Join us for our long weekend Runcation in California's Sierra Nevada for our Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, and Eastern Sierra trail running vacation. This high altitude itinerary delivers some of the best running in California on this 4-day long weekend running retreat. Our runs will take place in California's Eastern Sierra, stretching from our base in Mammoth Lakes, to the gateway to Yosemite National Park bordering the high country of Yosemite’s Tuolumne. Throughout the weekend our trail runs will take place in valleys with rising granite cliffs, bordering Yosemite's high country, high-desert landscape through sagebrush-lined trails at the foot of snow-capped peaks, more lakes than you can count, and the spectacular start of fall foliage season in some of the best locations in the Sierra.

Our afternoons and evenings afford plenty of time for guided adventures to hot springs, swimming in alpine lakes and beaches, and afternoon hikes. We get off the beaten tourist path as much as possible on this adventure to provide a California wilderness trail running adventure during the day, with comfortable evenings at a mountain lodge during the evenings. Options for activities like yoga, beer/wine tasting, lounging in the fresh mountain air, and sports massage are available in Mammoth Lakes as well. 

Trip Difficulty: Level 2 

https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me

This adventure running holiday is open to ages 15 and up of any pace of running. Multiple mileage options available each day, with the longest being 12 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. This trip takes place at high altitude ranging from 4,000-10,000 feet above sea level. Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime! 

This trip requires a minimum of 8 to run. Please do not purchase flights until confirming with retreat organizer. Coming June 24-27 pending approval by Inyo National Forest.

Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations

A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants

Transport each day between locations and trailheads as well as group activities to hot springs, beaches, and lakes

Knowledgable and professional trail running guide and running coach along the entire route

All Permit/Entrance/Parking Fees

Special bonus adventures including hidden hot springs, wellness options, and special afternoon sessions from expert trail runners on how to prepare for trail runs as well as strength training and sports nutrition tips for trail running

Shared accommodation is included in 3-star hote in Mammoth Lakes (single supplement add-on option available for those that would like a private room)

Airfare/Transport to Mammoth Lakes

Travel Insurance

Meals 

Extra expenses due to a change in itinerary or in case of you having to shorten the day or trip as a whole (including personal return trips to the airport/next destination/etc.)

Getting There
The trip starts and ends in Mammoth Lakes, CA. The closest airport is Bishop/Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH), just 30 minutes away, with seasonal commercial service — check whether flights are running on your dates. Reno–Tahoe (RNO) is the nearest major airport, about 3 hours' drive; Los Angeles (LAX) and Las Vegas (LAS) are 5–6 hours by rental car, and many California families simply drive. Eastern Sierra Transit also runs a shuttle bus to Mammoth from Reno and Lancaster (schedules at estransit.com), and Visit Mammoth's driving guide has route details: visitmammoth.com/driving. Contact us anytime if you're unsure how best to arrive.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for all participants prior to the start of the trip.

Fitness & Pacing
You don't need to be an expert trail runner — this trip is great for beginner trail runners — but it is a LEVEL 2 trip. We welcome all paces, and every day offers multiple mileage options; however, running participants must be able to complete the chosen distance each day (5–12 miles) with significant elevation gain and loss (500–3,000 feet), on technical mountain trails, and at times in unfavorable weather. Participants hike the long, strenuous climbs and run whenever the guide determines it's feasible, including downhill and flat sections. We can't accommodate walkers or hikers on the guided runs. If you're excited about the Eastern Sierra and can meet these requirements, you should attend! An optional 12-week training plan is available to make sure you're ready.

Altitude
The trip operates between 7,000 and 10,000 feet (Mammoth Lakes sits at 7,880 ft). Those coming from sea level should plan on hydrating heavily — most adults acclimate within 24–48 hours, and our guides adjust routes and pace to how the group is feeling.

Weather
Although weather in the Sierra is usually ideal at this time of year, mountain weather is variable and trail conditions can change by the hour. Routes are subject to change based on the safety of trail and weather conditions.

Traveling with Kids

This is our adults' running trip — but if you're traveling with a 2–6-year-old, childcare may be available during the runs. Ask us before booking and we'll confirm what's possible for your dates.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Runcation Travel operates under

a permit from the Inyo National Forest.

Day 1: Our trip will start the afternoon of Day 1 from our meeting point in Mammoth Lakes.  We'll get settled at our mountain lodge retreat for the weekend before heading out for a lake shakeout around one of the most scenic lakes in town followed by a sunset at the hot springs over the mountains and sagebrush. After a welcome dinner + drinks we'll catch some sleep before tomorrow's adventure.

~2-4 miles, 200-400 feet elevation gain/loss

Guided trail run included

Private transfers between town and run/hot springs included

All Permit/Entrance/Parking Fees included

Double accommodation in lodging at 3-star hotel in Mammoth Lakes included

Day 2: After breakfast, our day’s adventure will take us to explore some of the best trails in the Sierra surrounding Mammoth Lakes. We’ll get a chance to explore uncrowded high alpine lakes, the top of Mammoth mountain, and views of the spectacular peaks of the Eastern Sierra stretching around us. We’ll head up the famous steep and challenging Dragon’s Back for views all around us before enjoying smooth singletrack and loops around lakeside trails that make Mammoth Lakes famous for a gradual descent and rolling runnable trails for the remainder of the run. We'll go for a swim in the lakes basin afterwards before heading back to town. 

You’ll have the rest afternoon and evening free to explore or relax and enjoy another restaurant in town! 

~12 miles, 3,000 feet elevation gain/loss

Guided trail run included

Private transfers between town and run included

All Permit/Entrance/Parking Fees included

Double accommodation in lodging at 3-star hotel in Mammoth Lakes included

Day 3: After breakfast, we'll get an early start on the road for our day traveling north to see the famous Mono Lake and the gateway to Yosemite National Park! We'll stop and explore some of the most beautiful lakes around before an amazing route that borders Tuolumne, the high country of Yosemite. There are plenty of opportunities for photos, lake picnics, and a swim at some of our favorite spots. We'll spend the full day soaking up the trails, history, and culture of the region before returning back to our base camp, stopping for a special meal at a scenic spot on the way back.

In the afternoon/evening we’ll have a special session for trail runners including how to prepare for trail runs, strength training, and sports nutrition for trail runners. You’ll have the rest afternoon and evening free to explore or relax and enjoy another restaurant in town! 

~8 miles, 800 feet elevation gain/loss

Guided trail run included

Private transfers between locations in itinerary above included

Special afternoon sessions on trail running included

All Permit/Entrance/Parking Fees included

Double accommodation in lodging at 3-star hotel in Mammoth Lakes included

Day 4: After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we'll be transported to our final run of the trip in Mammoth. We might spot an Olympian or two on this classic route with buttery singletrack and panoramic views of the impressive surrounding mountains throughout. After an optional stop at another hot springs, we'll head back to say our goodbyes!

~5-9 miles, 500-1,400 feet elevation gain/loss (depending on mileage option selected)

Guided trail run included

Private transfers between locations in itinerary above included

All Permit/Entrance/Parking Fees included