September 11-16, 2026
September 18-23, 2026
September 10-15, 2027
Over six days, you’ll experience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada trail running – from Mammoth Lake’s volcanic, river-carved trails to the alpine hidden gems of the Yosemite High Country.
We start amid the ancient volcanic terrain of Mammoth Lakes, home to the Paiute and Mono peoples, before ascending to Yosemite’s high country alpine terrain.
Each day brings new challenges: glacier-carved canyon trails, exposed granite traverses with endless views, pristine river-side paths, high-altitude, ancient forest routes beneath the towering shadow of Half Dome, and volcanic formations creating a lunar-like landscape. Our routes mix famous trails with hidden gems, including sections only accessible to those willing to earn them on foot.
But it’s not just about the running – you’ll soak in natural hot springs, learn about the geological forces that shaped these mountains and the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands for millennia, taste local Sierra cuisine, and perhaps spot black bears foraging in meadows or mule deer at dawn.
Note: The trip takes place between 8,000 and 12,000 ft at altitude.
Trip details and itinerary are subject to change. Final routes and accommodations will be confirmed closer to departure dates.
We’ll gather at the Reno-Tahoe International airport and waste no time hitting the road to make the scenic 3hr drive south to Mammoth Lakes, CA. As we wind our way out from Nevada’s high desert landscape, you’ll get your first glimpse of the breathtaking, jagged peaks of the High Sierra that await us. We’ll stop for lunch along the way before arriving at our modern and cozy mountain hotel to get settled. In the afternoon, we’ll head out for a shakeout run on one of the most popular and famous trails in Mammoth Lakes – a gentle introduction to running at altitude. After a hot shower and settling into your room, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner, and brief you on the exciting days ahead.
Today’s run offers a mix of service roads and flowy single-track trail through pine forests that offers sweeping views of high alpine peaks, a few creek crossings, one waterfall, and about eight (yes eight) lakes and ponds that you’ll run past along the way – and maybe stop for a refreshing dip! Your run ends right at a mountain lodge where you’ll enjoy a delicious hot meal. In the afternoon, you’ll have some downtime at the lodge and then have the option to rejuvenate in an natural hot spring nearby.
Today’s run will be your introduction to the Yosemite High Country! First things first, we will eat a hearty breakfast in Mammoth, check out of the hotel and drive 30 minutes up the road to meet our private National Park chauffeurs. Our first full day in the Yosemite High Country doesn’t just entail an epic run – be prepared for alpine lake dips and panoramic vistas. This trail is a small fraction of the 2,500-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail and follows the Tuolumne River through lodgepole pine forests, meadows, and over granite plateaus before dropping beneath a couple of waterfalls. Stop to admire the falls before continuing on to your final destination – Tuolumne Meadows. After the run, we’ll enjoy picnic lunches at a peaceful section of the river where more cold plunges are to be had!
Today will be a romp around a June Lake local favorite which starts with a punchy but short climb (a good primer for tomorrow’s run) through a mosaic of sagebrush, Juniper trees, and Aspen groves before opening up into runnable single track above June Lake. Enjoy the stunning views of the peaks that surround June Lake before descending back down. The afternoon consists of some downtime to enjoy the resort’s recovery amenities, a visit to the local brewery, and an excursion to Convict Lake for a 2-hour pontoon boat ride and dinner at a local restaurant in Mammoth Lakes.
Today’s grand finale is a summit day and one you don’t want to miss. After an early breakfast, we’ll head back into Yosemite National Park for our final run in the High Country – Cloud’s Rest. The views from the top of this mountain are arguably the best anywhere in the park with Half Dome and Yosemite Valley before you and 360 degrees of Yosemite’s high country lakes, domes, and peaks. With 3,000 ft of climbing at altitude, you’ll have to work hard for the reward but don’t worry, you’ll have all day to complete this route.
The run finishes right at a picnic site along the shores of a high alpine lake – the perfect end to a challenging yet rewarding day!
Chances are that you’ll be ready for a day off by this point, but anyone who wants to sneak in a few quiet morning miles on the road will be able to do so. After a big farewell brunch we’ll pack up and wave goodbye to the Sierra Nevada before heading back up north.
