Footpath 3D terrain maps and more

We’ve just launched major new updates for iOS, Android, and Web that add high resolution 3D terrain mapping across the globe, for any of our map styles. As a Footpath Elite subscriber, you can tilt, rotate, and zoom your maps to scope out mountains and canyons from every angle to prepare for your next adventure. Combine this with our Satellite Live maps or Slope Angle shading for clearer understandings of potential winter avalanche conditions.

Course recon in the Alps with Alyssa Clark

TDS third-place finisher Alyssa Clark recounts how she used Footpath to preview difficult sections of the course before the race

How to prepare for your first Fourteener

Standing on top of a Colorado Fourteener is a feeling unlike any other. The sweeping views, the sense of accomplishment, and the journey it takes to get there make these mountains incredibly rewarding. But reaching the summit isn’t just about fitness, it’s about preparation, patience, and respecting the mountain environment. If you are thinking about tackling your first 14er, here are some of my top tips to help you have a safe and successful experience.

How SoCalTrail is building one of LA’s most welcoming trail running communities

When you hear Los Angeles, you might picture congested freeways and endless concrete. But, Los Angeles has a thriving trail community showing up week after week to play on dirt, chase sweeping ocean views, tackle rugged climbs, and soak up sunny SoCal vibes. One of Southern California’s most community-driven trail race organizations is SoCalTrail, also known for its Tour of LA community trail run series. While SoCalTrail is primarily known for producing trail races throughout Southern California, Tour of LA is its free, inclusive, five-stop series designed to welcome everyone, from seasoned trail veterans to runners experiencing the trails for the very first time.

Smarter training starts with a map

One of the most common mistakes I see in trail runners preparing for mountain races is surprisingly simple. They train for the distance, but not the terrain.

Introducing Print Maps

For serious adventurers, a good paper map is still an essential piece of kit, and if you’re a race director, trip leader, or community organizer, having a shareable visual helps others understand the course at a glance. Today, we’re making it easier than ever to create printed maps of your routes. Introducing Print Maps, a new feature for Footpath Elite subscribers that lets you generate high-quality, print-ready PDF maps of any route in your library.

Stop obsessing over distance, start studying elevation

Everyone loves talking about miles logged. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or hiker, distance is the easiest metric to share and compare. It’s clean, simple, and usually earns a reaction like, “I don’t even like driving that far.” But while mileage looks impressive in a training log or calendar screenshot, it’s actually a poor predictor of how difficult a route will feel. If you’ve ever finished a workout thinking, “That was way harder than I expected,” the problem probably wasn’t the distance.

Fire up your fitness with new routes

New year, fresh goals, big motivation. And then suddenly… you’re running the same route again. And again. It’s easy to assume that when fitness goals fall apart, it’s because of discipline. But more often than not, it’s boredom. Research consistently shows that most New Year’s goals fade within the first few weeks, not because people don’t care, but because the process stops being interesting. Movement thrives on curiosity. That’s where new routes come in.

Best winter running routes in Colorado Springs

When people think of Colorado winters, they often picture a state buried in snow. While that can be true in the high country, it’s not the full story, especially in Colorado Springs. Many runners assume winter training here is impossible, but the Front Range proves otherwise. Winter running in Colorado Springs is magic: bright sun that makes it feel warmer than the forecast, crisp air, quiet trails, frosted pines, wildlife sightings, and sunrise colors that make you slow down mid-stride.