Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a mountain view. As a photographer I’ve always been drawn to sweeping, gorgeous landscapes, and one of my favorite things to do is place people among the natural beauty and watch them light up. A giant mountain in the background has the special ability to make you feel so small, yet so infinite at the same time. Entering the mountains gives you a true sense of adventure, and in my opinion there is nothing better than going on new adventures with the person you love.
So without further ado, here are my favorite Colorado mountain locations for adventurous engagement pictures:
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is one of my absolute favorite locations for adventurous engagement pictures, and that’s not just because it’s practically in my backyard as a Colorado Springs wedding photographer. The red rock formations at Garden of the Gods are absolutely stunning, and the park is much larger than you might expect, which means there are endless opportunities to explore and find new viewpoints. Every time I shoot there is a little bit different. The one thing that is always consistent is how gorgeous the red rocks are against the Rocky Mountain backdrop.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
I love to take my clients on an adventure around Gold Camp Road through North Cheyenne Cañon. There are lots of nooks and crannies and trails to take that are not too crowded, and you really get the sense that you’re right in the middle of a canyon cutting through a mountain.
This area is great for both regular and adventure sessions, because while it’s not far from town, it has so much hiking and driving up windy mountain roads to offer that you can easily turn it into an epic adventure.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
For more red rock options, and some water to boot, check out Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This park is basically just across the street from Garden of the Gods, so you’ll get a lot of similar vibes, but with fewer crowds and parking troubles. Plus, with two water reservoirs tucked not far from the parking area of the park, you can get a whole new vibe as well. I love the greenery against the red rocks. It is so lush and actually one of my favorite places on a gray day.
Palmer Park
Palmer Park is right in the middle of Colorado Springs, so it’s actually one of the locations that is easiest to get to, and doesn’t usually require you to get any sort of adventure session upgrade for nice views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains. I have a secret spot I like to go to for fields of tall grass, mountain views, and some nice boulders with trees all about.
Pikes Peak Highway
I have yet to take the highway up Pikes Peak personally (but it’s on my list for this summer!) BUT I can tell you that you’re in for some epic mountain views on the way up, the beautiful Crystal Reservoir, and of course sweeping 360 degree views at the 14,115-foot summit.
Please note: Pikes Peak Highway is a toll road. To proceed through the toll to the summit, it is currently $15/person or $50/car (up to 5 people.) This location is available only for adventure sessions, as just the driving can take up to 3 hours round trip if you make your way all the way to the top.
Ute Valley Park
Another spot that is super accessible right in the heart of Colorado Springs, Ute Valley Park is filled with beautiful rocks and pine trees quintessential to Colorado.
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is aptly named for its views. Depending on where you go, you can overlook all of Golden, Boulder, and Denver, Colorado, or you can see out west, where more mountains spread.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
Mount Falcon
Mount Falcon is one of my favorite mountains for photo sessions in Jefferson County. The land is so versatile. You can get fields of grass and wildflowers, sweeping mountain vistas, rocks to climb on, the whole gamut. I frequent the west side of the mountain, as I love the mountain views. But the east side is lovely as well, with more of the red rock formations like you’d see near Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
North Table Mountain Park
As the name suggests, North Table Mountain Park features mesas created by ancient lava flows. Flat mountain views like these you’ll only ever find in the southwest. You can take trails right through the landscape for different views of the mesas, and feel like you’re right in the wild.
Lost Gulch Overlook
Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder, Colorado, has one of the most epic mountain viewpoints you’ll ever find. Atop Flagstaff Mountain, you can see the Rocky Mountains for miles. For this reason, it is a very popular spot in Boulder, particularly during sunset. There is nothing like watching the sun dip beneath the mountains and enveloping everything in deep shades of gold, then purple. However, sunrise is beautiful as well, and far less crowded.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons
Another popular spot in Boulder, Chautauqua Park features stunning views of the Flatirons. These are Boulder’s famous slanted sandstone formations. Several trails cut through fields of tall grass and lead up to the rocks for views that feel otherworldly. There’s hardly a more iconic Boulder sight.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
Sapphire Point
Sapphire Point is an overlook along Swan Mountain Road between Breckenridge and Keystone. If you’re hoping for mountain AND water views, this is the place to be. With the best views over Lake Dillon (or the Dillon Reservoir, depending on what name you know it by) it truly feels like you’re in some mountain oasis.
Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass sits right outside of Keystone and is one of my favorite passes in the Rocky Mountains both to drive and to stop for views and photos. There are so many stops you can make along the drive up the pass, and the views are epic. It is so incredibly easy to find a spot that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped alone in the middle of a massive mountain range.
