The Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs In 2025 (With Map)
Looking for the best photography spots in Colorado Springs? You’re in the right place!
Sitting just 70 miles south of Denver, CO is a mountain-lover’s paradise: Colorado Springs. It’s home to some of the most beautiful natural formations in the country, is a hiker and photographer’s dream, and has attractions that will wow people of any age.
Why listen to me? I love Colorado Springs – I’ve been, and my parents even hiked Pikes Peak when they were engaged – it’s definitely one of the best places in the US to visit and to get amazing photos!
I’ve also been a professional photographer for 15 years, as well as a lot of solo travel and living abroad, so I know how to find all the best photo spots and information!
My top three Colorado Springs photo spots are:
- Garden of the Gods
- Monument Valley Park
- Downtown
Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor photoshoot locations for anything from engagement, to maternity, to senior photoshoots, Instagrammable places, nature and wildlife photography or vacation photo spots, this post has you covered!
Read to the end for bonus places near Colorado Springs for even more photography spots, where to stay and more tips!
Planning Your CO Springs Trip? Use my favorite resources:
Accommodation: Booking.com
Rent a Car: Discover Cars
Travel Insurance: Allianz
Flights: WayAway
Tours: Viator.com
Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs
Map of the Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs
There is no shortage of places to visit in Colorado Springs, especially ones that involve nature. There are so many parks, mountains and more – but some are definitely more worth a visit than others, especially for photography. Then, there are other attractions that you don’t want to miss as you enjoy the parks, either… so, let’s get into it!
1. Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods
This is one of the best places for photography in Colorado Springs – it’s a free public park with incredible red rock formations that will make your photos pop and is one of the most photographed views in Colorado! Plus, there are tons of hiking trails if you want to explore more and get some exercise while you’re enjoying the outdoors.
👉 Where do you take pictures in the Garden of the Gods?
If you want to get a photo from above, take a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway – it’s the highest railway in North America and will give you some incredible views (and photos) of the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and more.
You can also get a jeep tour to be driven all around the grounds to get photos from all angles, and check out Rock Ledge Ranch, a living history museum with historical actors and more.
If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss out on the Garden of the Gods Concert Series – it’s free to attend. Also check out the event calendar for Guided nature walks, early bird hikes, events for kids and more!
Be sure to check out the Grand View Dining Room, located in the Garden of the Gods resort and Wellness Club. It has amazing views if you need an indoor photography location in Colorado Springs!
The best time to visit and get photos is during sunset – you can see the red rocks of Garden of the Gods as the sun sets, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Also, in case you were wondering – the Grand View Dining Room also has amazing food (including healthy options) and service, and it’s best to make a reservation in advance if you plan on dining there. Check out the website for their Sunday Brunch buffets, which happen on certain dates complete with a Mimosa and Bloody Mary Station!
😴 Book Your Stay at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club Here
2. Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs: Red Rock Canyon Open Space
This is another one of the best photography spots in Colorado Springs – it’s a free park with miles of easy-moderate level hiking trails, and you guessed it, red rocks. You can also ride horses or bike on the 11 trails.
Tip: Don’t confuse this with Red Rocks Amphitheater, which is closer to Denver and a 1.5-hour drive from Red Rock Canyon Open Space!
👉 Where should I go for pictures in Red Rock Canyon?
You can get a view of the Garden of the Gods from Red Rocks, and check out the “hogbacks”, which is a series of rock ridges, plus the Quarry Pass.
If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss the wildflowers – they bloom around May and make for some beautiful photos.
Tip: If you want to climb, you must register in the visitor’s center.
3. Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs: Downtown Colorado Springs
You can’t visit Colorado Springs without checking out downtown – it’s full of unique shops, delicious restaurants and more. Plus, there are plenty of photo opportunities, like the iconic Antlers Hotel.
The first Friday of each month, downtown has events you can visit and photograph like live music, art shows, and other events. Even when it’s not Friday, you can do an art walk downtown and photograph the sculptures, tree-lined streets, museums and other events.
