Trail running: Best of the Southwest

The Southwest region of the United States offers some of the most beautiful and diverse trail running options in the country. At Yonderwear we’ve been inspired by the red rock canyons of Utah (see our Canyon colorway) and some of us call the rugged mountain ranges of Colorado home, the Southwest has something for every type of trail runner. Here are some of the best trail runs in the Southwest:

• The Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon, Arizona: The Bright Angel Trail is a classic trail run that takes runners from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon down to the Colorado River and back. The trail offers a diverse range of terrain, including steep descents, narrow ledges, and loose rocky sections. The views from the trail are simply breathtaking, making this one of the most popular and challenging trail runs in the Southwest.

• The La Luz Trail in Sandia Mountains, New Mexico: This strenuous trail runs from the Sandia Mountains foothills to the summit of Sandia Peak, climbing over 4,000 feet in 9 miles. The trail is known for its beautiful alpine views, and challenging rocky and loose terrain. The trail has a steep grade, making it one of the most challenging trail runs in the Southwest.

• The Moab Trail Running Festival in Moab, Utah: The Moab Trail Running Festival features a variety of trail runs, including a 50k, a marathon, and a half marathon, set in the stunning red rock country of southern Utah. The Moab area offers an incredibly diverse range of terrain, including red rock canyons, slick rock, and alpine meadows, making it a trail runner's paradise.

• The Imogene Pass Run in Telluride, Colorado: Imogene Pass Run is a challenging trail run that takes runners from the historic mining town of Telluride to the top of Imogene Pass and back, gaining nearly 2,900 feet in elevation over 17 miles. The trail features beautiful alpine views and a challenging mix of terrain, including steep climbs, loose rocky sections, and high-altitude running.