Showcasing the major peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range as well as most of the northern sections of the valley known as Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park is located 10 miles south of Yellowstone in northwestern Wyoming. Grand Teton National Park is named for the tallest mountain in the Teton Range. At 13,775 feet, Grand Teton abruptly rises more than 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole. The park includes over 200 miles of hiking trails and is world-renowned for trout fishing.
The park averages 450 inches of snow annually in the mountains. Winter temperatures are cold, ranging between 26 °F during the day to 1 °F at night. During the Summer months, the daily temperature range is 80 to 41 °F (27 and 5 °C). Temperatures above the valley in the mountains during the summer average 1 °F cooler for every 1,000 ft of altitude gained, so high altitude passes may remain snow-covered until mid-July. Thunderstorms are common during the summer, especially over the mountains.
Note: Just like Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is bear country so special safety measures must be taken when running! It is recommended to run in groups, make noise going around corners, carry bear spray, and choose trails that are well established and have good visibility (like the ones featured below).
20 miles one-way Start: Jenny Lake Visitor Center MAP
Image Source: www.austinadventures.com
Grand Teton has a lovely multi-use path, beginning at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, continuing through the community of Moose and ending in Jackson. The beginning of this paved route parallels Teton Park Road, offering beautiful views of the famous mountain peaks and providing access to the many park scenic overlooks. After crossing the Snake River, the trail closely parallels US Highway 26 as it heads southwest from Moose to Jackson under a wide open sky. As you approach Jackson, the trail passes the National Elk Refuge. Trail’s end is just a little farther south at Mercill Avenue. Depending on where you are staying and what distance you would like to run, pick up the path at any point and create your own route. If you are staying for multiple days, try different sections of the path. Because this route is highly used, this might is your safest option when trying to avoid bears or other dangerous wildlife. Note: this route is not plowed in the winter.
The Taggart Lake Trail is a relatively easy route with great views of the Tetons. It’s a favorite for many runners. The well-packed dirt surface and minimal elevation gain (400 ft.) make it a great run. From the trailhead parking lot, the first 1.5 miles are flat and lead you through an open alpine meadow to Taggart Lake. As you continue, the path gains some elevation as it enters a forested areas, with colorful aspens and evergreen trees. When you see a turn off for Valley trail, you have completed all of your elevation gain. Continue on the Taggart Lake Trail to loop around back to the start. Longer Option:Can continue further past Bradley Lake, where the trail intersects with the Valley Trail.
Away from some of the more crowded areas in Grand Teton National Park, lies a 6 mile loop around Two Ocean Lake. The path is well-packed dirt and rock with rolling terrain. As you begin, pass through a large field that offers good views of Grand Teton and Mt. Moran in the far off distance. Along the route, there are openings along the lakeshore, with great mountain views. Pass several sagebrush, grassy meadows, aspen groves, and keep an eye out for common loons, osprey, and trumpeter swans.
Just before the 3.5 mile mark, the trail reaches the South Two Ocean Lake Trail junction, which branches off to the left. Here, there is a highly recommended side trip (about 1 mile one-way climbing 635 ft) from the west end of the lake to Grand View Point, with great views of the surrounding area.
The loop continues through some dense forest. Throughout this section remember your bear safety and make noise to announce your presence. Toward the end of the run is a large meadow that arguably offers the best views of Two Ocean Lake from its southern shore. Note: This route is known for high bear activity. Make sure you are prepared!
Jenny Lake Area
There’s some good, relatively flat trail running in the Jenny Lake area, with beautiful views. Note it’s possible to run on Jenny Lake Rd. — there is a decent shoulder, often used by cyclists. Map of area.
Multi-Use Path. Paved and gravel multi-use path that heads south to Jackson. Great views, and very runnable. From the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, the trail parallels Teton Park Rd. for 8 miles to Highway 191, then continues to Jackson. Running from Jenny Lake to Taggart Lake would be a good 8-mile out and back.
Jenny Lake Loop. 7.1 mile loop around Jenny Lake, great for running. Note this is a trail run, with rocks and some challenging footing. The section on the east side, for example to the Jenny Lake Overlook, has easier footing.
Leigh Lake/String Lake. The String Lake Trail is a moderate trail run in terms of elevation and footing. One option is a 4.2 mile loop around String Lake, crossing to the west side at Boulder Island. Or, you can also follow the String Lake Trail along the east side of Leigh Lake for ~4 miles (fairly flat).
Leigh Lake/String Lake.
Showcasing the major peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range as well as most of the northern sections of the valley known as Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park is located 10 miles south of Yellowstone in northwestern Wyoming. Grand Teton National Park is named for the tallest mountain in the Teton Range. At 13,775 feet, Grand Teton abruptly rises more than 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole. The park includes over 200 miles of hiking trails and is world-renowned for trout fishing.
