Trail running is an engaging workout that can allow you to see some beautiful scenery. I was never into running for the longest time because I hated pounding my feet against the pavement on roads while getting whizzed by oncoming traffic. All I could think about was the agony I was in and how I couldn't wait to get home to be done. Also, nothing was ever-changing, due to the fact that I would run the same routes throughout the neighborhood. Then I found trail running. Almost immediately, a new love for the sport was born for me.

Running on trails is so much better for me because of a multitude of reasons. First off, it is a lot more engaging as you are interacting with rocky, uneven, and root-filled terrain that requires your constant attention. I feel that the technical aspect of trail running forces me to focus on keeping good form and technique. I try to stay light on my toes and place them with precision to avoid tripping. I love interacting with the terrain and trying to make it through rocky sections gracefully.

The next reason why I enjoy this sport is that it allows you to explore new areas in a short amount of time. I have never been much of a hiker because it would take a full day to go on a 10-15 mile hike. With Trail running, I can go out and see so much in just a couple of hours and then get to work or do something else with my day. Tahoe has such a great system of trails and there is a ton to explore. This sport is a great way to see what it has offer!

Finally, running is an amazing cardio work out and a good time for self-reflection. While I am out on the trails, I have time to be with my thoughts and hash things out. It is a simple sport as all you need is a pair of shoes and you are set to hit the trails. No need to worry about any gear failing or engine parts breaking. Simply relying on your own body to get you from point A to point B can be very rewarding. Trail running may not be for everyone, but I really enjoy it and Tahoe is an excellent place to do it!

Here are my three favorite trails to run in Truckee/Tahoe:

1.) Mt. Rose Summit to Brockway Summit 16.3 Miles:

Park at the Mt. Rose Summit parking area and head out on the Tahoe Rim Trail towards Mt. Rose. You will traverse below and contour around Tamarack Peak. Soon you come to an intersection where you can either continue to Rose (also a great run that is shorter in length) or you can take a left turn towards Relay Peak. This section of the trail is the most challenging as you are faced with a serious climb. I felt like it was never going to relent! Once upon the summit, you will be rewarded with unbelievable views of Tahoe and Truckee. Next up is my favorite part of the trail as you run above Lake Tahoe with breathtaking views for most of the way! You can leave a car up towards the Martis Peak lookout where the rim trail intersects the main fire road or if you are looking for a bit lengthier of a run, you could continue on the TRT until you hit 267.

Beautiful views of Tahoe as you run along the Tahoe Rim Trail.

2.) Barker Pass to Five Lakes parking area 14.5 miles:

Drive-up to the top of Barker Pass and park at the restroom where the PCT intersects the road. The start of this trail will feature some moderate ups and downs until you descend into the canyon below twin peaks. Next is the most challenging climb to the backside of Twin Peaks. Here you will reach an intersection where you can take a right and head over to Standford Rock or you can continue along the PCT towards Alpine Meadows. After a brief section in the woods, you will emerge out onto a ridgeline with beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and Granite Chief Wilderness. Continue along with this to Alpine Meadows and eventually descend the backside of Estelle Bowl towards Five Lakes. Don't miss the next sharp right-hand turn, which will bring you back down to Alpine Meadows road. If you do, you will be on your way to Squaw or Whiskey Creek!

Thriving flowers and views of Alpine Meadows and the lake along the PCT

3.) Sugar Bowl to Squaw 15 miles

Park just past the Sugar Bowl Ski Academy at the PCT trailhead. This run will begin with a climb up towards the top of Mount Judah. Do not go left but instead, continue along the PCT. Eventually, you will reach a ridgeline and start to make your way towards Anderson Peak. The next 5-7 miles features beautiful ridgeline running which will eventually bring you to Tinker's knob. Descend into Granite Chief Wilderness and make sure you have saved some energy for the final climb up towards the ski boundary line of Squaw Valley. Once you reach the ridge, there is only a few more miles back to the Valley floor!

Two friends run along the PCT towards Tinkers Knob

Stop in at the shop and get a fresh new pair of running shoes for the summer today!