Landscape Photography near Denver

<p>Hello,<br>

I will spending a few days in Denver the first week in April. I will probably only get a single morning's worth of photography in. I'd appreciate any suggestions on a nice place to set up a tripod at sunrise that are roughly within 90 minutes drive of Denver. I don't mind hiking off the beaten path a bit (1-2 miles). Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers - that's what I'm interested in finding if possible. <br>

Also - within Denver - any photography galleries worth visiting (museum or private galleries)? Any particular places for street photography at dusk? This is the old "jam as much photography as you can into a non-photography focused trip."<br>

Thanks for your help.</p>

<p>Andy</p>

 

<p>Rocky Mtn National Park is not too far. I think the eastern part is open even in early April. Even just the view from the Estes Park area is great. Mount Evans is also nearby. The road is the highest paved road in the US but I have no idea how far you can go in April. I think it is usually fully cleared by June.</p>

<p>There are some nice mountain views from Table Mesa near Boulder, northwest of Denver. Probably from a lot of other places around Boulder too, including the road to Estes Park.</p>

<p>I would argue RMNP is a bit outside of your 90 mile limit but possibly worth it. Roxborough State Park is a good place for hiking and photography. It is all red sandstone(?) of fantastic forms. I would imagine because of its location on the East side of the Rockies that you would get great sunrise shots around here.</p>

<p>If it was me, I'd just head up Lookout Mountain, just west of Denver and Golden. Or west on the interstate to Loveland Pass. The view from Red Rocks amphitheater over the city is very cool at dusk. That's west of the city just as you start climbing up into the mountains.</p>

<p>Since you don't have much time, go to Morrison - nice red rock formations and it's nearby (off C-470.) You may also want to continue on Hwy 285 toward Fairplay (Kenosha Pass, etc.) Look it up on Google maps. As for galleries, try Camera Obscura (downtownish on Bannock St.)</p>

<p>Thank you all for the suggestions. I always enjoy discovering new places and I've never been to Denver before. This information helps me set up a plan.</p>

<p>Thanks<br>

Andy</p>

 

<p>I live in Denver and the above suggestions are good ones. Roxborough park is beautiful, but be advised the gates typically don't open until 8, long after sunrise. Occasionally they open them early for photographers, but you would need to call and see. In April, you can't drive the Mt. Evans road; it doesn't open until after the snow is cleared in late May. Echo Lake is at the base of the Mt. Evans road though and is quite scenic. RMNP is at the edge of your 90 minute limit, but is well worth the drive at any time of year. Also at the limit is South Park over Kenosha pass, but might be worth the drive. <br>

Downtown Denver on the 16th street mall is a great place to people watch and for street photography. It runs generally north/south so buildings on the west side will block direct light at dusk.<br>

Feel free to contact me at the email address I have listed on my profile page if you would like any additional information.</p>

<p>Head from Denver straight to Laramie, but you need not go all the way. At the WY/CO border is a beautiful isolated church, Virginia Dale, I think. Check out<br>

vistablackandwhiteoftaos.com<br>

Look for Susan's work. I'd love to see an early AM shot of that beauty!<br>

If you have a full day, head on to Laramie and search out Snowy Range Pass. It goes to about 11,000ft but with no high B/P drop offs.</p>