The park averages 450 inches of snow annually in the mountains. Winter temperatures are cold, ranging between 26 °F during the day to 1 °F at night. During the Summer months, the daily temperature range is 80 to 41 °F (27 and 5 °C). Temperatures above the valley in the mountains during the summer average 1 °F cooler for every 1,000 ft of altitude gained, so high altitude passes may remain snow-covered until mid-July. Thunderstorms are common during the summer, especially over the mountains.
Note: Just like Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is bear country so special safety measures must be taken when running! It is recommended to run in groups, make noise going around corners, carry bear spray, and choose trails that are well established and have good visibility (like the ones featured below).
20 miles one-way Start: Jenny Lake Visitor Center MAP
Image Source: www.austinadventures.com
Grand Teton has a lovely multi-use path, beginning at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, continuing through the community of Moose and ending in Jackson. The beginning of this paved route parallels Teton Park Road, offering beautiful views of the famous mountain peaks and providing access to the many park scenic overlooks. After crossing the Snake River, the trail closely parallels US Highway 26 as it heads southwest from Moose to Jackson under a wide open sky. As you approach Jackson, the trail passes the National Elk Refuge. Trail’s end is just a little farther south at Mercill Avenue. Depending on where you are staying and what distance you would like to run, pick up the path at any point and create your own route. If you are staying for multiple days, try different sections of the path. Because this route is highly used, this might is your safest option when trying to avoid bears or other dangerous wildlife. Note: this route is not plowed in the winter.
The Taggart Lake Trail is a relatively easy route with great views of the Tetons. It’s a favorite for many runners. The well-packed dirt surface and minimal elevation gain (400 ft.) make it a great run. From the trailhead parking lot, the first 1.5 miles are flat and lead you through an open alpine meadow to Taggart Lake. As you continue, the path gains some elevation as it enters a forested areas, with colorful aspens and evergreen trees. When you see a turn off for Valley trail, you have completed all of your elevation gain. Continue on the Taggart Lake Trail to loop around back to the start. Longer Option:Can continue further past Bradley Lake, where the trail intersects with the Valley Trail.
Away from some of the more crowded areas in Grand Teton National Park, lies a 6 mile loop around Two Ocean Lake. The path is well-packed dirt and rock with rolling terrain. As you begin, pass through a large field that offers good views of Grand Teton and Mt. Moran in the far off distance. Along the route, there are openings along the lakeshore, with great mountain views. Pass several sagebrush, grassy meadows, aspen groves, and keep an eye out for common loons, osprey, and trumpeter swans.
Just before the 3.5 mile mark, the trail reaches the South Two Ocean Lake Trail junction, which branches off to the left. Here, there is a highly recommended side trip (about 1 mile one-way climbing 635 ft) from the west end of the lake to Grand View Point, with great views of the surrounding area.
The loop continues through some dense forest. Throughout this section remember your bear safety and make noise to announce your presence. Toward the end of the run is a large meadow that arguably offers the best views of Two Ocean Lake from its southern shore. Note: This route is known for high bear activity. Make sure you are prepared!
Jenny Lake Area
There’s some good, relatively flat trail running in the Jenny Lake area, with beautiful views. Note it’s possible to run on Jenny Lake Rd. — there is a decent shoulder, often used by cyclists. Map of area.
Multi-Use Path. Paved and gravel multi-use path that heads south to Jackson. Great views, and very runnable. From the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, the trail parallels Teton Park Rd. for 8 miles to Highway 191, then continues to Jackson. Running from Jenny Lake to Taggart Lake would be a good 8-mile out and back.
Jenny Lake Loop. 7.1 mile loop around Jenny Lake, great for running. Note this is a trail run, with rocks and some challenging footing. The section on the east side, for example to the Jenny Lake Overlook, has easier footing.
Leigh Lake/String Lake. The String Lake Trail is a moderate trail run in terms of elevation and footing. One option is a 4.2 mile loop around String Lake, crossing to the west side at Boulder Island. Or, you can also follow the String Lake Trail along the east side of Leigh Lake for ~4 miles (fairly flat).
Our selection of the 1-2 'must do' runs in the major U.S. national parks. The focus is on the most scenic, safe, and accessible spots for a run, geared toward the everyday runner.
The Park Loop Road is great for running, especially the 5 mile section between Seal Beach and Little Hunters Beach. The Carriage Roads are special for running, with many options. And for a true challenge, run up Cadillac Mountain!
75 miles from Washington, D.C., featuring the famed 105 mile Skyline Drive. Wonderful drive touring and hiking opportunities. Good running options along some of the gentler trails and fire roads. Trail runners will find lots of options here too!
469-mile scenic road features stunning vistas, rugged mountains, and pastoral landscapes. With no shoulder, the Parkway and isn't great for running. We've researched the more runnable hiking trails and also recommend the carriage roads of Moses Cone Park.
America's most visited National Park. A great option for runners is the Cades Cove Loop Road, which runs 11 miles one-way. Also good running in the Greenbrier Cove area. Famous for wildflowers!
Huge park southwest of Miami with 1.5 million acres of wetland. Some of the best spots for running are the Shark Valley Bike Trail, Pinelands trails, the Old Ingraham Highway Trail and the Flamingo area trails.
