The United States has some of the most beautiful trail races in the world: California canyons, Colorado summits above 4,000 m (13,000 ft), Utah ridgelines and Arizona desert. Some races are drawn by lottery months in advance, others stay open to everyone. Here are 8 trail races to target in 2027, from short formats to 100 miles.
The short answer
- The legends: Western States and Hardrock, entry by lottery only.
- At altitude: Pikes Peak (summit at 4,302 m / 14,115 ft) and Leadville (start above 3,100 m / 10,200 ft), in Colorado.
- No lottery: Pikes Peak, Broken Arrow Skyrace and Javelina Jundred are open to everyone until they sell out.
- For a first US trail race: the short Broken Arrow formats (11 to 23 km) or the Pikes Peak Ascent.
Contents
The 8 most beautiful trail races in the USA
1. Western States 100: the California legend
Western States links the Sierra Nevada mountains to Auburn, California, over 100.2 miles. It’s one of the oldest 100-mile races in the world, with its scorching canyons and the crossing of the American River. Getting in takes patience: its lottery is one of the most competitive in the world.
- Date: 26-27 June 2027
- Entry: lottery, applications from 1 to 21 November 2026, draw on 5 December 2026.
- Qualifying: finish a qualifying race within the time limit.
- Best for: experienced ultra runners willing to apply for several years.
All the details in our article on Western States 2027.
2. Hardrock 100: the wildest
Hardrock covers 101.8 miles in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. More than 10,000 m (33,000 ft) of climbing and a high point of 4,282 m (14,048 ft): it’s one of the toughest 100-milers in the world. In 2026, only 147 runners got in out of nearly 3,000 applicants.
- Date: Friday 9 July 2027
- Entry: lottery on 5 December 2026 (applications closed on 14 October 2026).
- Qualifying: a designated qualifying race and 8 hours of volunteer work.
- Best for: experienced mountain runners, very comfortable at high altitude.
Read our guide to Hardrock 100 2027 and our ultra trail lottery guide.
3. Pikes Peak Marathon: the oldest, up to 14,115 ft
Founded in 1956, the Pikes Peak Marathon calls itself the oldest continually held marathon in the United States. You start in Manitou Springs, climb to the 4,302 m (14,115 ft) summit of Pikes Peak on the Barr Trail, then come back down: 26.2 miles and about 7,800 ft of climbing. The Ascent is the climb only, 13.3 miles finishing at the summit.
- Date: 18-19 September 2027 (Ascent and Marathon)
- Entry: opens on 1 March 2027 at 5am MST, until the race sells out. No lottery and no qualifier.
- Price: Ascent from $175 (1 March rate).
- Best for: trail runners who want a real altitude challenge without a lottery.
4. Leadville Trail 100: the Race Across the Sky
The Leadville Trail 100 starts in Leadville, Colorado, above 10,200 ft. The crux is Hope Pass, at about 12,500 ft, crossed on the way out and on the way back. The course has more than 15,000 ft of climbing, a 30-hour cut-off and the big buckle for finishers under 25 hours.
- Date: Saturday 21 August 2027
- Entry: free lottery from 1 to 15 December 2026, results on 6 January 2027. Places are also available through the Leadville Series qualifying races.
- Cut-off: 30 hours.
- Best for: runners who want a high-altitude 100-miler that’s easier to enter than Hardrock.
5. The Canyons by UTMB: on the Western States course
The Canyons starts in Auburn, California, and uses sections of the Western States course: the river crossing at Rucky Chucky, Devil’s Thumb and Swinging Bridge. Four distances, from 25K to 100 miles. The top three men and women in the 100K earn a Golden Ticket for Western States.
- Date: 22-25 April 2027
- Distances: 25K (850 m climbing), 50K (1,700 m), 100K (3,750 m), 100 miles (5,550 m).
- Entry: on the race website, part of the UTMB World Series. Races earn Running Stones (1 to 4).
- Best for: trail runners who want to discover the Western States canyons without its lottery.
6. Broken Arrow Skyrace: skyrunning above Lake Tahoe
The Broken Arrow Skyrace takes place at Palisades Tahoe, a ski resort above Lake Tahoe, California. It’s a multi-day skyrunning festival with short, very steep formats: the 46K has more than 10,000 ft of climbing, and the Ascent gains over 3,100 ft in about 3 miles.
