Shadow of the Pfeifferhorn | Trail Run to Maybird Lakes

Tucked deep in Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Maybird Lakes Trail is a trail runner’s dream — alpine meadows, rugged granite peaks, and a series of glacial lakes sitting quietly beneath the imposing shadow of the Pfeifferhorn, one of Utah’s most iconic summits. This run isn’t just about the miles — it’s about getting lost in the beauty of the Wasatch.

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The Journey

The trail to Maybird Lakes begins at the White Pine Trailhead, a popular starting point that leads to both White Pine and Red Pine Lakes. But Maybird? It’s a bit more off the radar — and that’s what makes it so special.

After a couple of miles on a well-maintained path, you’ll cross a wooden bridge and follow a less-traveled trail westward into the Maybird Gulch. From there, the landscape opens up into a stunning alpine basin where the lakes sit quietly under the looming north face of the Pfeifferhorn. It’s peaceful. Serene. And a little bit surreal.

Why I Love This Trail

This trail hits all the sweet spots — challenging climbs, technical terrain, and incredible scenery. But what really sets it apart is how intimate it feels. Even with its proximity to other popular hikes, the Maybird Lakes area is often quiet, especially in the early mornings or shoulder seasons.

Running in the shadow of the Pfeifferhorn adds a real sense of scale to the experience. It’s one of those places that makes you feel small in the best way possible.

This run is also a great option if you want something less crowded than Red Pine or White Pine, but still with all the high alpine beauty that Little Cottonwood has to offer.

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Trail Info

• Trailhead: White Pine Trailhead, Little Cottonwood Canyon

• Distance: ~8.5 miles roundtrip

• Elevation Gain: ~2,600 ft

• Trail Type: Out and back

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall

• Trail Conditions: Rocky, moderately technical in sections

• Bonus: Early morning light on the Pfeifferhorn is next level.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a trail that combines solitude, beauty, and just the right amount of challenge, the Maybird Lakes trail should be high on your list. Whether you're running it for training or just to soak in the alpine atmosphere, it’s a reminder of how lucky we are to have trails like this so close to home.

You can catch a full video of this run — including drone shots and trail tips — over on my YouTube channel, and follow along on Instagram at @Dan.Run22 for more trail adventures around Utah.

See you out there — and as always, keep chasing the views.

Abandoned Radio Tower – A Hidden Gem Trail Run in Herriman, Utah

 Tucked away in the foothills of Herriman, Utah, the South Mountain Trail offers something truly unexpected — an abandoned radio tower perched at the summit. It’s eerie, scenic, and absolutely worth the climb. This trail has become one of my favorite hidden gems in the Salt Lake Valley.

The Run

The route to the tower isn’t overly technical, but it does pack a decent elevation punch. You’ll climb steadily through sagebrush-covered hillsides, with sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley unfolding behind you. On a clear day, you can spot the Oquirrh Mountains to the west and the Wasatch Range to the east.

What makes this trail special, though, is what greets you at the top — a weathered, rusting radio tower surrounded by crumbling concrete footings and old cables. It’s the kind of spot that makes you stop, look around, and wonder what stories the place could tell.

Why I Keep Coming Back

There’s something about this trail that keeps pulling me in. It’s quiet. It’s strange. And it feels like you’ve discovered a secret piece of history just sitting above town.

It’s also a perfect short-to-mid distance run when you want solitude without driving hours to get into the mountains. You won’t find this trail on many “top 10” lists, and that’s part of what makes it so special.

If you're looking for a trail that combines urban edge with backcountry vibes, the South Mountain Trail to the abandoned radio tower is it.

Trail Info

• Location: Herriman, Utah

• Distance: ~5-6 miles roundtrip (depending on the route)

• Elevation Gain: ~900–1,200 ft

• Trail Type: Out and back

• Best Time to Visit: Spring through late fall

• Pro Tip: Bring a headlamp if you’re heading out early or late — the sunsets and sunrises here are next level.

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Final Thoughts

This trail is a reminder that you don’t have to travel far to find adventure. Sometimes, the best runs are hiding right in your backyard — abandoned towers and all. If you’re local to Utah or just visiting the area, put this one on your list. It might just become one of your favorites too.

For a closer look at this run, check out the video on my YouTube channel and follow along on Instagram @Dan.Run22.

Let’s keep moving mountains— one at a time.

Chasing the Ultimate High: Trail Running Cottonwood Canyon – White Pine Trail Run

There’s something about Little Cottonwood Canyon that pulls at your spirit—the crisp alpine air, the towering granite walls, and the endless trails that seem to disappear into the sky. This week’s run took me up White Pine Trail, and let me just say, it was the kind of high that only a trail runner would understand.

The Climb Begins

The trail starts at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, nestled in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. From the first step, it’s a steady climb—gritty, relentless, and absolutely beautiful. Early morning sun filtered through pines, the kind of light that makes you stop and just soak it in (but only for a second, because—well—you’re running).

This isn't an easy trail. With over 2,500 feet of elevation gain in about 4.5 miles to the lake, your quads get a solid wake-up call. But with every switchback, you're rewarded with sweeping views of the canyon below, wildflowers brushing your shins, and the sound of your breath syncing with your footsteps.

Mid-Run Magic

About halfway up, the world starts to quiet down. Fewer hikers. Fewer distractions. Just you, the dirt under your feet, and the mountains ahead. This is the sweet spot—where thoughts fade and the runner’s high kicks in. You’re not thinking about your pace or your phone or even the summit. You're just there, fully present in the grind.

I passed a few mountain goats (the four-legged kind, not the trail veterans), a cold creek crossing, and enough scenic views to fill a dozen postcards. There were also mosquitoes—plenty of them. But hey, what’s a summer trail run without a little blood sacrifice?

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The Payoff

White Pine Lake is a stunner. A glacial basin surrounded by jagged ridgelines and granite spires, it feels like a secret slice of the Sierra Nevada tucked into Utah. I took a long pause at the lake—legs burning, lungs open, heart full.

That moment, standing at 10,000 feet with a breeze on my face and silence all around, reminded me why I do this. Why I chase these highs, mile after mile, run after run. It’s not about racing—it’s about reconnecting. With nature, with yourself, with the kind of joy you can’t buy or fake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a trail that pushes your limits and rewards your effort tenfold, White Pine is it. Just bring strong legs, a full water bottle, and a deep appreciation for the wild.

And don’t forget: the ultimate high isn’t at the summit—it’s in the journey.

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Follow along on my YouTube channel Dan on the Run for video highlights from this run and more trail reviews, tips, and adventures.