Located only an hour from Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its spectacular dunes, wetlands, forests, and beaches. We've researched the best running options among the 50 miles of hiking trails and 37 miles of bike trails.
Water-based National Park with a series of interconnected waterways. Some scenic trails for running near the three Visitor Centers, featuring forests, marshes, wetlands, and lakes. Spectacular for running in winter, with trails and "ice roads"!
Dramatic landscapes spanning layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Best spots for running are along the Badlands Loop Scenic Highway, Sage Creek Rim Road, Castle Trail, and Sheep Mountain Table Rd.
Wonderful park within 90 minutes of Denver. Majestic mountain views, mountain lakes, wooded forests, mountain tundra. Best running options are trails around Cub Lake, Lily Lake,Upper Beaver Meadow, and Emerald Lake.
Park in southwestern Colorado is a glimpse into communities that the Pueblo people built on the mesas and in the cliffs. 30 miles of hiking trails around mesas, and into rugged canyons. Best for running is the 5-mile Long House Loop.
North America's tallest dunes, and terrain that also alpine peaks, forest, grasslands, and wetlands. Running the dunes is a singular experience but also very challenging. Best bet for running in the park are the miles of grasslands trails.
A remote and isolated park, featuring gorgeous mountains, desert, and 120 miles along the Rio Grande River. Best running spots are some of the gentler mountain trails, in the desert, along the river, and some of the park's scenic roads.
Along with Canyonlands NP, located in the outdoor recreational mecca around Moab, UT. For Arches, we recommend running the Landscape Arch, a nice 2-mile route starting at Devils Garden Trailhead. Arches Scenic Dr. is also runnable.
This area, near Moab, is a mecca for biking, hiking, climbing and other adventuring activities. Great running options in Canyonlands are Colorado River Overlook trail, Neck Springs, and a trail along Murphy Point Overlook.
The two best options for running are the Pa’rus Trail, which is a 1.7 mile, flat path skirting the Virgin River in the flat, lower section of Zion Canyon, and the 6.2 miles Scenic Drive from the Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava.
Bryce is marked by the salmon and orange-colored limestone that create a maze of spires, pinnacles and fins. Best running options are the new shared use bike path connecting Bryce and Red Canyon; and the 5.5 mile Rim Trail.
The best running options are in the South Rim section of massive Grand Canyon. Great running along the Rim Trail, the network of Greenways throughout the Village and surrounding communities, and the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Pristine forests, alpine meadows, glacier-carved peaks, spectacular lakes, wildflowers! Fantastic trail running. We've included some gentler trail running options, plus some multi-use paths just outside the park in Kalispell & Hungry Horse.
240,000 acre park, 2-hour drive from Seattle. Wonderful running opportunities, around valleys, waterfalls, subalpine meadows, old-growth forest and glaciers. Best routes are along some of the less traveled side roads and gentler hiking trails.
One of the closest national parks to a major metro area, the 1 million acre Olympic National Park has an incredible diversity of terrain, featuring snow-covered mountains, lush rain forests, and dramatic coastal terrain.
A stunning and diverse alpine landscape, less than three hours from Seattle. Generally it's more challenging trail running. Best running options are in Stekehin, accessed only by ferry. The MUST DO run is the first 6 miles of Stekehin Valley Road.
133,000-acre park located near the California-Oregon border features some of the tallest trees on earth, as well as vast prairies, oak woodlands, riverways, and 40 miles of rugged coastline. Our recommendations on the best trails, roads, and beaches for running.
The world’s first national park, showcasing colorful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers, in addition to its dramatic mountains, forests, lakes and wildlife. Several good running options -- read our caution note about wildlife. Video excerpt!
Waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area in this 1,200 square mile park. Two good running options are the Yosemite Village Multi-Use Path, and Tuolumne Meadows.
Not one of the better national parks for running, given the rugged, often sandy terrain, and summer heat. Best options are the backcountry roads, some of the easier hiking trails, and quiet residential streets in Yucca Valley & Desert Hot Springs.
One of the more unique parks in terms of terrain, geography, and extreme weather. Fantastic opportunities for trail running -- though easy to get lost! Some good running options along park roads - sunrise/sunset are best.
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees in these side-by-side parks. Recommended running: Roaring Rivers to Zumwalt Meadows Loop in Kings and Crescent Meadow Trail and Road.
A one-of-a-kind run on a barren volcano, with incredible ocean views. Very challenging 10-mile run to the 10,000-foot summit is 3,000 foot gain. Or, have a partner drop you part way or go up for sunrise and run down.
A one-of-a kind place. Hike or run the rim of an active crater, or run on trails or roads to enjoy terrain that includes deserts and rain forests, past craters and rift zones. We outline several good options. Note trail closures and air quality warnings!
Virgin Islands National Park comprises 60% of the land mass of the St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Numerous trails in the park are good for running, notably the Francis Bay Trail to Leinster Point, the Johnny Horn Trail, and Lind Point Trail.
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