Top 17 'Solitude-Seeking' National Park Trails to do for a Runner's Digital Detox in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
In a world of endless notifications, doom-scrolling, and the relentless hum of connectivity, the silence of the wild has become the ultimate luxury. Our minds, cluttered with digital debris, crave a hard reset. For runners, this reset isn't found in a spa or a meditation app; it's discovered on a dirt path, miles from the nearest cell tower, with nothing but the rhythm of our own breathing and the crunch of trail underfoot.
This is the essence of a runner's digital detox: using the raw, meditative power of running to unplug from the matrix and plug back into ourselves and the natural world. It’s about trading screen time for ridgelines, social media feeds for panoramic vistas, and the anxiety of the inbox for the simple, profound challenge of putting one foot in front of the other. As I, Goh Ling Yong, have always believed, the toughest trails often lead to the most serene internal landscapes.
So, for 2025, let’s make a pact. Let's choose solitude over stimulus. We’ve curated a list of 17 national park trails that are perfect for this mission. These aren't necessarily the most famous or the most accessible, but they are the ones that offer a genuine chance to escape, to be alone with your thoughts, and to remember what it feels like to be truly present in a world that constantly pulls us elsewhere.
1. High Divide / Seven Lakes Basin Loop, Olympic National Park, WA
This is the quintessential Olympic Peninsula experience, a grand tour of the park's diverse ecosystems. The trail takes you through lush, old-growth rainforests, up to sweeping alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and along a breathtaking ridgeline with views of Mount Olympus and the glaciated peaks of the Bailey Range. The real prize is the Seven Lakes Basin, a stunning collection of pristine alpine lakes that reflect the sky like scattered sapphires.
While popular, the 19-mile loop is challenging enough to thin the crowds, especially if you tackle it as a long day run. The lack of cell service for virtually the entire route forces you to be present. The constant, dramatic shifts in scenery—from mossy forest floors to sun-drenched, windswept ridges—keep your mind engaged with the here and now, leaving no room for digital distractions.
Pro-Tip: Run this loop clockwise, starting at the Sol Duc Falls trailhead. This puts the most strenuous climb in the earlier part of your run and saves the jaw-dropping ridgeline views of the High Divide for when you have your running legs under you. Go on a weekday in late July or August for the best weather and wildflowers.
2. The Maze District Trails, Canyonlands National Park, UT
If you're looking for true, unadulterated solitude, The Maze is your destination. This is the most remote and inaccessible district in any national park in the lower 48. It’s a labyrinth of sheer-walled canyons that requires a high-clearance 4x4 just to reach the trailhead. Running here is less about speed and more about careful navigation and self-sufficiency. There is zero cell service, and you are unlikely to see another soul for hours, if not days.
The mental challenge of navigating this rugged terrain is a powerful form of detox. You must be completely focused on the landscape, your map, and your own survival. The silence is profound, broken only by the wind whistling through the canyons or the call of a raven. It’s a place that demands respect and rewards you with a sense of isolation and self-reliance that is impossible to find in the connected world.
Pro-Tip: This is for expert trail runners and navigators only. Run with a partner, a GPS device with preloaded maps, and a satellite messenger. The Chocolate Drops Trail is a classic "out-and-back" that provides a taste of the area's immense scale and solitude. Carry all the water you will need—sources are unreliable.
3. Dawson-Pitamakan Pass Loop, Glacier National Park, MT
While tourists flock to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, savvy runners head to the Two Medicine area for this spectacular 18-mile loop. The trail features two major mountain passes, dramatic knife-edge ridges, and panoramic views of pristine lakes and jagged, glacier-carved peaks. It’s a highlight reel of everything that makes Glacier the "Crown of the Continent."
The sheer scale of the landscape and the constant exposure on the high ridges command your full attention. This is grizzly country, which adds a primal element of awareness to your run, forcing you to be hyper-attuned to your surroundings. You'll be so focused on the trail ahead and the potential for wildlife encounters that you'll forget your phone even exists.
Pro-Tip: Run the loop counter-clockwise to get the steepest climb over with first. Start at sunrise to get a head start on any day hikers and to experience the golden morning light on the peaks. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.
