When it comes to picture locations, Colorado has no shortage of beautiful natural scenery. With such a stunning landscape all around, it makes for some amazing photo backdrops! Today, I will be highlighting my Northern Colorado Top 10 Locations for Family Photo Sessions! Between the mountain views, gorgeous river settings, and lovely open fields, there is something for everyone!
01. South Mesa Trailhead
First on my list of top 10 spots in Northern Colorado for family sessions is South Mesa Trailhead in Boulder, CO. This gem sits just before the entrance of Eldorado Canyon State Park and is a popular location in Boulder. Since it is a popular destination, parking can be challenging, especially on the weekends. Here you will have magnificent views of the Flatirons in the background of the open fields that are perfect for family portraits. There is also a little forest area you pass through, which is perfect for adding in a little variety in the images.
02. Chautauqua
Second on this list of top family picture locations is an extremely popular spot in Boulder, CO, Chautauqua! This spot offers amazing views of the Boulder Flatirons year round painting a beautiful photo backdrop! There are lots of grassy areas that are great for larger families or extended family sessions, however we can make any location work! During certain times of the year at Chautauqua you’ll find a stunning display of wildflowers that transform the area surrounding the hiking trails. The piney forests aren’t far off either. I love Chautauqua for all photo sessions from senior sessions, to extended families, maternity, and even cake smashes!
03. Buckingham Park
Next up is Buckingham Park, which is also located in Boulder, CO. Here you can experience a beautiful rocky river that is a lovely spot to capture families sitting on the ground near the water. There are also fields of tall grass that give way to a piney forest along the creekside. Of course, you can take in all the beautiful nature surrounding the area, and you will still see the mountain peaks in the background! I love this little gem of a place for photos!
04. Golden Ponds
Golden Ponds in Longmont, CO is an absolute favorite of mine! I love the variety of landscapes found here! Fields of tall grass surround the ponds, which is breathtaking during any season with the sunlight reflecting off the water. There is a charming wooden bridge that provides more variety in your images as well! Then there is the spectacular cascading waterfall! The Rocky Mountains can also be seen at various spots in Golden Ponds making it another incredible spot for natural scenery!
05. McIntosh Lake
Number five on the list of Northern Colorado top 10 locations for family photo sessions is McIntosh Lake in Longmont, CO. Tall grass borders the perimeter of the lake as the Rocky Mountains surge up into the sky, creating beautiful views. The various trees that line the background create a gorgeous background in the fall as the leaves change to deep, rich fall colors. As an added bonus, there is a playground close by, which is a wonderful reward for the kiddos after your family session!
06. Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are wanting picturesque mountain views for your family photos, the Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal spot! This beautiful National Park contains Bear Lake and Sprague lake where you will find stunning mountain views. Moraine Park has a gorgeous river running through the field with a mountain grandeur in the background. Lily Lake provides easy accessibility with boardwalks and wooden bridge. You will find a wide range of natural landscapes, from green meadows, sparkling waters, and rocky hillsides. You are sure to find the perfect spot to fit your family photo vision!
07. Boulder CU Campus
When it comes to family photo locations, Boulder CU Campus might not be the first place that comes to mind, but it is a lovely place to capture a variety of photo looks. It features a mixture of beautiful landscapes with quaint little ponds, walking paths, a charming stone bridge, and historic buildings. The brick buildings and stone architecture is a great way to add in different looks to your photos.
08. South Boulder Creek Trailhead
I love this next location! Number eight, South Boulder Creek Trailhead located in Boulder, CO provides some truly epic views of the Flatirons in the background! There is a nice forest area, which provides a nice change of scenery, (just a little grove can do wonders)! The trailhead runs through vast open fields, which is perfect for kids to run and play and get some of their energy out during the session!
09. Knoll Willows Open Space
Knoll Willows Open Space in Estes Park, CO has more of those spectacular mountain views close to downtown Estes Park. After a short quarter mile hike, you’ll be able to see Longs Peak! The pine trees that cover the area only add to the beauty of the scenery.
10. Viestenz-Smith Park
Another on my Northern Colorado top 10 family photo session spots is Viestenz-Smith Park in Loveland, CO. Viestenz-Smith Park is a short drive up the Thompson Canyon where you will find rivers with rocky shores and gorgeous fields of emerald grass and pine trees, creating a canyon feel. While there are a number of wonderful hiking trails to explore, this is also a great place to picnic after a session!
BONUS LOCATION: Horsetooth Reservoir
While I know this post is about my top 10 locations in Northern, CO, I just had to throw in a bonus location! Horsetooth Reservoir, just west of Ft. Collins, CO is a truly stunning spot. Wherever you turn you are greeted with gorgeous views. A mountain view in one direction and Ft. Collins in the other direction. It is these views that help make it “one of Colorado’s most scenic outdoor paradises”!
Northern Colorado Family Photo Locations
I think you’ll agree with me when I say that each of these 11 spots in Northern Colorado are a PERFECT backdrop for a family photo session, and many would be great for other types of sessions too! While each spot offers something slightly different, whether it’s a mountain from a different angle, or architecture you wouldn’t find anywhere else, Colorado does a fantastic job offering unique and breathtaking natural scenery, perfect for your next family session!
If you are interested in learning more about my photography offerings, please Contact me today to start a conversation!
See more photos from these locations and beautiful moments over on the blog!
Boulder, CO Family Session at South Boulder Creek Trailhead
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