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Yosemite + Mammoth Lakes California Trail Running Vacation

Summer 2026: Aug 20-23, 2026

 

Quick Facts

  • Route: Mammoth Lakes + Yosemite high country (Tuolumne) + Eastern Sierra — California's Sierra Nevada
  • Format: Guided long-weekend, also available self-guided
  • Length: 4 days, based out of one Mammoth Lakes lodge (no nightly hotel changes)
  • 2026 Dates: August 20–23, 2026
  • Difficulty: Level 2 — 4–12 mi/day, 500–3,000 ft gain, at 7,000–10,000 ft altitude
  • Price (2026): $1,525 per person (double occupancy; single supplement available)
  • Group size: 6–14 participants · 1 guide for every 8 participants
  • Who it's for: Any pace, ages 15+ — road runners welcome, training plan available as an add-on
  • Accommodation: 3-star lodge in Mammoth Lakes (same base all 4 nights)
  • Included: All lodging, expert local running guides, all permit/entrance/parking fees (Inyo National Forest, Yosemite), private transfers between trailheads, hot springs access, special afternoon sessions (training prep, sports nutrition, strength)
  • Permit: Operates under official permit from Inyo National Forest
  • Closest airport: Bishop, CA (BIH) — 30 min · Reno, NV (RNO) — 3 hr · LAX or LAS by rental car
  • This trip: Designed in 2020 · also runs as a custom team retreat

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 trail running trip. At the gateway to Yosemite National Park, you’ll explore the high country near Tuolumne, weaving through granite valleys, alpine lakes, and meadows framed by soaring cliffs. In Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra, runs take you across high-desert sagebrush trails, beneath snow-capped peaks, and past alpine lakes.

Our afternoons and evenings afford plenty of time for guided adventures to hot springs, swimming in alpine lakes and beaches, afternoon hikes, and special afternoon running workshops including how to prepare for trail runs, sports nutrition, and strength training tips for trail runners. 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 to make it a true running retreat. Options for activities like yoga, beer/wine tasting, lounging in the fresh mountain air, and sports massage are available in Mammoth Lakes as well. Perfect for all levels of trail runners, this retreat combines epic high-altitude routes with restorative downtime. Our trail running tour is now available in guided and self-guided format.

Trip Difficulty: Level 2 (click to learn more about trip difficulty levels).

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! 

 
 

 

Overview

• Run the top trails in California’s Sierra Nevada with expert running guides, from routes bordering the high country of Yosemite and lakeside routes in Mammoth Lakes

• Run through fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra

• Relax at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Mammoth Lakes, CA
  

• Enjoy side adventures to lesser known hot springs, lakes, and swimming options in the Eastern Sierra

• Transport between all adventures and runs

• Accommodates all levels of runners

• 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
 

Run your way through Yosemite National Park

Enjoy guided trail runs at the gateway to Yosemite National Park

 

Trip Itinerary Summer 2026

Day 1

Welcome to Mammoth!

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. 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

          Alpine Lakes and Fall Colors

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 have the option for a swim in the alpine lakes basin followed by a sunset at the hot springs over the mountains and sagebrush before enjoying dinner.

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

Bonus adventures in the afternoon include lake swims, hot springs, or enjoy relaxing at our lodge.

DAY 3

Big Day in the Gateway to Yosemite!

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 an iconic local 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

Mammoth Classic

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

 
Fall foliage at its finest

Fall foliage at its finest

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Runcation Travel operates under a permit from the Inyo National Forest. Permit pending from Inyo National Forest.

 

What’s included

Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations

A 8:1 ratio of participants to guides

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

Knowledgable 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 option available for those that would like a private room)

Not included

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.)

  • A few things. It's our only US trip and our only long-weekend format — every other Runcation is a week or longer in Europe or South America. The Eastern Sierra is also Runcation's home base, so this trip runs in our backyard: the hidden hot springs, the best chef in town, the lesser-known Tuolumne approaches, and how to time the day for fall foliage all come from years of running these trails as locals, not visitors. On the practical side, we operate under an official permit from Inyo National Forest, which lets us legally guide on these protected trails and use specific trailheads not every area allows. And all your permit, entrance, and parking fees are included in the trip cost (Yosemite, Inyo NF, Mammoth Lakes parking) — no surprise day-of costs. We've been running this exact 4-day itinerary since 2022 (designed in 2020).

  • It's a Level 2 trip, designed for any pace. The longest day is ~12 miles with 3,000 ft of climbing; shorter days are 2–8 miles with mileage options on Day 4. Road runners are welcome — many participants come from a road background. The biggest factor isn't your trail experience, it's altitude tolerance: routes run between 4,000 and 10,000 ft. If you live at sea level, we recommend arriving a day early to acclimate.

  • Included: 3 nights at our Mammoth Lakes lodge (double occupancy, single supplement available), guided trail runs every day, expert local guides, private transfers to every trailhead, all permit/entrance/parking fees (Inyo NF, Yosemite, parking lots), hot springs access, and afternoon workshops on training prep, sports nutrition, and strength for trail runners. Not included: airfare/ground transport to Mammoth Lakes, meals (Mammoth has excellent restaurants we'll point you to), travel insurance.

  • The closest airport is Bishop, CA (BIH), 30 minutes away, with seasonal commercial service. Reno-Tahoe (RNO) is the most reliable major airport at ~3 hours' drive. You can also fly into LAX or Las Vegas (LAS) and drive (~5–6 hours from either). Once you're in Mammoth Lakes, all transfers to trailheads and group activities are included in the trip — you don't need a rental car during the trip itself.

