SoCal Trail Running

When one day isn't enough, backpacking is the answer. Multiple days and nights in the wilderness. The more remote and fewer humans the better. Complete solitude. It doesn't get any better than that.

What started as an unexpected snowstorm changing my trail running plans for a day has turned into an obsession. I love trekking in the snow. Treks in utter silence where no human has stepped for days. It's a spiritual experience.

Some of my best trail running experiences have been outside the United States. What better way to truly experience a country than to be immersed in its wilderness.

Occasionally, I get to do some great trail runs and other adventures outside of Southern CA. Anytime I travel for work, I use it as an excuse to find new trail. Here are some of my favorites.

Not in Southern CA, but unquestionably one of the ultimate runs for any trail runner. Back and forth across the Grand Canyon in one day. Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim. 44-48 miles (depending on route), over 11,000' of total elevation gain, and an unforgettable experience.

With a little bit of trail running, hiking, and snow trekking combined, Cactus to Clouds is in a category by itself. Almost 11,000' of total elevation gain from just above sea level in Palm Springs to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto. Sand to snow, desert to alpine, cactus to clouds.

Sometimes a good hike is perfect when I'm recovering from an injury, or have friends and family with me that don't trail run, or when I just want a more relaxed pace. These hikes are some of my favorites.

San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, and San Antonio (Baldy) all in 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days, or 24 hours. I've done the 3 week version several times, the 3 day version a couple of times, and finally completed the 24 hour version!

When it's time for some real elevation gain, technical single-track, and a bit of altitude, I head out of town for some mountain trail running. These trails all have 3,000' or more of elevation gain and reach 5,600' elevation or higher.

The Santa Monica area has become my home away from home (literally). Fortunately, I live near a number of excellent trailheads. Trails starting from the Temescal Gateway area are good for anywhere form 3 to 70 miles with plenty of elevation gain.

Though it's great to get up to the mountains for trail runs, reality dictates that the majority of my runs are closer to home. Here are some of my regular spots in and around the OC, good for up to about 20 miles and 3000' feet of elevation gain.