Colorado Springs Photo Spots

Just an hour’s drive from Denver, at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a wonderland for photo shoots. With its mountain-town charm and artsy murals, downtown Colorado Springs already offers plenty of photography locations, but venture just a bit outside the city, and you’ll find an outdoor lover’s paradise with endless natural beauty. From breathtaking waterfalls and open fields to impressive red rock formations, there are countless places to take photos in Colorado Springs!

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Let’s uncover this Colorado gem together! 🇺🇲

 

TLDR

  1. Marvel at mountain views while exploring the scenic trails of the Garden of the Gods.
  2. Find lush valleys and meandering streams at Red Rock Canyon Park.
  3. Explore a pine forest and discover a pond with a romantic gazebo at Fox Run Regional Park.
  4. Experience the transition from plains to peaks while hiking Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
  5. Discover stunning sandstone arches and vistas of Pikes Peak at Ute Valley Park.

Photo: Torrie in Colorado Springs for Flytographer. Amanda and family capture memories in Colorado Springs with a family photoshoot at the Garden of the Gods.

1. Garden of the Gods

A geological wonder in its truest sense, the Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark that will transport you to another world with its dramatic red rock formations. There are several ways to explore this stunningly beautiful park and uncover its lush greenery, wildflowers, and majestic rocks. The Visitors Center already boasts stunning views of the garden, and from there, you can pick up a map and take the Siamese Twins Trail. Along this popular route, you’ll find the “twin rocks” that give it its name and natural, window-framing vistas of the famous Pikes Peak, the mountain that inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” The allure of this place makes it one of the perfect places to take photos in Colorado Springs — from engagement photos to family photo sessions — there’s no going wrong here! 👍

Extra Fly tip: Located in the Garden of the Gods is the historical Rock Ledge Ranch, an outdoor museum and farm where you can see history come to life — literally! Staff and volunteers dressed in period clothing do their work right in front of visitors to show how life was for the first residents of the region.

Photo: Ali in Colorado Springs for Flytographer. Jessica and family capture memories in Colorado Springs with a family photoshoot at the Garden of the Gods.

2. Red Rock Canyon Park

Between Colorado Springs and the city of Manitou Springs, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is an easily accessible spot with more otherworldly backdrops that are perfect for great photos. Exploring the hiking trails that cut through rust-hued canyons, you’ll discover hidden natural alcoves and ridges offering spectacular mountain views. You’ll also be gifted with incredible sights of towering cliffs, lush valleys, and meandering streams along the way and catch glimpses of the Garden of the Gods in the distance. Want to experience true natural magic? Visit during sunset to witness the sunshine casting a golden glow over the rocks, enhancing their vibrant and warm colours. 🌄

Extra Fly tip: While in the area, you can also visit The Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs. This nostalgic and picturesque establishment will take you down memory lane with its vintage arcade games. 🕹️

Photo: Ali in Colorado Springs for Flytographer. Megan and partner capture memories in Colorado Springs with a honeymoon photoshoot.

3. Fox Run Regional Park

Near the small community of Black Forest, Fox Run Regional Park is a hidden gem dotted with ponds and picnic pavilions and offers more dazzling views of Pikes Peak. It’s a delight to explore the scenic trails that cut through the thick forest of ponderosa pines, which look beautiful year-round, always providing a sense of tranquillity to your photos. 🌲

While you wander, you’ll also find rolling hills and open spaces where you can capture more charming photos and mountain vistas. Two of the most beloved features of this park are the pond with koi fish and the gazebo on the water. Can you think of a more romantic Colorado spot for proposal photo shoots? 💍

By the way, if it’s romance you’re looking for, check out this blog on great romantic getaways close to home. And for some fantastic ideas for an outdoor photo shoot, we’ve got you covered. These tips will help you slay and make the most of your session. 😉

Photo: Ali in Colorado Springs for Flytographer. Kelly and family capture memories in Colorado Springs with a family photoshoot at Fox Run Regional Park.

4. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

With its untouched landscapes, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is one of our favourite places to take photos in Colorado Springs. The park is famous for its spectacular transition from plains to dramatic peaks, and its uncrowded trails cut through stunning meadows, dense forests, and calming streams. Every season has its charm, but summer brings wildflowers in full bloom, and fall transforms the park with vibrant autumnal colours. 🍂

Nearby, North Cheyenne Cañon Park (or North Cheyenne Canyon Park) is another must-visit spot for experiencing the grandeur of Colorado’s nature. The park is home to Helen Hunt Falls — two stunning cascades framed by lush vegetation. Unlike the others, this park has an entrance fee. For info on pricing, you can check out their website.

Extra tip: Are you a cascade chaser? Then, be sure to visit the Broadmoor Seven Falls, where you can admire the beauty of not just one but, you guessed it, seven photogenic waterfalls. 😍

Photo: Torrie in Colorado Springs for Flytographer. Carrie and family capture memories in Colorado Springs with a family photoshoot.

5. Ute Valley Park

The icing on the cake, Ute Valley Park is another magnet for anyone curious to see impressive geological features framed by mountainous vegetation. The star of the park is the Laramie Formation, a natural arch formed by sandstone rocks. It looks like something out of the Flintstones’ Bedrock and makes for a unique backdrop for photos. The views of Pikes Peak from the top of the Ute Valley ridge are also quite impressive, highlighting Colorado’s rich geological significance. 👏

The park’s stunning vegetation includes grasslands and pine forests, home to some notable inhabitants, from squirrels to mule deer. In the summer, the landscape throws on its party outfit with wildflowers adding splashes of colour everywhere. 🌼

Capturing Memories in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs really nails that Colorado vibe with all its natural splendour, doesn’t it? But wait, we’ve got some extra honourable mentions for you: for more lush greenery and impressive rock formations right in the city, check out Bear Creek Regional Park, Palmer Park, and Monument Valley Park. These are all magnificent spots where locals like to hang out. Monument Valley Park is near Colorado College, so you can soak in some historic university buildings and gardens, too. And, if you’re up for a bit of a road trip, there are still some epic national parks to explore in Colorado, such as the Rocky Mountain National Park. 🚗

While in Colorado Springs or elsewhere, connect with our local photographers and let them capture your best moments around the world. 🌎