Trail runners looking for scenic routes often seek out loops that offer varied terrain and breathtaking views without the need to backtrack. The Elks-Kings Loop in the Tillamook State Forest provides a challenging option for those willing to test their limits. This rugged route climbs over Elk Mountain and King Mountain, traversing exposed ridges that offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding peaks of the Cascade Range. With a total elevation gain of 3,600 feet, the trail requires both physical endurance and reliable footwear.
In Oregon’s Mount Jefferson Wilderness, the Three Fingered Jack loop offers a different kind of challenge. This scenic route connects the Pacific Crest Trail with the Old Summit Trail, circling the 7,840-foot volcano of the same name. The trail winds through raw wilderness, presenting runners with epic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It serves as a reminder of the scale and beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s volcanic geology.
For those in the Southwest, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla, California, offers a runner-friendly introduction to coastal trails. The park features an 8-mile network of well-marked trails, allowing for loop runs of varying lengths. The Razor Point Trail, Beach Trail, Broken Hill Trail, and South Fork Trail can be combined for a 3.1-mile loop. Runners can enjoy orange sandy paths, deep-green coastal sage, and the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean below. The variety of trails ensures that the experience changes with every lap.
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Red Rock and Mountain Scenery
In Arizona, the Hangover Trail in Sedona provides a unique experience through its red-rock terrain. This lollipop loop features a rocky overhang that creates a tunnel-like effect, followed by an exposed, rocky slab between two spires. The trail allows runners to explore the vast network of paths that crisscross the region, making it easy to find a route that matches their skill level and preference for scenery.
Utah’s Wasatch Crest Trail offers a high-altitude perspective on the state’s mountains. The Dog Lake-Desolation Lake Crest Loop provides a bird’s-eye view of the Wasatch Mountains, with wildflowers in the summer and colorful foliage in the autumn. Sparkling lakes can be found throughout the trail, adding a visual element to the run that changes with the season.
Colorado’s Green Mountain Loop in Boulder offers a local favorite for runners seeking a summit with manageable grades. At 8,450 feet, the mountain is the third-tallest in the Boulder foothills, but the 2,351 feet of elevation gain makes the climb accessible to most. At the summit, a short, rocky scramble leads to a survey marker that identifies all the Rocky Mountain peaks visible in the distance.
