BEST PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN COLORADO

Colorado is one of the most beautiful and exciting states to explore. One of its biggest attractions is its many incredible national parks, where you can capture stunning views. There are so many different types of photography and locations that exist in this world, but the best photography is always in Colorado.  The reason for this is that Colorado has so many natural attractions that are perfect for taking pictures.  The mountains and parks will always be a photographer’s dream come true.

Some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes can be found in Colorado. From the red rock cliffs of Sedona, Arizona to the vivid green grasses of Ireland, there are plenty of places to capture a picture-perfect shot.

Check out these 21 photography spots in Colorado below that are guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, USA.

spots-in-colorado-Hanging Lake Glenwood Canyon Colorado USA Best photography spots in Colorado

Hanging Lake Glenwood Canyon Colorado USA, Best photography spots in Colorado

Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful and unique spots in Colorado. The crystal fresh water cascades down the cliff, creating a pool at the bottom that reflects the surrounding environment beautifully. The trail leading to the lake is just as impressive as this natural wonder; it will go through a forest before coming out of it at two separate waterfalls that feed into Hanging Lake. From famous urban landmarks to breathtaking natural wonders and everything in between, these hidden treasures offer up an opportunity to capture some incredible shots.



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Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods Colorado

Garden of the Gods Colorado

With many breathtaking vistas, the Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s most photographed areas. Visitors to this park can explore the striking red rock formations and play on hidden trails full of wildflowers and natural springs. If you want a more isolated experience, nothing beats hiking through the Garden in winter, when temperatures rarely dip below freezing.

Mesa Verde National Park Cortez, Colorado

spots-in-colorado-Mesa Verde National Park Cortez Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park Cortez Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the best photography spots in Colorado. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the people watching at Mesa Verde’s famous cliff dwellings make it a great place to observe what life was like in this area over 800 years before most Americans were born. They offer a rich culture and history that is incomparable to anything else on our planet. The wildlife is abundant, and you’ll need your camera to capture them on film.

Mountain Serenity

spots-in-colorado-Mountain Serenity

Mountain Serenity

If you’re looking for one of the best photography spots in Colorado, look no further. The Mountain Serenity is a land of beauty, serenity, and adventure. With its unmatched landscapes and close proximity to many other destinations, this is truly a place for everyone.

This is one of the best photography spots in Colorado. Beautiful scenery, easy access, and plenty of parking. It’s not unusual to see deer, antelope, and other wildlife while you’re here. You’ll even find places to stop along the way and have a picnic lunch using the gorgeous mountain backdrop as your foreground subject.

Best photography spots in Colorado

Maroon lake, night after snow Aspen, Colorado

Maroon lake at night after snow in Aspen Colorado

Maroon lake at night after snow in Aspen Colorado

Maroon Lake is one of the most photographed landmarks in Aspen, Colorado. Travelers come from all over to capture this amazing mountain lake with the iconic Maroon Bells in the background. It can be a little tricky to find a parking spot that’s not entirely blocked by other photographers. If you arrive early enough, you won’t have any hassles finding space but once it gets later in the day or on weekends (since it’s a popular spot for weddings) parking changes quite a bit for sure.

This is one of the most popular and high-quality photography spots in Colorado. The gorgeous Maroon Lake was turned red by the late-evening sunlight reflecting off its surface. At night, the water turned black, which allowed for some dramatic photographs. The frosty snow and dark clouds add up to an unforgettable picture!

Abandon Crystal Mill in Colorado mountain

Abandon Crystal Mill in Colorado mountain, Best photography spots in Colorado

Abandon Crystal Mill in Colorado mountain, Best photography spots in Colorado

The Abandoned Crystal Mill in Colorado is one of the best photography spots in the state. The Crystal Mill was once a massive mining complex built by the Guggenheim Brothers with gold found in the area. The mill eventually shut down, but many years later it became a tourist attraction and was re-opened. It closed again quickly, though, when visitors started to get injured by unsafe conditions. Today this beautiful spot sits abandoned on top of a mountain just east of Leadville while it remains threatened by vandals and natural decay.

Exploring the abandoned Crystal Mill outside of Leadville, CO. The mill is a beautiful sight and one of the best photography spots in Colorado.

