ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS
hello! We are so stoked for your photos! We are always exploring new trails in colorado and leaving pins on Google maps on all of the gems that we find. We have put together a list of all of our favorite places to make it easy for you to look through and decide where you want to go.
I broke down some of my favorite locations in a few different categories: locations with easy access, locations that require hiking, locations that are >1.5hrs from denver, and a few that we’ve been dying to try out.
locations with easy access
Loveland Pass
one of our favorite spots to catch the sunset in Colorado. Loveland Pass is the highest road that is open all year long! it also is home to a secret lake that few people know about, making this one of our favorite locations.
Trail Ridge Road
this high alpine road outside of Estes Park is only open during the summer. since the whole road is above tree line, both sunrise and sunset is amazing.
Chautauqua Park
perhaps the most iconic view boulder has to offer of the flatirons. this park is often busy, so we prefer to shoot here at sunrise when possible.
South Mesa Trail
located just outside of eldorado springs near boulder, south mesa trail offers sweeping views of the mountains and the flat irons. spring and fall are my favorite here with all of the color!
Brainard Lake
easy access to brainard lake is only available in the summer when the road up to it is open. it’s equally as gorgeous in the winter, you just have to hike up the road!
Clinton Gulch Reservoir
clinton gulch dam reservoir is located outside of Leadville. this little hidden gem is way less crowded than it’s neighboring friend, Mayflower gulch, which is right next door. it has plenty of spots to do the whole session right here, but we have also hit this up at the end of our mayflower gulch hike!
Moraine Park
located in rocky mountain national park, moraine park is the most easily accessible location for epic mountain views.
Kenosha Pass
located about an hour outside of denver, this is our go-to for fall photos!
Silver Plume, CO
the tinniest, cutest Colorado town home of the cutest little cocktail bar.
Guanella Pass
guanella pass is a high alpine road that is open during the summer months. watch the sunset at the base of Bierstadt, one of colorados 14ers!
Lost Gulch Lookout
located 15 minutes outside of boulder, this location has easy access with amazing views of the foothills. it’s a favorite for all photographers in the Denver area, making this spot often crowded with other sessions. that being said, it’s still an amazing choice!
Lookout Mountain
a little secret spot i know off of lookout mountain road with spectacular views of the foothills and clear creek canyon that is only minutes outside of golden, co! this spot involves no hiking, but you need to keep a close eye on the kiddos because of the drop offs and cactus!
Mt. Falcon Park - East Trailhead
located in Morrison, this trail over looks Red rocks.
Blue Lakes
two gorgeous alpine lakes that you can literally drive up to located just outside of breckenridge at the base of quandary. also home to multiple waterfalls. if you’re up for amazing views minus the hike + sweat to get there, this is your location.
locations that require a hike
Chief Mountain
located 50 minutes outside of Denver, chief is the perfect location for those epic mountain views. It’s a pretty chill, 3 mile out-and-back trail that will not disappoint for sunrise or sunset.
Mayflower Gulch
mayflower gulch is located 30 minutes outside of silverthorne in summit county. it’s a gorgeous 3 mile round trip hike up to the base of some mountains.
Dream Lake
dream lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park just outside of Estes Park, CO. we have shot here both at sunrise and sunset and are obsessed with both! its a 3(ish) mile round trip hike up to the lake with gorgeous views the entire way. this is one of the most popular hikes in the park, so if you’re searching for privacy for your photos, this location might not be for you.
St. Mary’s Glacier
st. mary’s glacier is typically one of the first hikes people go on when they move to colorado. it’s a high alpine lakes that’s close to denver, short (less than 2 miles round trip!), and offers some stellar views. great for sunrise or sunset!
Mt. Spalding
EPIC sunrise! To get to this spot is only a 1 mile hike, but don’t let the short distance fool you. its at 13,000ft and the elevation gain is killer, get ready to sweat!
Lake Isabelle
Lake Isabelle is a 5 mile out and back trail located near Brainard Lake Recreational Area. It’s a 45 minute drive from Boulder, CO and is well worth every mile! It’s a pretty chill hike with only 500 feet of elevation gain, making this gorgeous lake super accessible if you’re willing to hike in! Brainard Lake does require reservations.
day trip Locations
** the following locations are located greater than 1.5hrs from Denver - addition travel expenses will be added.
Independence Pass
located 40 minutes outside of Leadville, this high alpine mountain pass is only open in the summer.
Twin Lakes
located 20 minutes outside of Leadville, this easily accessible lake is one of our go-to’s!
Maroon Bells
the Maroon bells are located just outside of Aspen, co. the bells are the most photographed mountains in colorado, and for a good reason!
Great Sand Dunes National Park
the sand dunes are located 4 hours south of denver. A sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles and the tallest dune towers 750 feet high. we have backpacked here and the sunrise AND sunset are to die for!