50K Races in California
Browse 23 50k trail running and hiking routes in California. Distance range: 29.8 mi to 32.0 mi. Elevation gain: 1,029 ft to 10,822 ft. Each route includes terrain analysis, elevation profiles, and pacing recommendations.
Key Takeaways
| Route Name | Location | Distance | Elevation Gain | Type | Race Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Sonoma 50k | Sonoma County, California | 31.1 mi | 6,459 ft | race | Apr 11, 2026 |
| Way Too Cool 50K | Auburn State Recreation Area, California | 31.1 mi | 4,287 ft | race | — |
| Los Angeles County: Schabarum-Skyline Trail (CA) | Los Angeles County, California | 29.8 mi | 5,295 ft | route | — |
| Upper San Leandro Reservoir Loop | Alameda County, California | 30.1 mi | 5,724 ft | route | — |
| Ohlone Wilderness Trail (CA) | Alameda County, California | 30.1 mi | 8,363 ft | route | — |
| Mini Mineral King Loop (CA) | Tulare County, California | 30.2 mi | 9,211 ft | route | — |
| Carquinez Bridge to Bridge Loop (CA) | Contra Costa County, California | 30.2 mi | 3,141 ft | route | — |
| Mt Williamson (CA) | Inyo County, California | 30.3 mi | 10,822 ft | route | — |
| Bay Area Two Bridges (CA) | Marin County, California | 30.6 mi | 1,953 ft | route | — |
| Monterey Loop | Carmel, California | 30.8 mi | 7,763 ft | route | — |
| Glass Mountains Traverse (CA) | Mono County, California | 30.8 mi | 8,054 ft | route | — |
| Pacific Crest Trail: Devil's Slide TH to Hwy 10 (CA) | Riverside County, California | 30.8 mi | 3,973 ft | route | — |
| Cove to Grove Traverse (CA) | Riverside County, California | 30.8 mi | 5,768 ft | route | — |
| Umunhum and El Sombroso (CA) | Santa Clara County, California | 31.1 mi | 5,741 ft | route | — |
| Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley (CA) | Mariposa County, California | 31.3 mi | 5,259 ft | route | — |
| Bolinas Ridge to Bridge (CA) | Marin County, California | 31.6 mi | 4,486 ft | route | — |
| Avenue of the Giants (CA) | Humboldt County, California | 31.6 mi | 1,029 ft | route | — |
| Cottonwood Marble Loop (Death Valley, CA) | Inyo County, California | 31.6 mi | 4,288 ft | route | — |
| East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail (CA) | Contra Costa County, California | 31.7 mi | 5,369 ft | route | — |
| Rae Lakes Loop | Kings Canyon National Park, California | 31.8 mi | 7,192 ft | route | — |
| Mt. Clark (CA) | Mariposa County, California | 31.9 mi | 9,256 ft | route | — |
| San Diego Pier to Pier (CA) | San Diego County, California | 31.9 mi | 1,250 ft | route | — |
| San Dieguito River Trail (CA) | San Diego County, California | 32.0 mi | 1,241 ft | route | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trail races are in California?
There are 2 organized races and 21 self-supported routes available in California.
What is a 50K race?
A 50K race is approximately 29.8 to 32.3 miles in distance.
What is the average elevation gain in California?
The average elevation gain is 5,475 feet, with routes ranging from 1,029 to 10,822 feet.
Can these 50k routes in California be used for hiking?
Yes. 100% of these routes are on trail surfaces, making them suitable for both trail running and hiking. The terrain analysis and elevation profiles help hikers plan their adventures just as effectively as runners.
Are 50K races beginner-friendly?
50K race difficulty varies widely. Use the elevation gain and terrain analysis to assess each route. Races with lower elevation gain relative to distance and higher runnable percentages tend to be more beginner-accessible.
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