The natural surfaces around here are incredibly rocky, and not the kind of rock that is pleasant to run on, and lots of thorns. I also don't know of any trails near me, the closest probably being 45 minutes drive. Also, with the desert environment, the dirt tends to be "thick" and that is how I busted my foot open last summer, by not seeing a rock in that. It is possible that I haven't completely explored options for weekend excursions, but I do know that moving here from lots of hiking growing up in Oregon, I recognized a distinct difference. I'll have to ask my husband, since he has a habit of exploring many places. However, he doesn't run barefooted, so he's not going to remember it the same as I would. Maybe I'll get into trying it more as my feet get tougher. And there you have my rambling thoughts in response.