  • The trip operates between 7,000 ft and 10,000 ft (Mammoth Lakes sits at 7,880 ft, with high points on a few runs reaching 10,000 ft). If you live at sea level, expect to feel the altitude on Day 1 — shortness of breath at rest, slower pace, possibly a headache. Most participants acclimate within 24–48 hours. We recommend arriving the evening before the trip starts if possible, hydrating heavily, and skipping alcohol on Day 1. Our guides adjust route and pace based on how the group is feeling.

  • The structured days are designed for active participants, but Mammoth Lakes is a great base for a non-running partner — hiking, fishing, kayaking, hot springs, and town activities are all walkable or nearby. We can help non-running partners plan their day if they want to join group dinners or hot springs trips. Get in touch and we'll help structure it.

  • Day 3 includes special afternoon sessions led by our expert running guides on (a) how to prepare for trail runs (terrain, footing, fueling), (b) strength training basics for trail runners, and (c) sports nutrition for endurance days. These are casual, hands-on, and intended for runners of any level — beginners get the framework, experienced runners get a tune-up.

  • Yes — we run custom versions of this trip for run clubs, teams, and friend groups. Past custom retreats have included professional chefs cooking on-site, photographers documenting the trip, and customized session topics. Email us about custom groups.

  • Yes — we offer this itinerary in self-guided format for runners who want the routes, lodging recommendations, and logistics handled but prefer to run on their own schedule without a guide. Email selfguided@runcation.org to set one up.

  • August is the sweet spot for the Sierra: snow has melted off the high country, daytime temps are warm but comfortable at altitude, the alpine lakes are swimmable, and the fall foliage in the Eastern Sierra starts turning in late August into September. We don't run this trip in winter (heavy snow closes most routes) or spring (snowmelt makes trails unreliable). Late June through September is the running window; the August trip is the one we anchor each year.

Before You Go

Getting There:

The trip starts and ends in Mammoth Lakes, CA. There is a small airport in Bishop, CA, just 30 minutes away and is now open again for commercial flights during periodic times of the year. If flights are not available during trip, Reno Nevada is the closest major airport to Bishop.

Mammoth can also be reached by flying into Reno, Nevada (3 hour drive), Los Angeles, CA (LAX) or Las Vegas, NEV (LAS) and renting a car for the drive or driving from your location. More information on how to arrive found here:

https://www.visitmammoth.com/driving/

Please contact us if you have trouble determining how to arrive.

Travel Insurance: Must have travel insurance prior to start of trip. 

Who should attend?

You do not need to be an expert trail runner! However, please note, this is a LEVEL 2 trip. We accept all different paces of runners, but participants must be able to complete the full distance each day on the trip itinerary (4-13 miles) with significant amounts of elevation gain and loss (500-3,000 feet per day) in mountainous environments, at times on technical trails (think rocky, rooted, or steep with loose rock), and at times in unfavorable weather conditions in the mountains. It is expected that all participants will hike the long and strenuous uphill climbs and also run whenever the guide determines is feasible (including downhill and flat sections). We cannot accommodate walkers or hikers on this running trip. If you’re psyched about visiting the Eastern Sierra and can meet this trip requirements, you should attend!

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!

What About Permits?

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Runcation Travel operates under a permit from the Inyo National Forest.

Weather

Although the weather in the locations we visit is often ideal during this time, weather in the mountains is variable and trail conditions are subject to change on an hourly basis! Route subjective to change based on the safety of conditions and climate of the trail.

Cancellation Policy

Please inquire for the full cancellation policy.

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Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any part of this content — including copying text for use on other websites, marketing materials, or commercial operations — is strictly prohibited. Any such use may result in legal action, including claims for statutory damages, actual damages, and attorneys’ fees.

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Book Now Aug 20-23, 2026
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Participant Testimonials
“Where to begin?! This trip was as advertised then some!

Liz was approachable, friendly, knowledgeable and for others. She brought on another running buddy Ben to help (who does tour guiding professionally) and as a team they led us well and provided a space for hard work, seeing beauty in the world and in the others in our group.

They treated us by showing us the best that Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite had to offer. I felt like a local rather than a tourist with them. Even though both of them were beasts at trail running they were able to serve all levels of runners there no matter the level of skill. But yes you do need to train to be able to be strong enough to complete the mission.

And as I reflect on the trip, the experience is more than just the few days there. It’s also the training that led to it that made it all the more special.

The routes were challenging but well thought out! I mean, some of the most beautiful trails I’ve been on… photos for days! And they took a pulse of the group to see how we were feeling physically and were quick with contingency plans / alternate routes. One of them would lead the group and the other would sweep to ensure no one would get lost or left behind.

I could write about every detail of the trip, but you just need to experience it for yourself. I’m already looking to doing it again and maybe even exploring some of the other trips. Some of the chillest and real cats I’ve ever met!

Infinity stars out of 5. Can’t recommend this enough if you love exploring, running, and being outside. This business needs to blow up because the quality and service is JUST THAT GOOD! Bravo. Standing Ovation. Runcation forever.”
— Mitch, Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes Runcation
“This trip was absolutely spectacular! Our guides, Liz, Ben and Marissa were so amazing. They made sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of and provided a great atmosphere to help us grow as runners. The sights were amazing and even a beginner like me was able to participate! I will definitely be back!”
— Samantha, Custom Yosemite + Mammoth Lakes Team Retreat
“Our trip was a part of a run team retreat. It was an absolutely amazing epic weekend. Guides were friendly and knowledgable and safety was a priority. The chef who cooked for us made delicious dinners and breakfasts. Our photographer did an awesome job. Staff was all top notch, friendly, and professional. Trails and scenery were absolutely breathtaking. Trails were challenging for a road runner. Side trip to hot springs was great. This was a trip I will remember for a lifetime.”
— Elliot, Custom Yosemite + Mammoth Lakes Team Retreat

🕓 Originally published: January 1, 2020
🔄 Last updated: September 15, 2025