A Guide to Amazing Photography Locations in Colorado – Within an 2 Hour Drive from Denver
- Colleen Hunter
- Feb 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Colorado’s stunning landscapes make it a dream destination for photographers, and the best part? You don’t have to drive far from Denver to find breathtaking locations.
Whether you're looking for mountain views, lush forests, or urban backdrops, there’s something for everyone within an hour's drive.
As a Colorado photographer, I love capturing dreamy, documentary-style photos in these incredible places. Here are some of the top spots for natural, fun, and intimate wedding photography sessions near Denver
1. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater (30 Minutes from Denver)
One of the most iconic locations near Denver, Red Rocks offers striking sandstone formations, stunning sunrise and sunset views, and a natural amphitheater that adds drama to any shot. It’s perfect for everything from engagement sessions to adventure portraits.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Sunrise offers soft light and fewer crowds.
Hidden Gem: Hike the Trading Post Trail for additional scenic views.
Fees & Permits:
Parking is free but fills up quickly.
No permit required for personal photography; commercial shoots need a permit.
2. Chautauqua Park, Boulder (45 Minutes from Denver)
Nestled in Boulder, Chautauqua Park boasts the famous Flatirons as a backdrop. The open meadows, wildflowers (in season), and pine trees make this a versatile location for intimate weddings, engagements, and lifestyle portraits.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds.
Scenic Spot: Try the McClintock Trail for a quieter, wooded setting.
Fees & Permits:
Parking is paid during peak seasons.
Permit Fees: A limited annual permit costs $50 and covers up to 50 visitors per year (for example, a photographer plus two clients would count as three visitors).
An unlimited annual permit is available for $300
Apply for your Boulder OSMP Permit online.
3. Roxborough State Park (45 Minutes from Denver) My favorite Photography Location in Colorado near Denver.
Similar to Red Rocks but with fewer crowds, Roxborough State Park features dramatic red rock formations, rolling meadows, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for natural, romantic, and documentary-style photography.
Pro Tips:
Best Views: The Fountain Valley Trail provides breathtaking scenery.
Fees & Permits:
$10 parking fee per vehicle.
Tripods and professional shoots require a permit.
Permit starting at $100 for two people
4. Horsetooth Reservoir (1.30 Hour from Denver)
Located near Fort Collins, this expansive reservoir offers stunning water reflections and rugged mountain backdrops, making it an excellent location for elopements and adventurous couple sessions.
Pro Tips:
Best Light: Sunrise and sunset provide the most magical glow.
Fees & Permits:
Parking fees apply.
Commercial photography permits required. Around 25 dollars and easy to apply for.
5. Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Calhan (1 Hour from Denver)
A surreal landscape with colorful clay formations, Paint Mines is a must-visit for creative and unique photography sessions. Perfect for Senior photos.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for softer light.
Fees & Permits:
Free parking.
Commercial Yes - No permit required for personal photography.
6. Garden of the Gods (1 Hour from Denver)
This iconic Colorado park in Colorado Springs boasts massive red rock formations with breathtaking views, making it one of the most photographed locations in the state.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Early morning to avoid crowds.
Fees & Permits:
Free parking.
No permit required for personal photography.
7. Denver Botanic Gardens (Downtown Denver)
A lush oasis in the city, the Botanic Gardens provide diverse backdrops from vibrant flowers to tranquil water features, perfect for engagements, elopements, and family portraits.
Fees & Permits:
Entry fee required but covered if you have a permit
Commercial photography permits required.
8. South Valley Park (45 Minutes from Denver)
South Valley Park features rolling hills, red rock formations, and picturesque meadows, making it an underrated gem for engagement and wedding photography.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
Fees & Permits:
Free parking.
No permit required for personal photography.
9. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (1 Hour from Denver)
A hidden gem in Masonville, Bobcat Ridge offers rustic landscapes, scenic views, and wildlife, ideal for adventurous couples and documentary-style photography.
Pro Tips:
Best Light: Sunrise provides stunning soft light.
Fees & Permits:
Free parking.
No permit required for personal photography.
10. Blue Lakes Trail (Lower Lake) (1 Hour from Denver)
For those looking for a high-alpine setting, Blue Lakes Trail is a fantastic option. The lake’s turquoise waters and mountain reflections create an ethereal, dreamy atmosphere.
Pro Tips:
Best Season: Summer and early fall.
Fees & Permits:
Parking fees may apply.
Permits required for commercial use.
11. Hermit Park Open Space (1 Hour from Denver)
A secluded spot with aspen groves, wildflowers, and mountain views, ideal for seasonal portraits, engagements, and nature photography.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Fall for golden aspen colors.
Fees & Permits:
$9 daily vehicle fee.
Permits required for commercial photography.
12. Central Station, Denver (Downtown Denver)
A trendy and modern urban setting with industrial architecture, artistic murals, and cityscapes, great for fashion, editorial, and engagement shoots.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour city glow.
Fees & Permits:
Free street access.
Some indoor areas may require permission. - No Flashed photography indoors
Read by blog post "What You Need to Know Before Your Photography Session at Union Station and Nearby Locations | By Colleen's Captures" for more information and inspiration for your shoot at Union Station in Denver, Colorado.
13. Mathew/ Winters Park (20 Minutes from Denver)
A stunning park with rolling hills, rock formations, and vibrant foliage, making it an excellent location for fall photography and intimate sessions.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Fall for golden colors.
Sunrise or Sunset
Read More about this Location HERE "Golden Hour Romance at Matthews/Winters Park | Colleen’s Captures Engagement Session"
Fees & Permits:
Free Parking
$25 for a single day permit, and $100 for an annual calendar year permit.
How to apply: You can apply for both permits online from Jeffco
14. Hildebrand Ranch Park (30 Minutes from Denver)
Looking for a beautiful photography location just 30 minutes from Denver? Hildebrand Ranch Park offers stunning mountain views, wide open meadows, and golden hour light perfect for family photos, engagement sessions, or maternity portraits.t’s a quiet spot with easy trails, ideal for relaxed and meaningful sessions.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Spring for the vibrant greens and bright sky colors.
Sunrise or Sunset
Fees & Permits:
Free Parking
$20
15. Golden, Colorado (15 Minutes from Denver)
Golden is one of my favorite for outdoor photography, and for good reason. Nestled at the base of the foothills and just 15 minutes from Denver, this historic town has an amazing mix of natural and urban backdrops. Whether you're capturing a playful family session, a cozy couple shoot, or dreamy golden hour portraits, Golden offers a little of everything.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Sunset lighting
Great to plan a date night in town after you shoot
Additional Locations Over an Hour from Denver
Great Sand Dunes National Park (4 Hours from Denver)
Though farther than the other locations, Great Sand Dunes offers surreal, sweeping dunes that create a one-of-a-kind dreamy, adventurous photography experience.
Pro Tips:
Best Time: Sunset for dramatic lighting and cooler temperatures.
Fees & Permits:
$25 per vehicle entry fee.
Commercial photography permits required.
Looking for a photographer to bring your vision to life in these stunning locations? Book your session today!Let’s create something magical together!
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