MY FAVORITE LOCATIONS FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
For the Adventurers
Colorado is such a magical place, and we’re incredibly lucky to have so many stunning photo locations right in our backyard. The spots in this guide are some of my personal favorites; places I’ve photographed many times and feel completely confident navigating when it comes to lighting, timing, and flow. These locations include mountain overlooks, alpine lakes, the iconic scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park, plus downtown Denver or Boulder.
You’re not limited to just these... I’m always down to explore somewhere new with you if there’s a spot that feels meaningful or exciting!
LOVELAND PASS
DILLON
Loveland Pass includes dramatic views of the Continental Divide. Because you’re at the top of a mountain, it is extremely windy and therefore can be chilly. Sunrise or sunset makes for a really adventurous session!
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round (weather dependent). The pass can close during winter storms.
Parking: Small parking lot on the summit, with multiple pull-offs throughout.
Accessibility: Limited
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Sunrise or Sunset
Restrooms Available: No
Notes: It’s very windy at the top 99% of the time. Be prepared for colder temps! We would meet at the summit and wander from there. Wear proper shoes as we'll be walking on rocky, dirt trails.
CHAUTAUQUA PARK
BOULDER
Chautauqua is THE classic Boulder spot for photos! Although popular and can be busy, it's open year-round which makes for great summer OR winter photos. This location is accessible, beautiful, and always a winner.
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round
Parking: Medium Lot. Paid parking from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Limited street and neighborhood parking is available nearby.
Accessibility: Generally accessible, with mostly flat paths near the main area.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Restroom Available: Yes, inside the Ranger cottage.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Sunset
Notes: A very popular location that can get busy during peak seasons and certain times of day. Early mornings and weekdays are best for a quieter experience, but we can usually find a somewhat secluded spot to shoot at!
BRAINARD LAKE
brainard lake recreation area
Brainard Lake is an alpine paradise! The lake includes views of the dramatic peaks with trails around the lake, making it an easy, yet beautiful, option.
Permit: Brainard Lake Recreation Area timed-entry permit is required seasonally. You can find more information and purchase your timed-entry permit here.
Seasonal Closures: The main parking lot is closed during the winter months (usually November-May). You can park at the entrance and walk two miles in during winter if you're up for a hike!
Parking: Large Parking Lot at Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Accessibility: Limited to moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Afternoon/Golden Hour
Restrooms Available: Yes
Notes Alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, AND your chances of seeing a moose are very high!
ECHO LAKE
EVERGREEN
Echo Lake is quintessentially Colorado. It makes for a stunning portrait location thanks to its reflective alpine water, surrounding evergreen forest, and dramatic mountain backdrop. A favorite!
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round (weather dependent, snow and ice likely in winter)
Parking: Large parking area near the lake
Accessibility: Generally accessible on the loop around the lake
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Sunrise or Sunset
Restrooms Available: Yes
Notes: There will be crowds as this is a popular spot! But your chances of more privacy are higher on a weekday, at sunrise, or towards the end of sunset.
SOUTH MESA TRAILHEAD
ELDORADO SPRINGS
South Mesa is a quieter alternative to Chautauqua, with a small parking and mostly flat trails. Wide open foothills views make it a beautiful spot for sunset sessions!
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round but the trail can be closed during muddy conditions.
Parking: Small lot with limited capacity. It fills quickly, especially on weekends, but you can park at the Dowdy Draw trailhead lot across the street.
Accessibility: Generally accessible, with mostly flat paths near the main area.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Restroom Available: No.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Sunset
Notes: Weekends can get busy, but it’s still much quieter than Chautauqua. Depending on the day, we might have to be patient with parking!
FLATIRONS VISTA
BOULDER
Flatirons Vista is all about the wide-open views without the crowds! Golden hour here is perfect for those dramatic Flatirons backdrops, especially if you want a little breathing room compared to Chautauqua.
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round but the trail can be closed during muddy conditions.
Parking: Medium Lot. Paid parking on the app.
Accessibility: Limited, with gravel trails and rolling terrain.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Golden Hour
Restroom Available: Yes, there’s one bathroom at the trailhead.
Notes: Expansive, open views of the Flatirons with fewer crowds than Chautauqua, especially on weekdays. Be prepared to walk a bit!
GUANELLA PASS
GEORGETOWN
One of my all-time favorite spots! Guanella Pass has high-alpine meadows, sweeping views of Mt Bierstadt and surrounding mountain peaks. It is closed during the winter but in the summer you’ll find wildflowers and aspens in the fall. Weather changes fast, so dress in layers!
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Closed in the winter (typically November-May, weather dependent)
Parking: Multiple lots on the summit, with multiple pull-offs throughout the drive.