We’ll drop you off back at the airport or somewhere in Mammoth Lakes or Reno for those who want to extend their adventure even longer!
From the soaring peaks of the Northern Alps to the cultural treasures of the Kamakura coast, let’s take a look at a few of the areas of Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes that are ideal for trail running.
Trail running in Yosemite Valley offers an experience unlike anywhere else on earth. Here, beneath 3,000-foot granite walls and thundering waterfalls, a network of pine-shaded trails provides the perfect introduction to Sierra running.
What makes the Valley so special for runners is the juxtaposition of accessibility and raw wilderness. Within moments of setting out, you’re immersed in landscapes that defined American conservation, yet the valley floor’s gentle terrain makes these routes approachable for runners of all abilities.
The Valley Floor Loop delivers 7-13 miles (depending on chosen sections) of perfectly graded running beneath El Capitan and Half Dome, with minimal elevation change and countless spots to pause and gaze upward at climbers tackling the world’s most famous rock faces.
Notable Trails & Routes:
These valley runs balance accessibility with authentic wilderness immersion, creating perfect morning sessions before the day’s crowds arrive and ideal acclimatization for the high country adventures to come.
When summer warmth opens Yosemite’s high country, runners discover a landscape that perfectly balances challenge and reward. At 8,600 feet, Tuolumne Meadows serves as the gateway to a vast alpine wonderland where pristine lakes, flowering meadows and granite domes create a runner’s paradise far removed from the valley crowds.
The high country offers Yosemite’s most technically rewarding running terrain. Here, perfectly graded single-track trails traverse granite slabs, cross crystal-clear streams and connect a network of emerald lakes, all beneath an endless Sierra sky.
Notable Trails & Routes:
What sets the high country apart is the solitude – even in peak season, just a mile from trailheads you’ll often find yourself alone with the mountains, running paths where each turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista.
When runners think of California’s Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes inevitably tops the list. This volcanic wonderland offers some of the most diverse trail running in the West, where crystal lakes, pumice-covered slopes and soaring peaks create a unique playground for mountain athletes.
Unlike Yosemite’s solid granite, Mammoth’s volcanic history shapes a more varied running experience, with soft pumice trails, technical rocky sections and smooth riverside paths often featuring within a single run.
The Lakes Basin region stands out as Mammoth’s crown jewel, where a spectacular network of interconnected trails links alpine waters nestled beneath 11,000-foot peaks. With Mammoth’s extensive system of gondolas and shuttles, runners can access high-elevation starting points that maximize views while minimizing grueling climbs.
Notable Trails & Routes:
What makes Mammoth truly special is its microclimate – sitting at 7,800 feet on the eastern side of the Sierra, it receives over 300 days of sunshine annually. When coastal cities are shrouded in fog, Mammoth typically basks in perfect running weather, with cool mornings, warm days and dramatically lower humidity than sea-level destinations.
The opportunity to run amongst the world’s largest living things adds a magical dimension to Sierra trail running. In Mariposa Grove and the lesser-visited Tuolumne and Merced Groves, runners find a landscape from another time – where 2,000-year-old giants create cathedral-like spaces filled with dappled light and profound silence.
These grove trails offer a completely different running experience from Yosemite’s exposed granite routes. Here, soft needle-covered paths cushion your footfalls as you navigate a terrain of massive trunks, where a single living thing can be wider than many trail segments.
Notable Trails & Routes:
The grove trails are perfect for recovery days between more challenging mountain routes. Their moderate grades, predictable surfaces and consistent shade create ideal conditions for easy miles, while the majesty of trees that were seedlings when the Roman Empire was at its height provides a humbling perspective that is uniquely Californian
The Sierra Nevada mountains offer North America’s most spectacular trail running experience. This Mammoth Lakes & Yosemite running tour takes you through stunning landscapes where ancient forests meet granite monoliths amid breathtaking mountain scenery.