😴 Check Prices at the Iconic Antlers Hotel Here
4. Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs: Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
This is one of the best places in Colorado Springs for pictures if you want to get away from the city and into nature. It’s a little bit of a drive, but it’s worth it – you can explore caves, hike to waterfalls and more.
👉 Where do I take pictures at Cave of the Winds?
One of the best places to take pictures at Cave of the Winds is Windy Point – it’s a short hike from the parking lot and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Pikes Peak. You can also get amazing cave photos on the tours here.
5. Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs: Monument Valley Park
This is one of the most popular places in Colorado Springs, and for good reason – it’s absolutely beautiful, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
👉 Where do I take pictures in Monument Valley Park?
One of the best places to take pictures in Monument Valley Park is at the top of the hill near the visitor center. From there, you’ll have incredible views of downtown Colorado Springs and the mountains. Search for the geologic column, which is a layered man-made rock wall explaining the history and geology of the area.
If you’re visiting in the winter, don’t miss out on the sledding hill – it’s a lot of fun, and you can get some great photos of people sledding down the hill!
6. Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado (it’s also called “America’s Mountain), and it’s no surprise why – it’s absolutely stunning. You can drive to the top (you’ll need a reservation for a timed slot due to high demand from the new visitor’s center), bike, take a shuttle from a tour service, rent a Polaris Slingshot or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway if you want to get some great photos from above.
👉 Where do I take pictures at Pikes Peak?
There are plenty of places to take pictures at Pikes Peak, but one of the best is from the top of the cog railway. You’ll get some incredible views of the mountains, Colorado Springs and more.
If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss out on the concerts that take place at the top of the mountain!
7. Best Photography Spots In Colorado Springs: Miramont Castle Museum (Manitou Springs)
This is a must-visit if you’re in Manitou Springs – it’s a beautiful Victorian-era castle that’s open to the public for tours, and has 30 rooms inside that house vintage items, art, items from the war and more. You can eat and park for free at the Queen’s Parlour Tea Room here.
👉 Where do I take pictures at Miramont Castle?
One of the best places to take pictures at Miramont Castle is in the gardens – they’re absolutely beautiful, and there’s a lot to see. You can also get photos of the amazing architecture of the house, which is built on the side of a mountain..
If you’re visiting in the winter, don’t miss out on the holiday lights – they make for some great photos!
8. Glyn Eyrie Castle
This is another must-visit castle in Colorado Springs that currently functions as a retreat center. It’s close to the Garden of the Gods and includes similar rock formations. The castle is open for tours with a reservation, and it’s also a great place to take pictures (see their photography policy before you go).
👉 Go to the top of the hill at this castle for incredible photos of Colorado Springs and the mountains.
9. Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City is a historic district in Colorado Springs that was founded in 1859. It’s full of shops, restaurants, breweries and more. It’s also a great place to take pictures, especially during the holiday season when the whole area is decorated with lights, or on a walking tour.
Also be sure to check out the Ghost Town Museum to get some wild-west themed photos in this ghost town in Old Colorado City, where you can also pan for gold, admire the preserved town, and more!
10. Hot Air Balloon Ride with Rainbow Ryders
Go at sunrise, June-September and get some above photos of Pikes Peak, the mountains and more fantastic scenery!
11. Fox Run Regional Park
This is a great place to take photos of the fall foliage, as well as get some shots of the rock formations and hiking trails. Also get photos of Aspen Lake and Spruce Lake here, with views of Pikes Peak and the mountains. The park has trails, a gazebo, pavilions, a climbing rock, and more that make great photoshoot spots.
👉 You can also get some great photos from the top of the hill – just be sure to bring a tripod if you want long exposure shots!
12. Air Force Academy – Cadet Chapel
The chapel is currently closed to the public for repairs, but is a beautiful place to take pictures, both inside and out – so watch for its reopening (projected for 2027)! It has amazing architecture that’s the most photographed non-nature object in Colorado, so it’s worth a visit!