Accessibility: Limited, uneven ground for most of the trails.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Golden Hour
Restrooms Available: Yes, there are restrooms at the summit.
Notes It can be windy and cold at the tip, so wear proper layers and shoes! We would meet at the summit and wander from there.
ECHO LAKE
EVERGREEN
Echo Lake is quintessentially Colorado. It makes for a stunning portrait location thanks to its reflective alpine water, surrounding evergreen forest, and dramatic mountain backdrop. A favorite!
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round (weather dependent, snow and ice likely in winter)
Parking: Large parking area near the lake
Accessibility: Generally accessible on the loop around the lake
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Sunrise or Sunset
Restrooms Available: Yes
Notes: There will be crowds as this is a popular spot! But your chances of more privacy are higher on a weekday, at sunrise, or towards the end of sunset.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
ESTES PARK
RMNP is the ICONIC spot for Colorado magic. Dramatic peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and even wildlife make every session feel like a storybook. Weather can change quickly, so early mornings or late afternoons give the softest light and the most peaceful moments away from the crowds.
Permit: National Parks Pass and Timed-entry Permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round, but Trail Ridge Road will close during the winter (typically November-May) so we’ll only have access to the East side of the park.
Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in the park but aren’t allowed on trails or in the backcountry.
Notes: RMNP offers dramatic alpine peaks, lakes, meadows, and wildlife. Weather changes quickly, and crowds are heavy mid-day so it takes a bit of prep and flexibility, but that's the Colorado way!
Favorite Spots: Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, Morraine Park, Lily Lake, and Trail Ridge Road.
MT FALCON WEST
INDIAN HILLS
Just outside of Evergreen, Mt Falcon West has expansive mountain and foothills views, and a slightly more adventurous feel. Great for couples who want epic scenery without a long hike!
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round (snow and ice on the trails likely during winter)
Parking: Medium-sized lot with a backup lot closer to the trailhead.
Accessibility: Fairly Accessible.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Afternoon/Golden Hour
Restrooms Available: Yes, there’s a restroom at the trailhead.
HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR
FORT COLLINS
The iconic spot in Fort Collins! It has blue water, rugged rock formations, and wide open skies. Feels adventurous and bold, especially at sunset!
Permit: Larimer County day-use fee or annual pass required. You can find more information here.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round (weather dependent)
Parking: Multiple parking lots around the reservoir.
Accessibility: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Sunset
Restrooms Available: Yes, at select parking areas.
GOLDEN GATE CANYON STATE PARK
GOLDEN
Golden Gate Canyon has everything a mountain-lover could want—meadows, forest trails, and epic mountain roads. You’ll need a state park pass, and a photographer permit is required a few weeks in advance. It's an ideal spot for summer wildflowers and golden aspens in the fall!
Permit: Colorado State Park Pass or day-use fee required. You can find more information here.
Photography Permit: A photography permit is required two weeks in advance.
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round. Some roads or areas may close temporarily due to weather.
Parking: Daily Vehicle Pass $12 (Keep Colorado Wild Pass eligible). Multiple designated parking areas throughout the park.
Accessibility: Limited
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on designated dog trails and must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Afternoon or Golden Hour
Restroom Available: Yes, multiple restrooms are available around.
Notes: Distances between locations can be longer, so plan extra time for travel within the park.
LOST GULCH OVERLOOK
BOULDER
Lost Gulch is perfect for epic mountain views with easy convenience, with it being about 10 minutes outside of Boulder!
Permit: No permit required.
Seasonal Closures: Although open year-round, it will be snow-packed and inaccessible during the winter months.
Parking: Very limited roadside parking; spaces fill quickly.
Accessibility: Limited. Some dirt trails, but mostly rocky trails on cliffs.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash at all times.
Best Time of Day to Shoot: Golden Hour
Restroom Available: No.
Notes: Stunning overlook with dramatic views, but very popular and often crowded. Best suited for quick sessions at off-peak times. Wear proper shoes! We'll be walking on rocky cliffs and dirt paths.
I’ll pair this location with Chautauqua Park for free! (they’re located 10 minutes from each other)
IN-HOME OR STUDIO
Studio or in-home sessions are perfect if you want something a little more intimate, relaxed, and personal, whether that’s clean, natural light in a studio setting or cozy, meaningful moments in your own space.
If you're interested in a studio session, the studio rental fee will be added to your invoice. Rates vary by location but typically range from $80 to $150 per hour.
DOWNTOWN DENVER OR BOULDER
Think clean architecture, textured alleyways, city lights, and that effortless urban energy. It’s such a fun option if you want your photos to feel a little bold, a little stylish, and completely different from the typical mountain backdrop!