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 – aspens, cottonwood meadow, a creek and mountain views. It’s great in evening, and any time of year. However, 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, Large Groups and Big Families

Worst for: No-one

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Pros: Variety, Views, Fall Leaves, Magical Light

Cons: Mosquitos, Mud, Cactus, Crowds

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Best Time: Evenings

Worst Time: Morning

This trail meanders along Boulder Creek and has a magical forest feeling. It is wonderful any time of year, and it’s perfect in morning or evening. 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!

 

Best for: Families, Handicapped or Immobile Folks, Toddlers, Dogs, Head Shots

Worst for: Large Groups

 

Pros: Easy to Access, Flat Trail, Great Year-Round, Fall Leaves

Cons: Minimal Mountain Views

 

Best Time: Any Time of Day

Worst Time: None

 

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: Handicapped

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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, Immobile Folks, Some Burn Scars Visible

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Best Time: All Day

Worst Time: None

 

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 or Evening/Golden Hour

Worst Time: Morning: I am not joking about this, you will literally be blinded by the sun!

 

05.

THE PEOPLE'S CROSSING

Formerly Settler's Park, this spot requires some rock scrambling, but it's worth the hike as the top is stunning. Not well suited for elderly or babies though. It's also a short walk to Boulder Creek.

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Best for: Couples, Senior Photos

Worst for: Babies and Young Kids, Elderly, Handicapped, Large Groups

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Pros: Mini Red Rock Formations, Unusual Views, Beautiful Golden Hour, Uncrowded

Cons: Short but Steep Hike

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Best Time: Evening/Golden Hour

Worst Time: Morning

COOT LAKE

An easy, very flat walk, for those who love both water and distant mountain views. Located in North Boulder. Also close enough to walk to Boulder Reservoir, for multiple lake views and options. Stunning sunrise and sunset views and lush, green foliage in early summer.

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Best for: Families with Babies, Senior Photos, Couples, Elderly, Dogs

Worst for: Adventure Seekers

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Pros: Water, Mountain Views, Access and Easy Parking for Pregnant Mamas and Elderly

Cons: Mosquitos, Distance to the Mountains

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Best Time: Sunrise or Sunset

Worst Time: Mid-Morning to Mid-Afternoon

 

03.

SHANAHAN RIDGE

This spot is tucked away in residential neighborhood in South Boulder. It has a gorgeous view of the Flatirons which is beautifully different from the traditional view. In the spring, the wildflowers are gorgeous, and in the fall, the cottonwoods do not disappoint.

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Best for: Families, Couples, Senior Photos

Worst for: Elderly, Handicapped

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Pros: Longer, Easy Hike, Views, Seasonal Views

Cons: Some Burn Areas Visible

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Best Time: Evening/Golden Hour

Worst Time: Morning

 

 

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

 

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: Morning