There are 21 different chapels inside of this one building, representing various religions, so you can get some great shots of the diverse architecture.
You can also walk around the grounds and get photos of the cadets in their uniforms.
13. Pulpit Rock Park
This is a great place to take photos of the city, as well as get some hiking in – it’s a 4.2 mile loop trail.
There are some fantastic views from the top of the rock, which is one of the highest peaks in the area at an elevation of 6621 ft, and you can also get pictures of the unique rock formations.
👉 Fun Fact: This is a known Native American archaeological site – many tools have been discovered here!
14. America the Beautiful Park Fantasy Playground
If you want to get a photo of the entire downtown area of Colorado Springs, head to America the Beautiful Park – you’ll be able to see all of downtown, plus Pikes Peak in the distance.
Get pictures of the views but also of the cool playground features here, which include hammocks, turntables, interactive art (called “Quirks), and more!
15. Manitou Springs
This is a great place to take photos of the colorful buildings, as well as get some shots of the mountain scenery and the natural mineral springs, right at the base of Pikes Peak.
There are also some cool places to eat and drink here, like the Manitou Brewing Company and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
👉 If you want some really unique photos, head to these spots in Manitou Springs:
- The Penny Arcade: Get your picture taken in front of the world’s largest penny!
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings: These ancient cliff dwellings are a great place to take family pictures in Colorado Springs, as well as get some unique shots for your portfolio.
- Manitou Incline: This is a super popular spot for hiking and getting photos – you’ll have to make a reservation (up to 60 days in advance) to ride the gondola up, but it’s worth it for the amazing views! Just be aware that it’s a very strenuous hike.
16. Cheyenne Mountain
This is a mountain with 3 peaks in Colorado Springs that you can hike, bike, or drive to the top of (if you’re brave enough to Drive the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road – it’s very steep!). There are great views from all 3 peaks, as well as some unique rock formations.
You can’t get tours because the mountain is used for military training purposes, but you can go to the surrounding area for more photos of fun things to see, such as:
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (voted #3 best in North America)
- North Cheyenne Cañon Park – photograph the waterfalls at Helen Hunt Falls
- Mountain View Restaurant
- The Broadmoor Hotel
- Seven Falls: This is another one of the best places for photography in Colorado Springs – it’s a free park with miles of hiking trails and seven waterfalls to explore that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado. You can take a shuttle from The Broadmoor hotel (it’s about a 10 minute drive), or you can hike to it.
👉 Where do I take pictures at Seven Falls? One of the best places to take pictures at Seven Falls is from the top of the falls – you’ll get an incredible view of all seven falls, as well as the mountains in the distance.
17. Norris Penrose Event Center: Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo
The rodeo takes place in July, but the event center also has other happenings going on, so check before you go for photo opportunities here!
18. US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Get a photo with the 5 rings sculpture outside the museum, in the luge training area or at the many other places you get to see on a tour where olympians train!
✨ Bonus: Best Photo Spots Near Colorado Springs
Here are some more places for photography that are a bit outside of Colorado Springs, but you can easily drive to them and get AMAZING photos!
👉 Calhan Paint Mines Interpretive Park
This park has rock formations that look like they’ve been painted with pink, purple, grey, white and yellow and make for the most instagrammable photos in the area, without a doubt! It’s about an hour drive from Colorado Springs, and it’s also an area where there’s evidence of Native American life from the past.
👉 Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
This is “America’s Highest Suspension Bridge”, so it’s worth a mention, and an amazing spot for photos!
👉 Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
This National Park is a bit further out, but it’s so unique – you can get photos that look like you’re on a deserted planet with sand dunes as far as the eye can see, plus a creek and mountains – literally everything you would want to make an interesting and unique photo. This is also an excellent location for nighttime photography!
