guide to
THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN BOULDER
I have many beloved locations around Boulder County. Here are some of my favorite places to view the flatirons, fall leaves, and take a nice walk with your photographer (click on the pictures for more examples!):
01.
SOUTH MESA TRAILHEAD
This location has it all – cottonwood meadow, a creek with a lovely bridge, and mountain views. It does get muddy and I would not recommend it on a weekend in the summer or fall, since it can be tough to find parking.
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Best for: High School Seniors, Couples, Babies, Larger Groups and Big Families
Worst for: No-one
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Pros: Variety, Views, Fall Leaves, Magical Light
Cons: Mosquitos, Mud, Cactus (Sandals and Dogs Beware), Crowds, Limited Parking
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Best Time: Evenings
Worst Time: Morning
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Best Seasons: Spring through Fall
This trail meanders along Boulder Creek and has a magical forest feeling. It is wonderful any time of year, and it’s perfect any time of day. The trail is flat and easy, so it's perfect for older folks and toddlers. In late summer bring bug spray, there are lots of mosquitos! There are lots of dogs so if your pooch is not friendly, please leave them home.
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Best for: Families, Disabled, Elderly, Toddlers, Friendly Dogs, Head Shots
Worst for: Unfriendly Dogs, Large Groups, Adventurous People
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Pros: Easy to Access, Flat Trail, Great Year-Round, Fall Leaves
Cons: Minimal Mountain Views
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Best Time: Any Time of Day
Worst Time: None
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Best Season: Year-Round
05.
NCAR
This spot is stellar at any time of day. There's a 1/4 mile loop that is has an amazing view. It's especially beautiful in the winter. It has a bit of an incline, but it's not too steep. The rocks, tall grass and beautiful trees give lots of variety too. If you book a morning session and want mountain views, this is the place to be.
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Best for: Couples, Rock-jumping Kids, Toddlers, Babies, Big Families, Proposals, Dogs
Worst for: Disabled
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Pros: Amazing Views, Awesome Hikes, Easy Parking, Great Year-Round, Best Spot for Morning Mountain Views, Unusual Flatiron Views, Evergreen Trees, Long and Magical Golden Hour
Cons: No Leaves (Pine Trees Only), Uphill Walk from Parking Lot, Some Burn Scars Visible
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Best Time: All Day
Worst Time: None
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Best Season: Year-Round
CHAUTAUQUA
If you want Flatiron Views, this is your spot. It can be very crowded, but I’ve learned where some of the sneaky spots are.
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Best for: Families, Weddings, Senior Photos, Large Groups, Business Groups, Out-of-State Families, Proposals, Couples, Everyone
Worst for: No-one!
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Pros: Quintessential Flatiron Views, Gorgeous and Accessible, Relatively Easy Parking
Cons: Crowded, Extremely Popular, Little Shade
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Best Time: Early Afternoon to Evening/Golden Hour
Worst Time: Early Morning: I am not joking about this, you will literally be blinded by the sun!
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Best Season: Summer and Fall, but truly gorgeous Year-Round
05.
VIELE LAKE
This spot in South Boulder, below Fairview High School, is a hidden gem. It is stunning in the fall, when the leaves are changing, and the light in the morning is magical. It does require a separate permit from Boulder because it's in a city park, so please let me know in advance if you'd like to shoot here.
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Best for: Babies and Young Kids, Elderly, Handicapped, Large Groups
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Pros: Lake Views, Cottonwood Groves, Fall Color, Easy Access, Playground for Reward Afterwards
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Best Time: Morning
Worst Time: Evening
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Best Season: Fall
ELDORADO CANYON STATE PARK
This state park charges an entry fee of $10 per vehicle, but it's worth every penny. The road is narrow and tricky, but if we are lucky, parking is sometimes available close to the entrance. It's a box canyon, so the golden hour glow is present practically all day long. The mountains are big and steep, and trees are gorgeous, and the bear poop is plentiful!
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Best for: Senior Photos, Couples, Adventure Seekers
Worst for: Elderly or Disabled
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Pros: Big Mountain Views, Cold in Winter and Shade, Parking not Available on Weekends in Summer and Fall (shuttle is required)
Cons: Parking Fee, Rough Road
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Best Time: Early Golden Hour (it gets dark way before it does in Boulder!)
Worst Time: None
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Best Season: Summer and Fall
03.
SHANAHAN RIDGE
This spot is tucked away in a residential neighborhood in South Boulder. It has a gorgeous view of the Flatirons which is beautifully different from the traditional view. Does require a bit of hiking to access the best spots.
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Best for: Families, Couples, Senior Photos
Worst for: Elderly, Disabled
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Pros: Alternative to Typical Flatiron Views
Cons: Requires Hiking
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Best Time: Evening/Golden Hour
Worst Time: Morning
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Best Season: Year-Round
LOST GULCH LOOKOUT
This spot is extremely popular for a reason, it provides what might be the best views in Boulder! Weekend evenings in summer are crowded, but otherwise it's an easy spot to access and I highly recommend it. If you plan to propose or elope here, you might have to wait for a spot.
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Best for: Adventurous Couples, Elopements, Engagements, Proposals
Worst for: High Heels, Young Kids, Elderly
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Pros: Unbeatable Views
Cons: Windy Drive (not for faint-hearted), Crowded on Weekends, Parking
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Best Time: Evenings, Sunset
Worst Time: There's No Bad Time
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Best Season: Summer although it's always beautiful, just slippery and hazardous in winter.
WONDERLAND LAKE
Wonderland Lake provides a lovely lake view with rolling hills in the background. Located in North Boulder. The main parking lot is on Broadway, with about a 1/4 mile walk. Or, we can park in the neighborhood, which is closer.
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Best for: Babies, Toddlers, Strollers, Dogs, Families
Worst for: Adventure Seekers
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Pros: Water, Flat Trails, Pretty in Winter, Tall Grass
Cons: Small Parking Lot, Not Much Adventure
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Best Time: Golden Hour, Dusk
Worst Time: No Bad Times!
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Best Season: Summer or fall but it's stunning on a snowy winter day
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
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