Location Guide
Colorado Springs
What a beautiful place to call home, right?
We are lucky to have so many incredible spots to choose from for our outdoor photo sessions. This guide will give you a few ideas on how to pick a good one, some of my personal favorites, plus some factors to consider when selecting your perfect spot, because ultimately, it's up to you!
Pulpit Rock Trailhead
central colorado springs
This location is one of my favorites because of the epic views without hiking for miles. Here, you'll find panoramic shots of Pikes Peak, the city, and rolling hills. It's never crowded and provides a lot of variety of shots within one location. Parking: street parking in a quiet neighborhood at the beginning of the trailhead
Ideal for: Families, couples, maternity, seniors
Accessibility: There are two steep-ish small hills. One at the beginning of the trail and then one to get to the best view. Mostly flat walking gravel path.
Best Lighting: Golden Hour (1.5 hours before sunset)
Permit: None required
Crowds: Light year-round
Please note! There are small cacti off-trail, so please wear appropriate shoes. No bathrooms nearby. Dog-friendly if on leash.
Rock Ledge Ranch
WestSide colorado springs
Rock Ledge Ranch is a hidden historical treasure with rustic barns, open fields, & a quaint pond surrounded by Cottonwoods. It feels like stepping
back in time without feeling staged.Parking: gravel parking lot at the entrance
Ideal for: Families, Extended families, maternity
Accessibility: flat, mostly paved trails throughout (wheelchair accessible!)
Best Lighting: Golden Hour (1.5 hours before sunset)
Permit: $50 permit fee
Crowds: Light year-round. *I won’t book this location, however, if there’s a big event there that day.
Please note! Bathrooms available on-premises if the session is during business hours. Dog-friendly if on leash.
Black Forest Regional Park
Northeast colorado springs
Black Forest Regional Park is off Shoup Rd in Black Forest and is beautiful at Golden Hour due to the light filtering through the large evergreen trees. This is heavily forested, with no mountain views, and a great spot year-round. Parking: Close parking lot
Ideal for: Families, extended families, maternity
Accessibility: Flat with very minimal walking
Best Lighting: Golden Hour (1.5 hours before sunset)
Permit: None
Crowds: Light most of the year, moderate in the fall
Please note! Bathrooms available on-premises. Dog-friendly if on leash.
Smith Creek Natural Area
Northwest colorado springs
Smith Creek Natural Area is a hidden gem near Northgate in northwest Colorado Springs. It has wide open fields, mountain views, and even views of the Air Force Academy. Parking: Trailhead parking on a dirt road
Ideal for: Families, extended families, maternity
Accessibility: Flat but does require some walking to the best spots
Best Lighting: Golden Hour (1.5 hours before sunset)
Permit: None
Crowds: Light year-round
Please note! There are small cacti off-trail, so please wear appropriate shoes. No bathrooms nearby. Dog-friendly if on leash.
Garden of the Gods
Westside colorado springs
Garden of the Gods. Iconic for a reason. Epic views of Pikes Peak, unique red rock formations. Also a major tourist attraction so limited privacy, Parking: Easy access to multiple parking lots throughout the park
Ideal for: Elopements, maternity, families
Accessibility: Mostly flat depending on which part of the park we choose.
Best Lighting: Sunrise! and Golden Hour (1.5 hours before sunset)
Permit: None
Crowds: Crowded
Please note! The red rock sandstone can get slippery, so please wear appropriate shoes. Bathrooms nearby the main parking lot entrance only.