Where To Stay In Colorado Springs On Any Budget
✅ Budget Option: ColoRADo Adventure Hostel
The ColoRADo Adventure Hostel is a top rated hostel and the top rated budget hotel in Colorado Springs – and it has free breakfast, bike rentals, a kitchenette and more. It’s conveniently located close to downtown and many hiking trails. There are private rooms you can book as well as shared rooms, and there’s a backyard.
😴 Check Current Prices at the ColoRADo Adventure Hostel Here
✅ Mid-Tier Option: Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
The Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites is a picture-perfect hotel option for Colorado Springs, and it’s top rated. It includes free breakfast, a fitness center, pool, hiking, horseback riding and more amenities.
😴 Check Current Prices at Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites Here
✅ Luxury Option: Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is a top-tier resort (complete with golf course) in the picture-perfect Colorado Springs location, the Garden of the Gods! The resort offers all the amenities of a luxury resort and has high guest ratings.
😴 Check Current Prices at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club Here
What you’ll need for Colorado Travel
👉 For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.
👉 To rent a car in Colorado, Discover Cars is a great tool to use.
👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.
🛂 National Parks Passport
America’s National Parks Store is where you can get National Park passports, clothing and more. They donate a portion of their proceeds to the National Parks System!
🥾 Visit America’s National Parks Store Here
📸 Photography Gear for Colorado Springs Photoshoot Locations
Here are my top recommendations for photography gear for your camera and/or phone:
✅ Camera & Lens
Your camera and lens should depend on a few things: Your photography style, budget and level (beginner, intermediate or pro). Check out these posts for tips:
📸 21 Best Cheap Cameras For Travel Photography Beginners
📸 The Best Cameras For Skiing And Snowboarding (For Every Skill Level)
📸 5 Best DSLR Cameras Under $300
👉 Here’s the camera and lens I currently own and use:
✅ Canon 6D
The Canon 6D is a full-frame, professional DSLR, and is the camera I currently own and use. I love that it has WiFi connectivity so I can take photos remotely using the Canon CameraConnect app, including selfies on my solo travels!
- Well-built and weather sealed
- Lightweight for travel
- 26.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 45-point all cross-type AF system
✅ Canon EF 16-35mm Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
I love taking wide-angle photos, but don’t want to sacrifice zoom capability, so I love this high-quality lens! It’s one of the best on the market (other photographers have admired and even told me they’d buy it from me if I didn’t want it)!
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number
- Full-time manual focus permits critical focusing precision, even in AF mode. Help provide excellent color balance
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covers Approx. 100% Area with 1,053 AF Areas
✅ Memory Card (for DSLR/Mirrorless)
I’ve used SanDisk Extreme Pro memory cards for years because they prevent many issues with photography and video that happen with lower quality memory cards.
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Best for taking more photos & video
- Temperature Proof, Water Proof, Shock Proof & X-ray Proof
- Affordability
✅ 4-In-One Travel Tripod
I have and use this tripod, and I love it! It works with cameras and smartphones, doubles as a selfie stick, monopod and as trekking poles. It’s also made with durable and lightweight aluminum alloy and it’s easy to pack in a carry-on because it folds up smaller. Plus, it’s more affordable than most like it!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Works with smartphones & cameras
- Folds up small & lightweight
- Turns into a selfie stick & trekking poles
- Comes with a carrying case
- Affordability
✅ Remote Shutter (this one works with Canon cameras)
If you’re going to take night photography, sunrise/sunset photos, this remote shutter is perfect for getting long-exposure photos in low and dark lighting (especially on a tripod)!
- Compatibility with a lot of cameras (be sure to check for yours)
- Works at 2.4GHz frequency with 16 available channels
- Reduces camera shake
- 5 Shooting Modes
👉 Here’s a Remote Shutter (2-pack) for smartphones:
- Seamless Selfies and Steady Shots - Compatible with Social Media Apps
- Pocket-Sized Convenience
- Operational range of up to 30 feet (10 meters)
✅ GoPro HERO 11 Black Action Camera
This GoPro is perfect for capturing in-motion adventures, plus it’s waterproof down to 10m (33ft) without housing. Just attach it to anything and go!