4. Greenstone Ridge Trail, Isle Royale National Park, MI
Isle Royale is an island of wilderness in the vast expanse of Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry or seaplane. This isolation makes it one of the least-visited national parks and a paradise for solitude seekers. The Greenstone Ridge Trail runs 40 miles along the backbone of the island, offering elevated views of the boreal forest and the surrounding Great Lake.
Running a section of this trail is a truly immersive experience. With no roads and minimal infrastructure, you are enveloped by nature. The island's famous wolf and moose populations add a thrilling, untamed quality to the environment. The commitment it takes just to get here means you’re naturally inclined to disconnect and savor every moment of the profound peace the island offers.
Pro-Tip: A fantastic long run is the 14-mile out-and-back from Windigo to Island Mine. This section provides classic Greenstone Ridge views with less commitment than the full thru-run. Plan your trip for late summer to avoid the worst of the black flies.
5. North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon can feel like a theme park. The North Rim, however, is a different world. Open only from May to October, it receives just 10% of the park's visitors, offering a much quieter and more contemplative canyon experience. The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained trail into the canyon from this side.
A run from the rim down to Roaring Springs and back is a formidable 9.4-mile challenge with over 3,000 feet of elevation change. The descent through the Supai Tunnel and across the Redwall Bridge is breathtaking, and the roar of the springs at the turnaround point is a powerful, natural reward. On this trail, you're focused on your footing, your hydration, and the epic geology unfolding around you—a perfect recipe for a digital cleanse.
Pro-Tip: Start before dawn to avoid the heat and the mule trains. The return climb is relentless, so save plenty of energy and carry more water and electrolytes than you think you'll need. The solitude in the early morning light is simply magical.
6. Chesler Park Loop Trail, Canyonlands National Park, UT
Located in the more accessible Needles District of Canyonlands, the Chesler Park Loop offers a taste of deep desert solitude without the extreme logistical challenges of The Maze. This 11-mile loop takes you through a stunning graben valley filled with giant sandstone spires, through a tight slot canyon, and into a vast, grassy meadow surrounded by rock formations.
The landscape feels ancient and otherworldly, a place that encourages quiet reflection. While you might see a few other hikers, the trail is long and varied enough that you can easily find long stretches of solitude. The focus required to navigate the slickrock and squeeze through the Joint Trail's narrow passages keeps your mind firmly off your digital life.
Pro-Tip: The dirt road to the Elephant Hill trailhead can be rough; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Run this trail in the spring or fall to avoid the brutal summer heat. Pack plenty of water.
7. Teton Crest Trail (section), Grand Teton National Park, WY
Often hailed as one of the most beautiful backpacking routes in the world, the Teton Crest Trail is also a trail runner's dream. While running the entire 40-mile length is a multi-day affair, tackling a section as a long day run provides an unforgettable dose of high-alpine freedom. The trail rarely dips below 8,000 feet, offering continuous, jaw-dropping views of the Cathedral Group.
A great option for a day run is to take the aerial tram from Teton Village up to Rendezvous Mountain and run the TCT north to Cascade Canyon and out to Jenny Lake. This point-to-point adventure offers maximum reward for your effort. The sheer grandeur of the Tetons rising abruptly from the valley floor is humbling and serves as a powerful reminder of a world far removed from screens and notifications.
Pro-Tip: This is high-altitude, exposed terrain. Acclimatize properly, check the weather forecast religiously, and be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms. A shuttle or a pre-arranged ride is necessary for the point-to-point run from the tram to Jenny Lake.
8. Sliding Sands Trail (Keoneheʻeheʻe), Haleakalā National Park, HI
How about a run inside a dormant volcano? The Sliding Sands Trail descends from the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakalā into its vast, multi-hued crater. The landscape is stark, silent, and often compared to the surface of Mars. The unique cinder cones and vibrant mineral deposits create a scene of desolate beauty.
Running down into the crater is an ethereal experience, with the crunch of volcanic cinder underfoot being the only sound. With no trees and endless sightlines, you feel a profound sense of scale and solitude. The brutal, sun-exposed climb back out at high altitude ensures this is a physically and mentally demanding run that requires your complete focus.
Pro-Tip: The best day-run option is an out-and-back to the Ka Lu'u o ka 'Ō'ō cinder cone, about 5.5 miles round trip. Start early to avoid the harshest sun and bring layers, as the summit can be cold and windy even on a sunny day.
9. Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend National Park, TX
Big Bend is a park defined by its remoteness and rugged beauty. Tucked away in the Chisos Mountains, the Lost Mine Trail is a local favorite that delivers huge rewards. The trail climbs steadily through a pinion and juniper forest before opening up to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of Texas, with panoramic views of Juniper Canyon and the distant Sierra del Carmen.
This is a perfect sunrise run. By starting in the pre-dawn darkness, you'll have the trail entirely to yourself. Watching the first rays of light paint the desert mountains from the quiet solitude of the final overlook is a deeply spiritual experience. It’s a moment of pure presence that will stay with you long after you're back in cell range.
Pro-Tip: The final quarter-mile of the trail is the steepest but also the most rewarding. Bring a headlamp for the start and a good camera for the summit. The entire run can be done in under two hours, leaving you the rest of the day to explore other parts of this massive park.
10. Fern Canyon Loop Trail, Redwood National and State Parks, CA
Step into a real-life Jurassic Park. Fern Canyon is a narrow gorge with 50-foot-high walls draped in a lush carpet of five-finger ferns, all fed by the gentle flow of Home Creek. Running through this primordial world, splashing through the creek and hopping over fallen logs, is a truly immersive and playful experience.
The drive to the trailhead is long and involves a few creek crossings, which naturally limits the crowds. While the canyon itself is short, you can connect it to the Coastal Trail for a longer run through towering redwoods and along the wild Pacific coast. The unique, enclosed environment of the canyon focuses your senses and quiets the mind.
Pro-Tip: Your feet will get wet, so wear appropriate trail shoes that drain well. Check the park website for the status of the access road and for seasonal footbridges. Combining Fern Canyon with a run on the nearby Ossagon Trail Loop makes for a perfect day of diverse scenery.
11. Lakeshore Trail (section), Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN
The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the US, but you can still find pockets of deep solitude. The Lakeshore Trail, which follows the north shore of Fontana Lake, is one of them. Known locally as the "Road to Nowhere," the trail follows an old, unfinished roadbed, passing by abandoned homesteads and cemeteries from communities displaced by the lake's creation.
This trail is relatively flat by Smokies standards, making for wonderfully rhythmic and meditative running. The forest is dense, the trail is quiet, and the poignant history of the area lends a contemplative air to the journey. You can run for miles here, enveloped by the sounds of the forest and the lapping of the lake, with only ghosts of the past for company.
Pro-Tip: Start at the "Road to Nowhere" tunnel near Bryson City, NC. A great out-and-back run is to the Goldmine Loop Trail junction (about 6 miles round trip) or further to campsite #90 for a longer day.
12. Ozark Highlands Trail (section), Buffalo National River, AR
Managed by the NPS, the Buffalo National River is a hidden gem of the Midwest. The Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) winds through this park, offering runners a chance to explore a landscape of stunning limestone bluffs, turquoise water, and dense hardwood forests. The trail is rugged, remote, and sees far less traffic than trails in more famous parks.
A fantastic section to run is the 10-mile stretch from Boxley Valley to Ponca. This part of the trail follows the river, passing by historic homesteads and offering frequent opportunities for a refreshing dip. The solitude here is palpable, and the lack of service is guaranteed. It’s a perfect place to get lost in the rhythm of running and the subtle beauty of the Ozarks.
Pro-Tip: This is a point-to-point run, so a shuttle is required. The trail can be overgrown in summer, so spring and fall are the ideal seasons. Keep an eye out for the park's majestic elk herd in Boxley Valley.
13. High Peaks Trail, Pinnacles National Park, CA
Pinnacles is one of the nation's newest and smallest national parks, but it packs a punch. Formed by an ancient volcano, its landscape is a dramatic collection of rock spires and crags that are home to the incredible California Condor. The High Peaks Trail takes you right into the heart of this rocky wonderland.
This is a technical and thrilling run, featuring a section known as the "Steep and Narrow," where steps have been carved directly into the rock. This isn't a trail for setting a personal record; it's a trail that demands your complete attention. You'll be so focused on your footing and scanning the skies for the massive condors that your digital worries will melt away.