Brilliant Yellow Aspen Tree Leafs in Fall in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

Autumn Canopy of Brilliant Yellow Aspen Tree Leafs in Fall in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

Autumn Canopy of Brilliant Yellow Aspen Tree Leafs in Fall in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

The Autumn Canopy of Brilliant Yellow Aspen Tree Leafs in Fall in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is one of the classic beauty spots for professional and novice photographers alike. Enjoy skiing, biking, rafting, and other adventures in nearby areas like Vail and Breckenridge.

This area is the location for many picturesque and colorful seasonal landscapes, including those that are best viewed during late spring, summer, and fall. This beautiful image shows a hiker with a camera taking photos of bright yellow aspen trees that line the trail on a mountain ridge.

Rifle Gap State Park in Rifle, Colorado

Rifle Gap State Park in Rifle Colorado

Rifle Gap State Park in Rifle Colorado

Rifle Gap State Park is one of the best photography spots in Colorado, nestled deep in the southeastern section of the state. Take a walk or bike ride through this beautiful park to experience its rugged terrain and picturesque views of nearby mountains. It’s home to a gorgeous view of the mighty Colorado River and Gunnison Gorge. The park has several areas for picnicking, hiking, and fishing, along with free Wi-Fi throughout most of its grounds. Maybe best of all, this state park is close to some beautiful wineries in the area.

Best photography spots in Colorado

San Juan mountains

San Juan mountains

San Juan mountains

The San Juan mountains offer some of the most epic views and photographic opportunities Colorado has to offer. From beautiful lush green meadows to snowcapped peaks and precious streams, this area is sure to capture your heart. Waterfalls and rivers, colorful rock formations, and a diversity of wildlife and ecosystems make this area a photographer’s paradise.

This is one of the best photography spots in Colorado and a great place to hike. The San Juan Mountains, right on the border between Colorado and New Mexico, is a land of rugged peaks that soar above pine forests, sparkling blue lakes, and rocky gorges.

River`s Edge Natural located in Loveland Colorado

Rivers Edge Natural area located in Loveland Colorado, Best photography spots in Colorado

Rivers Edge Natural area located in Loveland Colorado, Best photography spots in Colorado

River’s Edge Natural Area is one of the most scenic spots in Loveland Colorado. It’s located at the confluence of the Big Thompson, Little Thompson, and Blue rivers, and offers some of the best fly fishing in town. T

he Fort Fun adventure begins at this beautiful nature spot where you will learn about Colorado’s native trout species and all about our majestic mountain vistas from guides who are experts at finding the fish. It is one of the most beautiful and least accessible places in the state.

The geology is spectacular, the landforms are amazing, and there’s a hiking trail that goes right through it.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best photography spots in Colorado. It’s a great place to find a landscape with big mountains, deep valleys, and scenic lakes. Here, you’ll find wildflowers that paint the ground with color in spring and summer.

This stunning park encompasses more than 415 square miles and includes elevations ranging from 6,000 feet to 14,259 feet. With such a wide range of altitudes and surroundings, you’ll want to stop at many of the most well-known vistas before making your way down into the valley for camping and hiking.

With more than 300 miles of trails, there are endless opportunities to capture memorable photos.

Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, Best photography spots in Colorado

Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, Best photography spots in Colorado

(Not actually in Colorado but on the Colorado River. It’s such an epic place we needed to add it to the list. Horseshoe Bend is a sharp curve in the Colorado River located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona, United States. The horseshoe bend in Canyonlands National Park is one of the most photographed sites in Colorado. This iconic view of the Colorado River below combines the beauty of nature with a strong sense of adventure and exploration. Hike this spot for a breathtaking experience.

Best photography spots in Colorado

Hot air balloons, Colorado Springs Balloon Classic

Hot air balloons touch down in Prospect Lake during the Colorado Springs Balloon Classic s mass ascension.

Hot air balloons touch down in Prospect Lake during the Colorado Springs Balloon Classic s mass ascension.

This Colorado Springs hot air balloon tour is a great way to enjoy high-altitude vistas with the added bonus of an amazing light show. The Colorado Springs Balloon Classic is one of the nation’s premier hot air balloon festivals, and this tour will take you directly over the event at sunrise. This popular flight begins at 7 a.m., so be sure to arrive early!

