The best running trails around Zion

The Zion area offers a diverse selection of over a dozen running routes. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails, catering to various fitness levels and preferences.

Jogging routes around Zion feature varied terrain, including open space lands, river trails, and lakefront paths. You'll find options from flat, easy paths to more challenging routes with gentle elevation changes, often characterized by natural waterways and developed parklands.

Yes, for an easy and accessible run, consider the Running loop from Des Plaines River Open Space Land. This 2.4-mile (3.8 km) trail has minimal elevation gain and can be completed in about 23 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and gentle workout.

If you're looking for a more demanding workout, the Running loop from Russell is a difficult 9.8-mile (15.8 km) path that includes some elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Simmons Island Beach loop from Carol Beach, an 18.5-mile (29.8 km) coastal trail.

The running routes in Zion are highly rated by the komoot community, boasting an average score of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 170 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse options from easy, flat routes to more challenging, longer distances.

Absolutely! The Zion area is known for its natural waterways. You can find routes like the Lake Andrea loop from Truck Parking or the Lake Andrea loop from Members Parking, which offer scenic views around Lake Andrea. You might also encounter highlights like the Pond in Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve.

Yes, several running paths offer views of interesting landmarks and natural features. For instance, you might encounter the Stone Bridge Over the River in Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve, or explore areas near Illinois Beach State Park. The region's open space lands and river trails provide a scenic backdrop for your run.

Many of the popular running routes in Zion are loops, offering a convenient way to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Running loop from Des Plaines River Open Space Land, the Running loop from Russell, and the Lake Andrea loop from Truck Parking.

The durations for running routes in the Zion area vary significantly depending on the trail length and your pace. Easy routes like the Running loop from Des Plaines River Open Space Land can take around 23 minutes, while longer, more difficult trails such as the Simmons Island Beach loop from Carol Beach might take over 3 hours.

Yes, the Zion area features several running trails that are close to or pass through forest preserves. You can explore routes near Van Patten Woods or the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve, offering a natural and often shaded running environment.

While primarily for jogging, some paths in the region, particularly those in open space lands or designated trails like the Kenosha County Bike Trail, may be shared with cyclists. Always be mindful of other trail users.

For a long-distance run, the Simmons Island Beach loop from Carol Beach is an excellent choice. This challenging route spans 18.5 miles (29.8 km) and typically takes around 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete, offering extensive coastal views.