Eastern Sierra

Discover the Range of Light

At Cirque Running we’re committed to the dirt surfing lifestyle of the Sierra and truly invested in the all-encompassing culture of the trail running community. Our team has spent countless years guiding and exploring some of the most exquisite terrain the High Sierra has to offer. We’re Trail Runners, Mountain Guides, Educators, and Stewards of the Sierra and we want to share this remarkable place with all those seeking natural abundance in the Range of Light.

Eastern Sierra Trail Running Retreats

  • Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree National Parks, Southern California Trail Running & Ultramarathon Trips & Events with UESCA Certified Ultrarunning Coaches

    Mammoth Lakes, California

    September 12th - 15th, 2025

    Price: $2,300 (10% discount for parties of 2 or more)

    Come experience Mammoth Lakes in an intimate and inspiring setting during our inaugural Cirque Running retreat this summer, 2025! Cirque Running will be hosting it’s first all inclusive trail running retreat in Mammoth Lakes this September 12th - 15th, 2025 and we want you to join in on the fun and come do some dirt surfing with us!

    Mammoth Lakes plays host to some of the most immaculate and accessible trails the Eastern Sierra has to offer. Within a few short miles outside of town you have access to the Sherwin’s, Mammoth Crest, and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail that connects you to the High Sierra including the Minaret’s and the photogenic, Thousand Island Lake. Pushing beyond these vistas rewards you with access into Yosemite National Park and the high country of Tuolumne Meadows.

    The Eastern Sierra is a special place for our entire team. We’re Trail Runners, Mountain Guides, Educators, and most importantly, Stewards of the Sierra. Come join us for a fun-filled weekend of dirt surfing, tasty meals, and community building in one of the most iconic trail running destinations in the world. And while you’re at it, stay around for the Mammoth Trailfest the following weekend!

    Scroll below to learn more about our Mammoth Trail Running retreat or click the button to register today!

  • Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree National Parks, Southern California Trail Running & Ultramarathon Trips & Events with UESCA Certified Ultrarunning Coaches

    Rae Lakes, Kings Canyon National Park

    Dates announced Spring 2025

    Price: $2,300 (10% discount for parties of 2 or more)

    One of the most sought out destinations in all of the Sierra, Rae Lakes plays host to some of the most picturesque scenery Kings Canyon National Park has to offer and is a trail runners paradise.

    While the Rae Lakes loop trailhead located in the Western Sierra in Cedar Grove is the typical jumping off point for hikers and runners alike, we’ll be taking our group off the beaten path as we approach Rae Lakes via the Eastern Sierra and Baxter Pass, just outside of the town of Independence. This variation of Rae Lakes will challenge even the best of our trail running community as we ascend nearly 7,000’ vertical feet the first day to reach our destination 13 miles later at Rae Lakes in Kings Canyon National Park. While this first day will be challenging, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful terrain the Sierra has to offer as we crest Baxter Pass and head down towards Rae Lakes, passing by Baxter Lakes, Dollar Lake and Arrowhead Lake, eventually making our way to our basecamp for the night.

    Day two has you waking to the iconic Fin Dome to the west, so start getting your psych on because it’s time to cut some dirt as this is where the fun really kicks into gear! From here it’s another 13 miles, connecting Glen Pass to Kearsarge Pass, but with only 2,700’ feet of vertical gain and over 4,000’ feet of descent on some of the best graded trails the Eastside has to offer.

    Scroll below to learn more about our Rae Lakes trail running retreat in Kings Canyon National Park or click the button to register today!

  • Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree National Parks, Southern California Trail Running & Ultramarathon Trips & Events with UESCA Certified Ultrarunning Coaches

    Private Trips

    Price: $160 & Up

    We’re happy to set up and customize a private trail running trip for any individual or group looking to get out in the Eastern Sierra, Yosemite National Park, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, or Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. We’ve spent countless hours guiding in the Sierra and know just where to take you for your customized trip. Click the button below to email us through our contact page and to inquire about your own custom trip today!

Event Details

  • Cost: $2,300 per person (10% discount for parties of 2 or more)

    Event Dates: September 12th - 15th, 2025

    Location: Mammoth Lakes, California

    Trail Running Itinerary: Roughly 40 miles and 9,000-10,000’ elevation gain accumulated the entire trip.

    • September 12th - Short shake out and acclamation run just outside of town in Mammoth Lakes (between 4-6 miles).

    • September 13th - Mammoth Crest via Duck Pass (11 miles, 3,000’ elevation gain).

    • September 14th - Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lake to the town of June Lake via the Pacific Crest trail (18 miles, 3,200 elevation gain).

    • September 15th - Dragon’s Back Mammoth Mountain (6 miles, 2,400 elevation gain)

    Included in Cost:

    • Professionally guided trail running in the Mammoth Lakes zone of the Eastern Sierra. All guides are professionally trained by the American Mountain Guides Association and hold a current Wilderness First Responder.

    • An AirBnB for all guests in Mammoth Lakes, California.