- Date: June (18-21 June in 2026)
- Distances: 11K, 18K, 23K, 46K and Ascent, plus multi-day combos.
- Entry: first come, first served, with a waitlist. In 2026, registration opened on 8 December. 2026 prices: from $99 (11K) to $199 (46K).
- Best for: all levels, from first mountain race to elite runner.
7. Speedgoat by UTMB: Utah’s ridgelines
Speedgoat takes place at Snowbird, in the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City. The 50K is famous for its brutal climbing: 3,450 m (11,300 ft) on technical terrain, with high-alpine ridgelines and wildflower meadows in summer.
- Date: 22-24 July 2027 (50K on 24 July)
- Distances: 10K (500 m climbing), 30K (2,000 m), 50K (3,450 m) and The Summit (5.6 km, 921 m).
- Entry: on the race website, part of the UTMB World Series.
- Best for: trail runners at home on steep climbs and technical terrain.
8. Javelina Jundred: 100 miles in costume in the desert
Javelina Jundred takes place in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, near Fountain Hills, Arizona, around Halloween. The loop format and the party atmosphere (costumes encouraged, best costume award) make it a good first 100-miler. The climbing stays moderate: about 6,300 ft over 100 miles.
- Date: late October (31 October and 1 November in 2026).
- Entry: opens on 1 January, no lottery, with a waitlist if it sells out. 2026 prices: $525 (100 miles), $375 (100K), $195 (31K).
- Western States: the 100-miler is a Golden Ticket race and a lottery qualifier.
- Best for: runners aiming for a first 100-miler in a unique atmosphere.
The 8 trail races compared
| Race | 2027 date | State / Distance | Main highlight | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western States | 26-27 June | California / 100 miles | The 100-mile legend | Lottery |
| Hardrock | 9 July | Colorado / 101.8 miles | 10,000+ m climbing | Lottery |
| Pikes Peak | 18-19 September | Colorado / 26.2 or 13.3 miles | 14,115 ft summit | Direct (1 March) |
| Leadville | 21 August | Colorado / 100 miles | Altitude, Hope Pass | Free lottery |
| The Canyons | 22-25 April | California / 25K to 100 miles | Western States course | Race website |
| Broken Arrow | June | California / 11K to 46K | Skyrunning above Lake Tahoe | Direct |
| Speedgoat | 22-24 July | Utah / 10K to 50K | 3,450 m climbing over 50K | Race website |
| Javelina Jundred | Late October | Arizona / 31K to 100 miles | Halloween party | Direct (1 January) |
For a first trip, target a race with direct entry such as Pikes Peak, Broken Arrow or Javelina, and enter the lotteries at the same time.
How to prepare for a trail race in the USA
- Plan for altitude. Pikes Peak, Leadville and Hardrock are run above 3,000 m (10,000 ft). Arrive several days early to acclimatise, and slow right down on the climbs.
- Train for climbing. US trail races are often very steep. Work out the elevation gain of your runs to track your progress.
- Manage the heat. Western States, The Canyons and Javelina can be scorching. Drink regularly and adjust your pace.
- Know your units. Organisers use miles and feet: 1 mile = 1.609 km, 1,000 ft = 305 m.
A plan matched to your race’s elevation
RunMotion Coach builds your trail training plan, personalised to your level, your goal and your race date, taking elevation into account. Try it free for 7 days.
FAQ
What is the toughest trail race in the USA?
Hardrock 100 is often named: 101.8 miles, more than 10,000 m (33,000 ft) of climbing and a high point of 14,048 ft.
Can I run a US trail race without a lottery?
Yes. Pikes Peak, Broken Arrow and Javelina Jundred are open to everyone until they sell out.
Which US trail race for a first 100-miler?
Javelina Jundred is a good choice: moderate climbing, a loop format and a 30-hour cut-off.
Do I need to acclimatise for Pikes Peak or Leadville?
It’s recommended. The Pikes Peak summit is at 14,115 ft and Leadville starts above 10,200 ft. Arriving a few days early helps you cope with the altitude.
Looking for more ideas? Read our world tour of the craziest ultra trails and our ultra trail training plan.
Got your US bib? Start your 7-day free trial and train with a plan matched to your race’s elevation.
Updated 28 October 2026.
