13 Stunning Fall Photoshoot Locations Near Denver & Fort Collins
Fall in Colorado is pure magic — golden aspens, crisp air, and the perfect warm tones that make photos glow. Whether you’re planning senior pictures, family portraits, or just want to capture your favorite season, Northern Colorado and the Denver area have endless backdrops.
Here are 13 of my favorite fall photoshoot locations, with distance from Denver and Fort Collins — plus any fees or permit details you should know:
1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Distance: ~45 min from Denver | ~1 hr 30 min from Fort Collins
Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle daily pass; professional photographers may need a permit.
Nestled in the foothills, full of glowing aspen groves and mountain overlooks.
Known for: Aspen trees, sweeping overlooks, forest trails
2. Kenosha Pass
Distance: ~1 hr 15 min from Denver | ~2 hr from Fort Collins
Fee/Permit: No entrance fee; no permit required for casual photography.
Famous aspen corridor and wide open meadows.
Known for: Aspen tunnels, mountain views, meadows
3. Loveland Pass
Distance: ~1 hr 15 min from Denver | ~2 hr from Fort Collins
Fee/Permit: Free, no permit required.
High alpine pass with dramatic mountain views.
Known for: Rugged mountains, winding roads, alpine lakes
4. Chautauqua Park (Boulder)
Distance: ~45 min from Denver | ~1 hr 15 min from Fort Collins
Fee/Permit: Free entry; parking fees may apply on weekends; Boulder OSMP permit required for professional photography.
Iconic Flatirons backdrop with trails and meadows.
Known for: Meadows, mountain views, accessible trails
5. Washington Park (Denver)
Distance: In Denver | ~1 hr 15 min from Fort Collins
Fee/Permit: Free entry; Denver Parks & Rec permit may be required for professional sessions.
Classic tree-lined park with lakes and fall color.
Known for: Lakes, tree canopies, family-friendly park
6. Denver Botanic Gardens
Distance: In Denver | ~1 hr 15 min from Fort Collins
Fee/Permit: Entrance fee required; photography permit required for professional sessions.
Beautiful landscaped gardens with endless backdrops.
Known for: Flowers, ponds, elegant garden vibe
7. Bear Creek Greenbelt (Lakewood)
Distance: ~25 min from Denver | ~1 hr 30 min from Fort Collins
Fee/Permit: Free entry; Lakewood permit may be needed for professional photography.
Natural creekside paths with fall reflections.
Known for: Water reflections, wooded trails, quiet atmosphere
8. Paint Mines Interpretive Park (Calhan)
Distance: ~1 hr 15 min from Denver | ~2 hr 15 min from Fort Collins
Fee/Permit: Free entry; El Paso County permit required for professional shoots.
Unique colorful rock formations.
Known for: Rock textures, desert-like feel, bold landscapes
9. Horsetooth Reservoir (Fort Collins)
Distance: ~10 min from Fort Collins | ~1 hr 15 min from Denver
Fee/Permit: $10 daily entrance fee; Larimer County photo permit may be required.
Iconic water + rock landscape.
Known for: Lake views, rocky cliffs, adventurous feel
10. The Oval at CSU (Fort Collins)
Distance: In Fort Collins | ~1 hr 15 min from Denver
Fee/Permit: Free; no permit required for casual photos.
Classic elm-lined campus landmark.
Known for: Golden elms, timeless Fort Collins setting, elegant portraits
11. Old Town Fort Collins
Distance: In Fort Collins | ~1 hr 15 min from Denver
Fee/Permit: Free entry; public spaces don’t need a permit, but some private alleys/venues may.
Historic streets + murals.
Known for: Brick walls, murals, urban charm
12. Lory State Park (Fort Collins)
Distance: ~20 min from Fort Collins | ~1 hr 30 min from Denver
Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle daily pass; state park photography permit may apply.
Rolling hills, golden grasses, rustic trails.
Known for: Sunset views, rustic feel, open meadows
13. Cache la Poudre River / Poudre Canyon
Distance: ~30 min from Fort Collins | ~1 hr 45 min from Denver
Fee/Permit: Free entry; photography permit not typically required unless in restricted areas.
Scenic byway with rivers, forests, and canyon walls.
Known for: River reflections, canyon walls, peaceful forest trails
Why These Spots Are Perfect for Fall Photos
🍂 Golden leaves everywhere – Aspen groves, elm trees, and glowing cottonwoods.
📸 Perfect for seniors – Timeless seasonal colors and flattering light.
👨👩👧 Family-friendly – Easy access parks and trails.
🌄 Variety – From urban murals to mountain passes, you can match the location to your personality.
✨ If you’re ready to book your fall senior photoshoot or family session, let’s make it happen while the leaves are at their peak!