Boreas Pass
From Breckenridge, head up Boreas Pass Road for some truly stunning mountain views. Similar to Loveland Pass, all you have to do is drive along the road and stop wherever the road allows.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Okay, this is a massive one. Rocky Mountain National Park is a dream to visit. There is a reason they made this particular area of the Rocky Mountains into a national park. There are SO many trails you could take, depending on your sense of adventure. Some of the more difficult trails can take you places you would not believe. But even if you’re not in the mood for some serious hiking, the mountains here are so massive and gorgeous you will never be disappointed. Trail Ridge Road is only open during the summer, but is very popular for some fantastic overlooks.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado, is a trek. It’s nearly a 6-hour drive from either Colorado Springs or Denver. For this reason, I’d recommend planning to stay at least one night in town and enjoying yourself. This is also why I require an additional upgrade from my “standard” adventure session. BUT. This town is so worth it. Just Google it and you’ll see how adorable this town is, surrounded by mountains. This area is known for its amazing display of summer wildflowers. And in the fall, forget about it. All the aspen trees light up in yellow. There are a plethora of trails you can take to feel like you’re the only people in the mountains. If you want a true adventure, Telluride and Ouray are two mountain towns in Colorado you can’t miss.
Maroon Bells + Aspen
Aspen, Colorado is named for its aspen trees, and for good reason. Maroon Bells is a glacial valley that is hugely popular in the fall because it’s literally like the mountainside is on fire for all the yellow aspen trees. They boast that the Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in North America. The easiest way to get there is by a bus from Aspen Highlands. (There are fees to park at the Highlands and to use the bus.) In the winter, the road to Maroon Bells is closed to vehicles and it is a 12-mile round trip hike.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes are definitely a sight to behold. No joke, you have the ability to feel like you are in the middle of the Sahara Desert. I included this location on this list because you do still have views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In the spring, Medano Creek fills with rushing water from the melting snow in the mountains and is a huge attraction. Be prepared to be whipped with sand from the strong winds. If the wind and the idea of hiking up the largest sand dunes in North America doesn’t scare you, you’re in for a treat. This is a truly unique location.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
If you liked this post, you may find these other links helpful:
Choosing the Location for your Engagement Pictures
Mount Falcon Engagement Photos
Lookout Mountain Adventure Photos
Hey friend! I’m Delia–a wedding photographer who loves adventure just as much as snuggling on the couch with her dog. My photography is fun and colorful and embraces the real you. I’m based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I photograph weddings all throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and the southwest. I love to connect with and help my clients as much as possible. Check out the wedding planning tips section of my blog for more helpful advice.
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Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a mountain view. As a photographer I’ve always been drawn to sweeping, gorgeous landscapes, and one of my favorite things to do is place people among the natural beauty and watch them light up. A giant mountain in the background has the special ability to make you feel so small, yet so infinite at the same time. Entering the mountains gives you a true sense of adventure, and in my opinion there is nothing better than going on new adventures with the person you love.
So without further ado, here are my favorite Colorado mountain locations for adventurous engagement pictures:
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is one of my absolute favorite locations for adventurous engagement pictures, and that’s not just because it’s practically in my backyard as a Colorado Springs wedding photographer. The red rock formations at Garden of the Gods are absolutely stunning, and the park is much larger than you might expect, which means there are endless opportunities to explore and find new viewpoints. Every time I shoot there is a little bit different. The one thing that is always consistent is how gorgeous the red rocks are against the Rocky Mountain backdrop.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
I love to take my clients on an adventure around Gold Camp Road through North Cheyenne Cañon. There are lots of nooks and crannies and trails to take that are not too crowded, and you really get the sense that you’re right in the middle of a canyon cutting through a mountain.
This area is great for both regular and adventure sessions, because while it’s not far from town, it has so much hiking and driving up windy mountain roads to offer that you can easily turn it into an epic adventure.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
For more red rock options, and some water to boot, check out Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This park is basically just across the street from Garden of the Gods, so you’ll get a lot of similar vibes, but with fewer crowds and parking troubles. Plus, with two water reservoirs tucked not far from the parking area of the park, you can get a whole new vibe as well. I love the greenery against the red rocks. It is so lush and actually one of my favorite places on a gray day.
Palmer Park
Palmer Park is right in the middle of Colorado Springs, so it’s actually one of the locations that is easiest to get to, and doesn’t usually require you to get any sort of adventure session upgrade for nice views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains. I have a secret spot I like to go to for fields of tall grass, mountain views, and some nice boulders with trees all about.
Pikes Peak Highway
I have yet to take the highway up Pikes Peak personally (but it’s on my list for this summer!) BUT I can tell you that you’re in for some epic mountain views on the way up, the beautiful Crystal Reservoir, and of course sweeping 360 degree views at the 14,115-foot summit.
Please note: Pikes Peak Highway is a toll road. To proceed through the toll to the summit, it is currently $15/person or $50/car (up to 5 people.) This location is available only for adventure sessions, as just the driving can take up to 3 hours round trip if you make your way all the way to the top.
