The Best Red Rocks Views for Denver Family Photos
It is natural for locals and visitors alike to want an iconic view like Red Rocks Amphitheater as the backdrop for their Denver family photos. You can do portraits in the immediate area around Red Rocks, but that comes with its challenges. First, the height of family photo season lines up perfectly with the height of concert season. It is pretty much impossible to have a family portrait at the same time as a concert, because of the parking situation. Additionally, the pathways around the theater become congested with people making it very difficult to capture photos along the walkway. This brings be to the second challenge with Red Rocks, it has barriers all over the place. So it can be difficult to find a portrait spot that doesn’t have a fence or other barrier behind it.
What is a family to do if they want views of Red Rocks then? That’s where this beautiful location comes to play. It looks over the iconic amphitheater and, if you ask me, even captures the venue better than when you’re in it.
Why Does this Location Shine for Family Photography in the Denver area?
Not only does it have amazing views of Red Rocks, it is also wide open with lots of beautiful, photogenic spots to capture the beauty of the area surrounding it. Looking in one direction we have foothills views and surrounding the whole area are beautiful meadows with year-round visual interest.
It is easily accessible. The best portrait spots are near the parking lot. The pathway is flat and we don’t need to go off the pathway much to make it look like we’re in the middle of nowhere.
It is on the outskirts of Denver, so it is easily accessible by car and nearby for many areas in Denver, Golden, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, and multiple other communities and towns.
Why This Location Might Be For You
I’d recommend this location for you if you want any or all of the following:
If you want the iconic Denver backdrop of Red Rocks Amphitheater, this is the best choice for sure. It gives you great variety of backdrops, including the theater venue, and has plenty of room to move around and capture those beautiful backdrops.
You want something accessible for individuals with limited mobility.
You want something that doesn’t have cliffs or water where we have to worry about kids roaming around. Although I will note that rattlesnakes are definitely prevalent here.
You want something nearer to Denver than the locations farther into the mountains.
Quick Location Facts
Easy Access to portrait locations with flat gravel pathways and little walking
Pretty toddler friendly and kid friendly. There’s lots of space to spread out, but rattlesnakes are a concern.
Jefferson County Permit is required, which is $25 per shoot or $125 annual (this permit is covered for sessions with Sara Herkes Photo)
One concern is that there is talk of limiting areas for photography due to the popularity of this location. I will keep this post up-to-date as that situation evolves.
Bathrooms (vault toilets) are available at the location and they are near the parking area and the prime portrait spots, so they are easily accessible. They are also handicap accessible large stalls.
30 minutes from Downtown Denver, 45 minutes from Boulder, 45 minutes from Longmont, 90 minutes from Greeley, 90 minutes from Fort Collins, 90 minutes from Estes Park, 40 minutes from Castle Rock, and 40 minutes from Aurora
Full Session Slideshows
To see what a full photo session looks like at this location, check out the below slideshow.
Sara Herkes is a maternity photographer based in Longmont, CO. She serves the the Denver Metro Area, the Colorado Rockies, and the Northern Front Range and captures your pregnancy amidst the Colorado wilderness. Learn more about her services here.
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