Nestled at the upper end of Little Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake City lies one of my favorite trails in the Wasatch Mountains – Catherine Pass/Sunset Peak. The trail, just 35 minutes from my door, starts above the base area of Alta Ski Resort in Albion Basin. Right from the get-go it offers outstanding views of Devil’s Castle, the ski area and Little Cottonwood Canyon. As the trail ascends through meadows of wildflowers and across rocky hillsides to the top of the pass the views get better and better. Although I have hiked and run the trail dozens of time, each outing offers something new that makes me appreciate the area even more. It’s the type of place I can shoot over and over again and still feel inspired.

Last night a good friend and I headed up to shoot some new trail running images for my stock archives. There is something to be said about shooting in a location close to home that you are intimately familiar with. Not only is it easier to pre-visualize the shots but the personal connection can provide great inspiration.

For this shoot I wanted to capture not only the essence of the location but also the things I personally cherish most about trail running. The solitude and freedom I feel on the trail. Getting sweaty, dirty and grimy without a care in the world. Feeling connected to nature. And setting my mind free as the setting sun casts it’s last rays of sweet, golden light across the landscape.

Sure, exotic locations half way around the world are exciting, but sometimes its the familiar places that offer the most rewarding results.