From the safety of the shoreline, you may see sea lions and seals, or puffins nesting and birds of prey frolicking high overhead in the windswept trees. During our afternoon Whale Watching tour in Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a learning place for sustainable economic, social and environmental development. This biodiverse region is a critical piece of the Emerald Edge—a 100-million-acre coastal, temperate rainforest that stretches from coastal Washington, through British Columbia and into Southeast Alaska.
Each day of the Vancouver Island Train Running and Wellness Retreat presents an opportunity for you to indulge in nature's beauty, self-care and mindfulness, where you can spend your time browsing Tofino's art galleries and boutiques or watch the sun set over Long Beach, lounging by the sea with a book, or soaking in the jacuzzi, find time to the things that fill your soul and recharge your energy.
Dates: Oct 1 to Oct 7, 2024
Desert Highlights Trail Camp in Colorado
Explore trails through vast canyons, beneath towering monoliths, hidden arches and a sweeping landscape that goes on for miles on this Desert Trail Running Camp in Colorado. Over 4 days and 3 nights join local trail and ultra running coaches as we guide you through special clinics and challenging runs.The best part? The base camp is located at the best resort in the heart of Colorado wine country!
After a long weekend you will un-"wine" with a winery biking tour visiting various wineries in the area for tastings and to soak in the laid-back lifestyle of this small community. You will also have the opportunity to grab some fresh produce, honey and other items produced in the area by local farmers and ranchers.
Dates: April 11 to April 14, 2024
5-Day Running Adventure in Banff, Canada
Located near the western border of Alberta, Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park. Its name comes from Banffshire County in Scotland and was chosen by two Canadian Scotsmen who helped establish the park and railroad in the area.
Run the Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail, along the Bow Valley and up to Watridge Lake on this incredible running holiday.
Banff National Park boasts many remarkable natural features from the majestic mountains to hot springs, to large mammals like elk and wolves. With such a rich cultural history and natural beauty, it attracts visitors from all walks of life.
Dates: Multiple summer departures for 2024 and 2025
Women's River Flow Trail Running and Yoga Retreat in New Mexico
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Santa Fe on this Women's Running, Yoga and Flow Retreat.
Experience a rejuvenating retreat at the Camp, where guided trail running, hiking, meditation, and yoga blend seamlessly with moments of creative expression and relaxation. Led by expert instructors and surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, this escape offers a respite from the hectic pace of daily life.
After days filled with adventure and introspection, evenings are spent gathered around the fire pit, sharing stories and insights on finding flow in everyday life. Retreat accommodations range from luxury glamping tents to cozy cottages, providing comfort and privacy for all guests.
Dates: May 30 to June 2, 2024
Sonoran Desert Women’s Trail Running & Wellness Retreat
The Sonoran Desert extends into the northwestern Mexican states of Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur, as well as covering parts of Arizona and California. It is the hottest desert in both Mexico and the United States and will enable you to effortlessly get a sweat on as you tear along its rewarding singletrack trails.
Giant saguaro cacti line the soft, sandy trails among gently rolling hills, as each day you run for one to three hours at a relaxed and social pace. To get the most from this women's Sonoran Desert Trail Running & Wellness Retreat, you should have a base fitness level that allows you to run up to eight miles at a time on roads, and there will be tips for those new to off-road running to help adapt road running techniques for this rockier terrain. Post-run yoga classes will supercharge your recovery and have you ready for the next day’s adventure.
Dates: Nov 7 to Nov 10, 2024
Running The East Coast Trail - The Edge of North America in Canada
It's a trail with a "European" feel that's actually closer to Great Britain than it is to Vancouver. The East Coast Trail stretches over 200 miles along the Eastern edge of the island province of Newfoundland in Canada. Relatively short road walks in quaint coastal villages connect the various segments of the trail, and we hand-pick the very best segments for this trip, connecting long point-to-point stretches. The East Coast Trail, the most easterly long-distance trail on the continent, links charming fishing villages with the historic yet cosmopolitan capital city of St. John's.
Along with the scenic natural wonders along the trail, you'll enjoy charming coastal fishing villages each with their own unique character, from the colorful cottages of Quidi Vidi to one of the many active fishing villages like Petty Harbor. You'll spend your evenings in local Bed and Breakfasts along the coast, enjoying homemade dinners with a hearty breakfast each morning. You'll also spend a couple of nights in St. John's, The City of Legends, enjoying evenings out on the town and sampling native Newfoundland cuisine.