Kelly Falls in Historic Arkansas Riverwalk in Pueblo, Colorado

Kelly Falls in Historic Arkansas Riverwalk in Pueblo Colorado

Kelly Falls in Historic Arkansas Riverwalk in Pueblo Colorado

The Pueblo Riverwalk is one of the best photography spots in Colorado with its network of trails and fun activities that anyone can enjoy. Kelly Falls is a popular attraction where you can hike down and find yourself at the base of this beautiful waterfall. This waterfall is one of the best photography spots in Colorado and offers you a chance to take a break from the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day life and get in touch with nature.

Longs Peak Brilliance

Longs Peak shows off its brilliance of the morning during golden hour in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Best photography spots in Colorado

Longs Peak shows off its brilliance of the morning during golden hour in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

Longs Peak Brilliance is a nearly twelve-thousand-foot tall mountain in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. It is one of the best photography spots in the world, and it is super easy to get there. You can park at the Wild Basin Trailhead and hike up for about a mile, where you will be rewarded with incredible views of the entire park and access to some really exciting cliffs for climbing.

If you want to make the most out of your trip, then you should spend the night camping in this area – once you wake up at sunrise, put on your gear, head down to the cliffs and prepare to have your mind blown by some of the most stunning views you have ever seen before breakfast.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The Great Sand Dunes National Park sits in the state of Colorado and is one of the most stunning spots for photographers. The park features large sand dunes, as well as numerous wildlife species—some endangered. There’s also plenty to do, from hiking and camping all the way up to snowboarding and skiing in the wintertime.

Bear lake Estes park

Bear lake estes park, Best photography spots in Colorado

Bear lake estes park. Best photography spots in Colorado

One of the best photography spots in Colorado, Bear Lake nestled in Estes Park is a high-altitude mountain lake formed by glaciers. With the backdrop of Mt. Meeker and other iconic Colorado mountains, it makes for an amazing shot. Bear Lake is open year-round for fishing and hiking, but give yourself some time to relax if you’re staying overnight because it’s quite remote.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs Colorado.

Steamboat Springs Colorado.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is one of the most beautiful and adventurous places in the state. It’s a great place to try new things, eat some delicious food and explore unique local attractions. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spots to capture that special moment in Steamboat Springs.

Breckenridge, Colorado, USA town skyline 

Breckenridge Colorado USA town skyline and cabins in winter at dusk.

Breckenridge Colorado USA town skyline and cabins in winter at dusk.

Breckenridge, Colorado is the perfect spot for photographers. The town offers many unique opportunities for taking beautiful photos of the Breckenridge scenery, including the town skyline and skiing. Breckenridge has long been known as a premier vacation destination for outdoor lovers. The best spot for photography is just outside of town, where you can capture a view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Because it’s located at an elevation of 9,600 feet, you’ll get amazing shots of the red rocks, as well as snowcapped peaks in the winter months. The most popular time to visit is from June to September when you can ski and ride said slopes!

Best photography spots in Colorado

Grizzly Creek, Colorado

Grizzly Creek Colorado

Grizzly Creek Colorado

One of the best photography spots in Colorado, Grizzly Creek will impress you with its colorful landscape and river. Take in the views while hiking along a dusty trail to get closer to the waterfalls. Be aware of potential flash floods during spring melt and summer monsoons, as well as winter snowfall.

From this vantage, you can get great views of the surrounding mountain peaks and valleys. If you hike down to Grizzly Creek Falls, you can take in more of the natural beauty around you. The area can be busy on summer weekends but it’s never hard to find your own space in this stunning landscape.

Vail, Colorado

Vail Colorado, Best photography spots in Colorado

Vail Colorado, Best photography spots in Colorado

Vail, Colorado is one of the best photography spots in Colorado. Eagle’s Nest is a great location for taking photos. It’s located about 48 miles from Vail near Minturn and on the top of Vail Mountain. You can see all of Vail from here which includes the ski area, town of Vail, and Lionshead mountain. The view is truly spectacular and encapsulates all that Vail is known for; powdery snow, blue skies, and iconic Rocky Mountain architecture.

 

So, if you’re looking for a good place to get away, Colorado is a great option. Not only does it have some of the best photography spots in the nation, but it’s also close enough to many other popular spots for your next trip. Whether you’re looking for an easy or difficult hike, or maybe just want something spectacular for a social media post, Colorado’s landscape will help you find that perfect shot.

Here at photoguides.org, we take great pride in giving the biggest library of photography locations on the planet. A talented photographer Edin Chavez created this website to educate other photographers about the most breathtaking locations on earth.

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