Pro-Tip: Run the High Peaks Loop by connecting with the Condor Gulch Trail. Start early to avoid the central California heat, which can be brutal. Bring binoculars to get a better look at the condors soaring on the thermals.
14. Wonderland Trail (Mowich Lake section), Mount Rainier National Park, WA
The 93-mile Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates Mount Rainier is the stuff of legends. For a sublime single-day digital detox, run the section from Mowich Lake to the Carbon River. This stretch is less trafficked than the Paradise or Sunrise areas but offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the park.
The run begins with a descent into the deep, lush Carbon River valley, home to a rare inland temperate rainforest. The highlight is a stop at the churning, silt-filled terminus of the Carbon Glacier, one of the lowest-elevation glaciers in the lower 48. The sheer power of the ice and water is awe-inspiring. A philosophy we champion here on the Goh Ling Yong blog is that immersing yourself in such raw, powerful nature is the most effective way to reset your perspective.
Pro-Tip: The road to Mowich Lake is unpaved and typically doesn't open until early July. An out-and-back to the Carbon Glacier suspension bridge is about 17 miles. It's a "reverse" run, with the majority of the climbing on your return trip, so pace yourself.
15. The Precipice Loop, Acadia National Park, ME
This one comes with a caveat: you won't be running much of it. The Precipice Trail is a thrilling, non-technical climb up the sheer eastern face of Champlain Mountain using iron rungs, ladders, and granite steps. It's an athletic and mental challenge that's more akin to scrambling or fast-and-light mountaineering than traditional trail running.
The reason it makes this list is its power as a tool for a digital detox. It is physically impossible to check your phone while navigating this trail. It demands 100% of your physical and mental focus, forcing you into a state of flow. The adrenaline, combined with the staggering views of the Maine coastline, is a potent cocktail for clearing your mind. You can then enjoy a beautiful, runnable descent down the back of the mountain.
Pro-Tip: This trail is not for those with a fear of heights. It is closed from late spring to mid-August for peregrine falcon nesting. The best approach is to ascend the Precipice and descend via the Champlain North Ridge Trail to create a loop.
16. Blackett's Ridge Trail, Saguaro National Park, AZ
Nestled in the desert outside Tucson, Saguaro National Park offers a surprisingly rugged mountain escape. Blackett's Ridge Trail is a strenuous out-and-back that climbs steeply up a sharp ridgeline, providing increasingly dramatic views of the Sabino Canyon area and the endless forests of saguaro cacti below.
This is a tough, exposed, and rocky trail that will test your legs and lungs. The desert sun demands an early start, but you'll be rewarded with golden light and profound silence. The feeling of being high above the desert floor, with hawks circling below you, provides a powerful sense of perspective and escape.
Pro-Tip: There is no water on this trail. Start at sunrise and plan to be finished by mid-morning, especially from late spring to early fall. The 360-degree view from the trail's end is well worth the grueling climb.
17. Ubehebe Crater Loop, Death Valley National Park, CA
For a short but unforgettable run, head to the northern part of Death Valley. Ubehebe Crater is a massive volcanic maar that is over half a mile wide and 600 feet deep. A 1.5-mile trail circumnavigates the rim, offering dizzying views down into the crater and across the stark desert landscape.
Running this loop feels like a lap around the moon. The trail is loose scoria and the wind can be fierce, making the run more challenging than its short distance suggests. The silence and the sheer, violent power of the geology that created this place are humbling. It's a quick, potent dose of solitude that will leave a lasting impression and fully disconnect you from the mundane.
Pro-Tip: Link this with a run down the trail to the bottom of the crater for an extra challenge (the climb out is a serious slog in the loose gravel!). The best time for this run is during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset to see the crater's colors come alive.
Your Turn to Unplug
There you have it—17 opportunities to trade the digital roar for the whisper of the wind. Each of these trails offers a unique path to the same destination: a quieter mind, a stronger body, and a renewed connection to the world beyond the screen.
Planning a trip like this is the first step. Picking a trail, marking your calendar, and committing to leaving the phone in your pack is an act of self-care. So, what are you waiting for? Choose your adventure, lace up your shoes, and go find your solitude in 2025.
We'd love to hear from you! What are your favorite national park trails for a digital detox? Share your secret spots and experiences in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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