    • Professionally prepared dinners by chef Phillip Esteban. Meals included are all dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night prepared by chef Phillip Esteban. Breakfast and packable lunches Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and post run snacks at the trailhead. No alcoholic beverages are included in the price. A mix of sparkling waters, juices and regular water will be available.

    • Transportation to and from all trailheads from the AirBnB. Guests are responsible for getting themselves to and from the AirBnB on the first and last day. If you need help with transportation and logistics, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

    • A 60 minute meet-and-greet group consultation before the retreat with a Certified UESCA Ultrarunning Coach to answer any questions you may have.

    • 10% off Cirque Running coaching plans.

    • A Cirque Running tee shirt.

    • Partner deals from our friends at Ridge Merino.

    • Guaranteed memories and trail running friends for life!

  • Cost: $2,300 (10% discount for parties of 2 or more)

    Event Dates: TBD

    Location: Independence, California

    Trail Running Itinerary: Roughly 30 miles and 10,000’+ elevation gain for the entire trip.

    • TBD - Short shake out and acclamation run in the Alabama Hills (between 4-6 miles).

    • TBD - Rae Lakes via Baxter Pass (13 miles, 7,000’ elevation gain).

    • TBD - Rae Lakes to Kearsarge Pass (13 miles, 2,700 elevation gain).

    Included in Cost:

    • Professionally guided trail running in the Eastern Sierra and Kings Canyon National Park. All guides are professionally trained by the American Mountain Guides Association and hold a current Wilderness First Responder.

    • An AirBnB for all guests in Lone Pine, California the first and last night and camping accommodations during the trail run at Rae Lakes in Kings Canyon National Park. Camp accommodations will include a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and inflatable pillow. If additional items are desired at camp, we can assist with hiring a porter at an additional cost.

    • Professionally prepared dinners by chef Phillip Esteban. Meals included are dinner on the first and last night at the AirBnB prepared by chef Phillip Esteban. Breakfast and packable lunches the first and second day of the Rae Lakes trail run and dinner the one night of camping. Post run snacks will be provided at pickup at the Kearsarge Pass trailhead. No alcoholic beverages are included in the price. A mix of sparkling waters, juices and regular water will be available.

    • Transportation to and from the trailhead from the AirBnB. Guests are responsible for getting themselves to and from the AirBnB on the first and last day. If you need help with transportation and logistics, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

    • A 60 minute meet-and-greet group consultation before the retreat with a Certified UESCA Ultrarunning Coach to answer any questions you may have.

    • 10% off Cirque Running coaching plans.

    • A Cirque Running tee shirt.

    • Partner deals from our friends at Ridge Merino.

    • Guaranteed memories and trail running friends for life!

  • We’re happy to set up and customize a private trail running trip for any individual or group looking to get out in the Eastern Sierra, Yosemite National Park, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, or Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. We’ve spent countless hours guiding in the Sierra and know just where to take you for your customized trip. Below are our private trip rates. Please note, rates do not include any accommodations, transportation, or meals. We are happy to quote you on these amenities as well.

    Single day trips per person (up to 8 hours)

    One Person $515

    Two People $325

    Three People $265

    Four People $215

    Five People $185

    Six People $160

    Big day trips per person (8+ hours)

    One Person $620

    Two People $450

    Three People $350

    Four People $275

    Five People $225

    Six People $200

    Multi day trips per person

    One Person per day $525

    Two People per day $370

    Three People per day $290

    Four People per day $260

    Five People per day $260

    Six People Per Day $260

    Click here to email us and inquire about your own custom trip today!

  • We understand circumstances come up in life that are unavoidable. If for any reason you need to cancel your reservation for a Cirque Running retreat, event, or private trip you are eligible for a full refund, less our merchant processing fees, and a 5% admin fee, if we are given more than 60 days notice before your scheduled retreat, event, or trip. Please see below for our cancellation policy if a request is submitted between 0-59 days.

    Cancellations between 45-59 days

    Cancellation requests between 45-59 days of any scheduled retreat, event, or private trip will receive a 75% refund, less our merchant processing fee’s.

    Cancellations between 30-44 days

    Cancellation requests between 30-44 days of any scheduled retreat, event, or private trip will receive a 50% refund, less our merchant processing fee’s.

    Cancellations between 15-29 days

    Cancellation requests between 15-29 days of any scheduled retreat, event, or private trip will receive a 25% refund, less our merchant processing fee’s.

    Cancellations between 0-14 days

    Cancellation requests between 0-14 days are not eligible for a refund.

    We are happy to work with any guest, within reason, that is looking to obtain a credit for a future outing if they are unable to attend a retreat, event, or private trip with Cirque running. All credits are good for 12 months from the date they are issued.

    We highly encourage all guests to purchase trip insurance before any Cirque Running retreat, event, or private trip. There are many variables that can be out of our control at any given moment, specifically weather, which is why we encourage purchasing trip insurance. Cirque Running will not be held liable for any lodging, travel, or booking reservations cancelled due to a weather related event, or unforeseen circumstances, associated with a retreat, event, or private trip a guest has booked with us.

    We thank you in advance for understanding we are a small business and must stick to our cancellation policy.

    To submit a cancellation request please send us an email through our contact form.

Meet the Cirque Family