An abundance of year-round sunshine and the unique high desert topography of Bend, Oregon have made it a trail runner’s dream town. Even when there’s snow in the mountains, miles of desert trails wind through sagebrush, manzanita, and volcanic rock formations at lower elevations. With 51 miles of in-town trails maintained by Bend Metro Parks & Recreation, and hundreds of miles of mountain biking, cross country, and hiking trails a short drive from town, it’s no wonder Bend was named “America’s Best Trail Running Town” by the editors of Outside magazine. Bend was also the chosen site for for the USA Track & Field Trail Half Marathon, 50K and Mountain Running National Championships. Lace up those running shoes — you’re in for a real treat with trail running in Bend!

Before hitting the trail stop at FootZone. This running shop is a favorite for local runners, and staff members are the gurus of Bend’s trail running scene. Browse their expansive selection of trail maps, or let the local specialists hook you up with the perfect pair of running shoes. FootZone sponsors races and clinics throughout the year, so they’ll be happy to give you an excuse to plan your Bend vacation around a special event.

For some of Bend’s most popular daily runs, you don’t even need to jump in the car. You’ll find ​11 miles of dirt path meandering along the Deschutes River at opposite ends of town. Start out at First Street Rapids Park and you’ll probably catch a glimpse of kayakers playing in the whitewater. Dip into Archie Briggs Canyon, alive with wild flowers in the summer, and shades of orange, yellow, and red in the fall.

At the other end of town, the Deschutes River Trail starts at Farewell Bend Park and makes an easy three-mile loop past gurgling rapids and waterfalls. Some of the most picturesque reaches of the trail begin off Century Drive before the Widgi Creek Golf Course. Weave through lava flows and the Big Eddy Recreation Site, a popular rapid for Bend whitewater rafting companies.

For those craving longer workouts, explore Shevlin Park, which includes 647 acres of diverse old growth forest with Tumalo Creek as the central feature. The Green Lakes Trail, off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, offers heavenly views and gentle climbs. There are also a number of trails at Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne, promising ultra-runners extreme elevation gain and challenging terrain.

If you are interested in connecting with a local running club check out either the Central Oregon Running Klub or the Central Oregon Track Club.