- 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth Image Stabilization
- Up to 75 minutes of uninterrupted video recording
For water adventures deeper than 10m (33ft), waterproof housing like this is needed:
📷 Get Waterproof Housing for GoPro HERO 11 Black
✅ DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone
This drone is one of the best for travel and for using on adventures, because it doesn’t weigh as much and easily folds to fit in a camera bag!
- Lightweight and compact, no registration required for easy travel
- Stunning 4K/60fps HDR vertical videos, perfect for capturing various scenic landscapes
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing for enhanced safety during flights
✅ BEASTEK Waterproof iPhone Case
This is one of the best on the market for protecting your iPhone in water – it’s also the one I personally own!
- Waterproof design tested to withstand submerging 6.6ft/1h for 1000 times
- Shockproof design proven through 6.6ft/2m drops for 1000 times
- All-Environment Assurance
✅ Over-Under Water Dome (this one works with GoPro)
Colorado Springs has a lot of amazing lakes, and this dome is perfect for capturing those perfect half-over, half-under water shots! It also works as a secure underwater housing option for GoPros for diving, snorkeling, surfing and more!
✅ Circular Polarizer
Also for lake photography, this will help you get better photography of the water reflections and the bottom of the water. Just make sure to get the right size to fit your lens!
- Circular polarizer--one of the most popular special-effect filters
- Deepens the intensity of blue skies; reduces or eliminates glare
- Multi-coating reduces reflection
✅ Waterproof Backpack
This Peak Design Everyday V2 20L waterproof hiking backpack will fit your camera and other things for all your Colorado Springs outdoor adventures and photography. It’s top-rated by both reviewers and companies!
🎒📸 Learn More About the Peak Design Everyday V2 20L backpack here
👉 Anker Portable Charger: The main reasons this charger is one of the best is that it’s the lightest-weight, plus it’s top-rated! Power Banks are needed for smartphone photography (as a charger/backup) and to use your phone as a backup camera!
👉 Portable External Hard Drive: Seagate is one of the best brands for these, and they hold up well – plus, this one is 2TB so it’ll last awhile!
👉 Camera case insert bag: My new obsession: it’s water-resistant, and it fits into any backpack or bag! I use this to switch between my carry-on backpack and day pack.
✅ For more photography guides, check out these posts:
📸 The Top 5 Best Camera Straps For Backpacking
📸 Mukikapup’s Ultimate Travel Photography Guide
📸 15 Ways To Capture The Best Landscape Travel Photography
📸 What To Consider When Choosing The Best Photoshoot Locations in Colorado Springs
👉 Time of day and lighting. Look at where the sun is rising and setting from, and make sure the light is facing towards your subject to avoid shadows.
👉 Composition and character. Make sure to line things up in the frame how you want to. Using the rule of thirds (your phone or camera probably has a grid setting to help you) and using symmetry are great ways to do this!
👉 Plan ahead when needed. If you know there might be crowds, going early is always the best option! You can also plan what you’re wearing to match the background or theme of what you’re photographing.
All In All: Best Places To Take Pictures In Colorado Springs
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to take some great shots on your vacation, Colorado Springs has tons to offer!
If you’re willing to drive a bit outside of the city, don’t miss the Calhan Paint Mines or Great Sand Dunes National Park – both are well worth the trip! Also check out the best places to take pictures in Denver, CO and this post on the 28 Best Rocky Mountain National Park Photography Locations (With Map)!
For more Western US places to photograph, check out the 39 Best Photography Spots In Southern California, The 67 Best San Jose Photography Spots, and see more US places here!
For more photography gear, check out these posts:
📸 The Top 5 Best Camera Straps For Backpacking
📸 The Best Travel Photography Gear For Beginners (for all types of photography)