Ute Valley Park
Another spot that is super accessible right in the heart of Colorado Springs, Ute Valley Park is filled with beautiful rocks and pine trees quintessential to Colorado.
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is aptly named for its views. Depending on where you go, you can overlook all of Golden, Boulder, and Denver, Colorado, or you can see out west, where more mountains spread.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
Mount Falcon
Mount Falcon is one of my favorite mountains for photo sessions in Jefferson County. The land is so versatile. You can get fields of grass and wildflowers, sweeping mountain vistas, rocks to climb on, the whole gamut. I frequent the west side of the mountain, as I love the mountain views. But the east side is lovely as well, with more of the red rock formations like you’d see near Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
North Table Mountain Park
As the name suggests, North Table Mountain Park features mesas created by ancient lava flows. Flat mountain views like these you’ll only ever find in the southwest. You can take trails right through the landscape for different views of the mesas, and feel like you’re right in the wild.
Lost Gulch Overlook
Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder, Colorado, has one of the most epic mountain viewpoints you’ll ever find. Atop Flagstaff Mountain, you can see the Rocky Mountains for miles. For this reason, it is a very popular spot in Boulder, particularly during sunset. There is nothing like watching the sun dip beneath the mountains and enveloping everything in deep shades of gold, then purple. However, sunrise is beautiful as well, and far less crowded.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons
Another popular spot in Boulder, Chautauqua Park features stunning views of the Flatirons. These are Boulder’s famous slanted sandstone formations. Several trails cut through fields of tall grass and lead up to the rocks for views that feel otherworldly. There’s hardly a more iconic Boulder sight.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
Sapphire Point
Sapphire Point is an overlook along Swan Mountain Road between Breckenridge and Keystone. If you’re hoping for mountain AND water views, this is the place to be. With the best views over Lake Dillon (or the Dillon Reservoir, depending on what name you know it by) it truly feels like you’re in some mountain oasis.
Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass sits right outside of Keystone and is one of my favorite passes in the Rocky Mountains both to drive and to stop for views and photos. There are so many stops you can make along the drive up the pass, and the views are epic. It is so incredibly easy to find a spot that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped alone in the middle of a massive mountain range.
Boreas Pass
From Breckenridge, head up Boreas Pass Road for some truly stunning mountain views. Similar to Loveland Pass, all you have to do is drive along the road and stop wherever the road allows.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Okay, this is a massive one. Rocky Mountain National Park is a dream to visit. There is a reason they made this particular area of the Rocky Mountains into a national park. There are SO many trails you could take, depending on your sense of adventure. Some of the more difficult trails can take you places you would not believe. But even if you’re not in the mood for some serious hiking, the mountains here are so massive and gorgeous you will never be disappointed. Trail Ridge Road is only open during the summer, but is very popular for some fantastic overlooks.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado, is a trek. It’s nearly a 6-hour drive from either Colorado Springs or Denver. For this reason, I’d recommend planning to stay at least one night in town and enjoying yourself. This is also why I require an additional upgrade from my “standard” adventure session. BUT. This town is so worth it. Just Google it and you’ll see how adorable this town is, surrounded by mountains. This area is known for its amazing display of summer wildflowers. And in the fall, forget about it. All the aspen trees light up in yellow. There are a plethora of trails you can take to feel like you’re the only people in the mountains. If you want a true adventure, Telluride and Ouray are two mountain towns in Colorado you can’t miss.
Maroon Bells + Aspen
Aspen, Colorado is named for its aspen trees, and for good reason. Maroon Bells is a glacial valley that is hugely popular in the fall because it’s literally like the mountainside is on fire for all the yellow aspen trees. They boast that the Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in North America. The easiest way to get there is by a bus from Aspen Highlands. (There are fees to park at the Highlands and to use the bus.) In the winter, the road to Maroon Bells is closed to vehicles and it is a 12-mile round trip hike.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes are definitely a sight to behold. No joke, you have the ability to feel like you are in the middle of the Sahara Desert. I included this location on this list because you do still have views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In the spring, Medano Creek fills with rushing water from the melting snow in the mountains and is a huge attraction. Be prepared to be whipped with sand from the strong winds. If the wind and the idea of hiking up the largest sand dunes in North America doesn’t scare you, you’re in for a treat. This is a truly unique location.
Photographers note: photo permit required.
If you liked this post, you may find these other links helpful:
Choosing the Location for your Engagement Pictures
Mount Falcon Engagement Photos
Lookout Mountain Adventure Photos
Hey friend! I’m Delia–a wedding photographer who loves adventure just as much as snuggling on the couch with her dog. My photography is fun and colorful and embraces the real you. I’m based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I photograph weddings all throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and the southwest. I love to connect with and help my clients as much as possible. Check out the wedding planning tips section of my blog for more helpful advice.