Denver, Colorado

Looking for the best photography in Denver? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Denver. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near Denver

  • Golden, Colorado

    I-70 overpass at Genesee Park Road

    5.0
    After shooting a friend's wedding, I was on my way home when I noticed the sky start to light up to the west. I parked the car and ran down the road. The spot is well known for how perfectly the overpass frames the mountains as drivers leave the Denver area. The total exposure time was just over...
    Read more
  • Golden, Colorado

    Sawmill to Maverick Loop

    4.3
    2.51 mi / 459.54 ft gain
    For this adventure, you'll be completing the Sawmill to Maverick loop. It is a short, but gentle trail that will take you through open meadows, to pine forests, and great views of Denver and Golden. Starting from the west parking area, cross the road and hit the Sawmill Trail. This trail starts ...
    Read more
  • Littleton, Colorado

    Winter Hiking and Wildlife in Waterton Canyon

    3.7
    12.4 mi
    Waterton Canyon is the beginning of the Colorado Trail which stretches 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Camping is allowed on the Colorado Trail but is not allowed in the first 6 miles section of Waterton Canyon, which is managed by Denver Water. The gravel road is great for running, biking, hi...
    Read more
  • Castle Pines, Colorado

    Explore Daniel's Park

    Daniel's Park is a small park in Douglas County that offers unparalleled views of the front range. There is a small walking trail that follows the road if you choose to go on foot, or you can stay in the car and drive the length of Daniel's Park Road. There is a bison herd that calls Daniels Park...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike Bear Peak

    4.8
    7 mi / 2810 ft gain
    The best advice I can give you? Wake up early to start this hike.Even though the Bear Peak hike will only take you about 4-5 hours round trip, it will still be advantageous to get off the mountain before afternoon and evening storms might pass through. This is a steep 7-mile out and back trail.St...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike South Boulder Peak

    4.5
    6.7 mi / 2900 ft gain
    Starting at the Mesa trailhead, continue a half a mile through a relatively even grade before arriving at the North Fork Shanahan trailhead, which will take you another half a mile on much steeper grade up to Fern Canyon where you will start a much harder portion of the hike; here, you'll head st...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    South Boulder Creek - Mesa Trail - Lower Big Bluestem Loop

    4.0
    4.46 mi / 453 ft gain
    This 4 mile loop ascends only a slight amount in elevation, making for a pleasant loop in which opportunities for appreciation of the nature around you and broad vista photography are in plentiful supply. A great hike for those who may still be building their fitness, as so many trails in Boulder...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail

    4.4
    5.3 mi / 1304 ft gain
    Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is located in Eldorado Canyon State Park. It is a short 20 minute drive from Boulder and is one of three hikes in the park. You will need to pay an entrance fee to get inside to the park which costs $8. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles one way and carries a consistent ...
    Read more
  • Evergreen, Colorado

    Evergreen Mountain Loop

    4.7
    5.89 mi / 0 ft gain
    The way up Evergreen Mountain is actually a few different trails stitched together throughout Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. The trail connects to both parking lots in the park, so if one is full you can just start from the other one, giving you lots of options for a quick day-hike.  If you start ...
    Read more
  • Golden, Colorado

    Elk Range Trail

    2.5
    6.42 mi / 952.1 ft gain
    Elk Range Trail is an incredible and beautiful hike that is just off of Route 6 but feels a million miles away. Drive up Douglas Mountain Road for the west park access (and I do mean UP - it's a quick elevation gain), and you'll run right into the Centennial Cone Park entrance. There is a bathroo...
    Read more
  • Golden, Colorado

    Hike the Mountain Lion Trail

    6.7 mi / 1230 ft gain
    There are three parking lots with direct access to the Mountain Lion Trail. The main one is off of Crawford Gulch Road, but any of them are good starting points!  This loop has pretty similar elevation gain and loss profiles no matter which way you go, so you can go any direction. This adventure ...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Shanahan Ridge Trail

    4.0
    3.84 mi / 715 ft gain
    Starting on the edge of a neighborhood in South Boulder, this 3.8 mile loop begins its 869 foot elevation gain by meandering through a pine forest. You can 'choose your own adventure' by exploring the handful of trails that meet up with the Shanahan Ridge Trail, such as the South Mesa Trail, Shad...
    Read more
  • Littleton, Colorado

    Hike the Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 100 ft gain
    The Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park is a very easy trail that's perfect for those that want to enjoy the outdoors but not subject themselves to the rigors of climbing a 14er. This very well maintained trail is wide and flat and perfect for groups, families, or for taking visitors t...
    Read more
  • Littleton, Colorado

    Hike to Carpenter Peak

    4.5
    6.2 mi / 1171 ft gain
    Carpenter Peak stands at 7,166 feet above sea level. While that altitude might not exactly take your breath away, the views from the top certainly will. Starting at the Visitor's Center, the trail to Carpenter's Peak begins as a relatively flat, well-traveled trail. A little less than a mile into...
    Read more
  • Littleton, Colorado

    Walk the Willow Creek Loop

    1.4 mi
    Roxborough State Park is located on the outskirts of Littleton, Colorado. Boasting incredible red rock formations and abundant wildlife, it is the perfect place for a quick escape outside.The Willow Creek Loop connects to the two parking lots in the park, so it is impossible to miss. With only th...
    Read more
  • Golden, Colorado

    Hike to Forgotten Valley

    4.3
    3.6 mi / 852 ft gain
    There are over 35 miles of hiking trails in the park. The twelve trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park are named after an animal and marked with the animal’s footprint.For a 2.6 round trip hike, start at the Burro Trailhead in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. You’ll immediately cross over a lit...
    Read more