This tour is more advanced due to the extremely technical nature of much of the trail tread. There are many challenging and technical aspects of this trail. Runners must be prepared for very steep, rocky and rooty terrain. Running isn't possible on some segments of the trail and you should be prepared to do a bit of power walking. There are also numerous steps to climb and traverse. Practice climbing steps prior to the tour.
Dates: Sept 21 to Sept 27, 2024
8-Day Running Adventure in Alaska
With ample space for wildlife to thrive, species like bear, wolf, and caribou carve out their niche on the mainland. In the seas, humpback whales swim about and cheerful puffins hang around the coast. Dip your toes in chilly Alaskan waters and get hooked on this remarkable region.
Join this epic 8-Day Epic Alaska Run through Talkeetna, Denali State Park and Seward and part of the incredible and infamous Mount Marathon course.
Not to be missed.
Dates: July 27 to Aug 3, 20024, and July & Aug dates for 2025
Moab Women’s Mindful Running Retreat
Moab, in eastern Utah, is known for its dramatic red-rock scenery, and this women-only mindful running retreat will allow you to take it all in as you hit the Navajo Rocks Trail and the Dino Trail. The retreat is suited for those who are comfortable covering between 3 and 6 miles on singletrack trails and for those who are new to running or returning to running after an injury or lay-off.
The four-day Moab Mindful Running Retreat features a helpful Natural Running Form clinic, and the 75-minute stretching and lengthening yoga class designed specifically for runners will ensure your muscles are in tip-top condition for the next day. The retreat includes three nights’ accommodation at the Red Cliffs Lodge on the banks of the Colorado River, a stone’s throw from Arches National Park, and you’ll leave with a valuable set of tools for establishing a consistent, sustainable running practice.
Dates: Oct 17 to Oct 20, 2024 (Level 1) Oct 24 to Oct 27 (Level 2)
Yosemite Trail Running Tour in California
On this Yosemite Trail Running Adventure you will traverse 77 km across 5 days through some of the most amazing wilderness ever. Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Valley present some of the most magnificent terrain on the planet.
This tour navigates the most spectacular trails through this remarkable landscape. As the first federal land to be set aside for any kind of park in 1864 (Yellowstone is known to be the first national park, set aside in 1872), Yosemite is well known for it’s sheer cliffs, waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and vast wilderness areas. It is one of the most famous scenic areas in the world.
On this tour, you will leave the crowds behind to explore some of the most famous sights in the park and some of the lesser known nooks and crannies that are just as wondrous. From North Dome and El Capitan to Taft and Glacier Point, we take in all of this beauty while traversing the landscape on two feet in trail running shoes. You'll camp in lovely campsites, soak your tired legs and feet in the cool waters of the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers and enjoy tasty dinners with new running friends around a campfire. Don’t miss this spectacular tour through the wonder that is Yosemite National Park!
Dates: June 17 to June 21, 2024
Montana Women’s Trail Running + Wellness Retreat
Glacier National Park’s snow-capped peaks will inspire you to keep pushing, and the fresh mountain air filling your lungs is as sweet and pure as any you’ve breathed before. The national park sits just below the Canada-United States border, and its sublime singletrack trails meander through wildflower meadows, lodgepole pine forests, and along the shores of alpine lakes.
The four-day Montana Trail Running & Wellness Retreat includes three nights at the Lodge on Whitefish Lake and features guided mindful runs to help you achieve proper alignment and natural running techniques. The daily runs range from 5 miles to 10 miles on singletrack trails, and participants should be able to comfortably run 9 miles on roads to get the most from the experience.
Dates: Aug 22 to Aug 25, 2024
Our Final Thoughts...
So, there you have it: our top picks for running trips in North America in 2024. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself on a rugged trail run, take in the sights of snow-capped mountains, or simply relax and enjoy the feeling of the wind in your hair in the great outdoors, we've got you covered. So, lace up your shoes and get ready to explore the USA’s best running trails on foot!
If you're still not sure where to start, or if you need help planning your trip, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd be happy to help you find the perfect running trip for your needs...And if you want to see more running trips, visit us today at Activ Retreats.