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
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Send an email to eleanor@beboulderphotography.com, or give me a call at 303-596-5716. I would love to hear from you!
Talk to you soon! Eleanor
@beboulderphotography.com