Looking for Amazing Mountains for your Rocky Mountain National Park Maternity Photoshoot?
Why this location Shines for Maternity Photography
Mountains are the background focus
This is one of the more well known photography locations in Rocky Mountain National Park and it doesn’t take long to see why. It overlooks Moraine Valley and features the beautiful mountain range that surrounds the valley as the backdrop to this location. It is such a notable location in the park, that this is one of the few designated locations for wedding ceremonies. But don’t let that worry you when booking your maternity session here. The wedding ceremonies are kept small and short. So if there is a ceremony going on, we can capture photos in the surrounding area until the wedding spot opens up.
Short Walk
This location isn’t down a trail. In fact it is right off a lookout. There is a short walking path to get to the main portrait locations at this spot. Many of the prime locations aren’t that accessible due to rocky terrain, but fortunately there are options that are accessible. Since this is a lookout, one could just stay at the lookout if the rocky terrain can’t work due to mobility difficulties. And if someone can make it down the short trail, they’ll be able to access all the spots. This location is quite versatile in regards to accessibility.
Diversity of Scenery
Unlike many locations where mountains are the focus, this location does have a diversity of scenery. Although I was really focused on the mountains during this session, there are other options. There is a beautiful meadow next to the lookout surrounded by pine trees and boasting many beautiful wildflowers during the right season.
Why This Location Might Be For You
I’d recommend this location for you if:
you want magnificent mountain views.
you want an epic sunset location.
you don’t want anyone to second guess that you’re in Colorado.
you want to get a diversity of backdrops by going to other spots before this one in the park. This location can be paired with other locations nearby to get more than the mountain backdrop.
Quick Location Facts
Very short walk, but does have rocky terrain and can be icy in cold months so I don’t give this location a good accessibility rating to get the most out of it. However, there are accessible options at this location.
Timed Entry for Rocky Mountain National Park is in place from late May through most of October. However, golden hour usually means being able to avoid timed entry for this location, as it ends in the early afternoon. All that is needed is to pay for entry to the park.
Photo permits are no longer required at Rocky Mountain National Park for portraits. They are needed for styled sessions and marketing only sessions.
No bathrooms available on site
Snow and ice should be expected in colder months
An hour and 45 minutes from Denver, 70 minutes from Boulder, 60 minutes from Longmont, 90 minutes from Greeley, 75 minutes from Fort Collins, 20 minutes from Downtown Estes Park, two hours from Castle Rock, and 105 minutes from Aurora
Full Session Slideshows
To see what a full photo session looks like at this location, check out the below slideshows. The first slideshow takes place in the fall and pairs the location with a nearby meadow full of aspens to take advantage of the fall color. The second slideshow took place solely at the location.
Sara Herkes is a maternity, newborn, family, and senior 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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