California’s Sierra Nevada, renowned for its perfect combination of accessibility and wilderness, combines the allure of iconic landscapes with world-class trails and cuisine that will make you fall in love with the region. From winding, pumice trails beneath towers of columnar basalt to challenging, alpine terrain, this adventure showcases America’s mountain playground through a runner’s perspective.
Your trip includes expert Rogue Expeditions leaders and local guides who know these trails intimately, all ground transportation (including airport transfers from Fresno), 5 nights of carefully selected accommodations, 5-6 guided runs with full support, all meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, trail snacks and water during runs, hot springs experiences, all park entrance fees and permits, luggage transfers between accommodations, and Rogue Expeditions merchandise. Simply put: once you arrive, we take care of everything so you can focus on the trails.
Flights to and from Reno, Nevada are not included. Additionally, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, personal purchases/souvenirs, guide gratuities, and personal running gear are not covered in the trip cost.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and emergency evacuation coverage.
This trip accommodates a range of running abilities, but participants should be comfortable running/hiking 5-15 miles per day on varied terrain with elevation gains of 500-3,000 feet. Most days feature 7-10 miles of running with significant climbing. While we’ll hike the steepest sections, you should be comfortable trail running for at least 2-3 hours daily at elevation (8,000-10,000 feet). We offer preparation suggestions and optional 12-week training plans to registered participants.
We’ve carefully selected a handful of boutique, rustic mountain lodges that showcase the best of Sierra hospitality across the Mammoth Lakes and June Lake area.
In Mammoth Lakes, we enjoy a contemporary mountain resort with hot tubs and excellent recovery amenities. In June Lake, our rustic mountain lodge is tucked beneath alpine peaks, offering a quiet and cozy place to unwind.
All accommodations feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and authentic Sierra character. Single supplements are available for those preferring private rooms.
The Sierra Nevada offers incredibly diverse terrain. You’ll experience smooth, single-track paths, technical granite slabs and steps, soft forest duff trails, and volcanic pumice trails in Mammoth. Some sections involve moderate scrambling over rocky terrain, water crossings, and exposed ridgelines.
Elevations range from approximately 8,000 feet in Mammoth Lakes to over 10,000 feet in the Yosemite high country, with significant daily elevation changes. This diversity is what makes the Sierra special for trail runners—every day brings new challenges and terrain.
When not on the trails, we’ll enjoy natural hot springs, wildlife viewing opportunities, sight-seeing and naturalist talks, cold plunges in alpine lakes, sunset photography sessions at iconic viewpoints, and relaxation time at our accommodations. Optional activities include gentle yoga sessions, swimming in alpine lakes, kayaking and paddle-boarding on June Lake, stargazing in some of California’s darkest skies, and stop-ins at visitors centers.
Evenings typically feature hearty, mountain dinners with your preferred beverage choice and plenty of time for sharing stories from the day’s adventures.
Summer and early fall in the Sierra Nevada (June-September) typically feature warm, sunny days and cool nights—ideal running conditions. Daytime temperatures usually range from 60-75°F (15-24°C) at higher elevations. Morning temperatures can drop to 40-50°F (4-10°C), especially in the high country, making layered clothing essential. While the Sierra is known for its sunshine (over 300 clear days annually), afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer, especially at higher elevations. The region’s low humidity and cool mornings create perfect conditions for running.
Sierra Nevada cuisine combines farm-to-table California influences with hearty mountain traditions. Breakfasts feature locally-roasted coffee, fresh fruit, homemade granola, and protein-rich options to fuel your runs.
On-trail snacks include local nuts, dried fruits, energy bars, and homemade treats. Lunch ranges from gourmet picnics at scenic spots to casual meals at historic mountain lodges.
Dinners showcase seasonal ingredients from California’s Central Valley, locally-raised meat, fresh mountain trout, and vegetarian options inspired by the region’s diverse cultures. We accommodate all dietary restrictions and preferences.
We’ve done our best to create a cancellation policy that balances flexibility with our advance costs. For detailed information on cancellations, transfers, and refunds, please review our full Booking Terms & Conditions. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover potential cancellations.
Golden State Guiding & Cirque Running operates under permit on the Inyo National Forest. Permit is pending for this event.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.
To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provided in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (a) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (b) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (c) email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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