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Jason HatfieldExplorer

Adventure and travel photographer based out of Denver, Colorado. I teach photography workshops and offer private guiding around the west. More at jasonjhatfield.com

Superb spot for winter night photography of the valley.

This a pretty place to see but hard to get a compelling image out of. The park runs along populated areas so you'll have to work a bit if you want to avoid houses in your images. If it looks like sunset/sunrise will be good it's definitely still worth photographing.

I hike this every fall and have yet to get bored. There's just no other experience like it and finding fall colors amongst the red canyon walls is incredible. You'll definitely need waders or dry-pants in the fall so hit it in the summer if you want to enjoy the cold water on a hot day.

One of the top ten hikes in the NP system but you'll have to fight through crowds of people. My favorite time is the fall when temps are cooler and the leaves have started to change.

The storms and color at the GC are intense. Even if it looks like the clouds might obscure sunrise or sunset be prepared, I've had hidden breaks result in some of the best sunsets/sunrises of my life.

It's busy but actually fairly quiet. You used to be able to get a spot on walk-in during fall but now you'll likely need a reservation. If you pick the right spot you can setup your camera for night time-lapse of the Watchman.

It's a hard to photograph spot, but you can't beat the opportunity to see an immense glacier up close.

This is by far one of the coolest places on the planet. You won't find solitude, but the scenery is mind-blowing. I usually end up stopping here a couple times per trip because the ice is constantly changing, creating new photo ops.

This is one of my favorite runs in Arches NP; lots of varied terrain and great views. You'll see a number of people closer to the TH but it usually thins out the further you get.

There's nothing outstanding about this lake but it's still a pretty spot to relax.

While you might not have the towering mountain views of the west here, the variety of fall colors make up for it. Stop for a short hike up Blackrock Summit, a great sunset spot.

If you love the smell of ponderosa trees (think pine with a hint of butterscotch), you'll love camping here.

One of the most scenic drives in Colorado. Drive this in early fall for spectacular mountains covered in forests of gold.

This is a prime photo spot in the fall so permits have been getting harder to come by. The nice thing though is that you'll escape the usual crushing crowds of the main canyon. I use neoprene socks with grip to walk in the Subway itself and just hiking shoes to get there.

It's not the prettiest of falls in Utah but the surrounding scenery is spectacular. You can reward yourself on a hot summer run with a dip in the water.

There's so much to see at this viewpoint you'll be lost in the landscape. Sunrise or sunset can be great but make sure to give yourself time to scout out a nice composition.

Who would have guessed, solitude on a NP road. You won't see many others out here so definitely be prepared. Avoid this drive if it's going to rain, the river can become unfordable and the clay road sections will become unpassable.

It's a cool hike to do but not that photo worthy. Do not hike it in the summer when temps can reach over 110 degrees.

The lake depicted in the images is not Lake Irwin, but don't worry, it looks even better.

Superb view of Mt. Evans and a great sunrise spot.

It's easy to drive to the top so most people skip this trail, meaning you can have it mostly to yourself!

A very rocky trail but still a fun spot for a run. Bring a leash if you have a dog, I've run into a ranger patrolling near the top of the pass.

This is a beautiful spot for sunrise too, especially with fog rolling off the river.

Skip the crowds at Maroon lake and hike here for a fall sunrise.