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Summit and Eagle County Locations Guide (Summer and Fall)

Updated: Apr 30

Over the years we've had the pleasure of exploring many beautiful mountain locations in the place we call home. In the summertime and fall there are lots of places open that can't be accessed in other seasons. Below we will provide some sample photos and important information about each location so you can choose the best place for your session! We categorize each location based on the general area- for Breckenridge and Summit County locations start at the top. If you're looking for Fairplay and Park County locations you can scroll down a bit. We regularly add new spots, and are open to your recommendations if you have any.


Breckenridge


Sawmill Reservoir

Will work for any type of portrait session


This is great location for large families and extended families! The view of the slopes over the reservoir makes it clear you’re in Breckenridge. It does require a steep hike to get to the water but once you are there it is mostly level ground for the walking path around the reservoir. It could be accessed in any season, although it’s particularly stunning in the summer. There are ample pine trees but only a few aspens. It is somewhat heavily trafficked but there is a fair amount of parking at the trailhead.





Blue River Arm Trailhead

Will work for any type of portrait session


This beautiful spot on Lake Dillon is accessible in any season and is very close to town. It can be windy but it doesn’t require hiking- just a short walk out to the lake. There aren’t really trees, but it has big bushes and views in many directions and there is nice long grass and some fences/rocks to sit on. There is plentiful parking.




Warrior's Mark/Maggie's Pond

Works for any session type


This location is ideal if you are hoping to walk to your photoshoot after dinner or another activity in downtown Breckenridge. It is near a thick forest of evergreen trees and has a stream running along some of the trail. At the end there is the opportunity to take your group photo in front of the pond with the view of the slopes in the background (pictured below.) Because of the location, this area is more crowded which is important to consider.



Link to the parking area- https://g.co/kgs/2jKmgH


Breckenridge Alpine Gardens


Best for groups up to 12 people


This location is ideal if you are hoping to be able to walk to your photoshoot from in town in Breckenridge. The garden features many native flowers and a beautiful bridge (pictured below.) Since its in town, its relatively heavily trafficked, especially on holidays and weekends.



Link to the parking area- https://g.co/kgs/VscXhgD


Sawmill Museum Hike

Will work for any type of portrait session


This hike is pretty short and is an easy location to get to for aspen photos! Although it is heavily frequented it has a fair amount of parking and is an easy hike to a nice view with hills and mountains in the background. It is somewhat rocky but is not steep and is great for any type of portrait session, including large extended families.






Boreas Pass/Frank Stanley Bench*

Would work for any type of session ***not accessible until usually late May


This spot is absolutely beautiful! It is SUPER important to note that this location is NOT for the faint of heart. The dirt road to get there is overlooking a steep drop off and it is only for those comfortable with backroad driving and cliffsides. There is no hike to the view, with a big grassy field spread out in front of a stunning view of the mountains. It's located along Boreas Pass road, close to Breckenridge. There are lots of various yellow and purple wildflowers (still in bloom in late summer usually) and it is somewhat secluded, although you'll likely see some passerby's here. Parking isn't great, but it is worth it if you're up for the challenge. View a nice 360° photo of this location by clicking the link below!



There is also the opportunity to pull off along the side of the road to take photos with the backdrop shown below. In the summer the road is open and frequented by a lot of dirt bikes and off road vehicles, so we only recommend doing this for a short period of time if you're comfortable.





Baldy Road Pull Off



Would work for any type of session


We like this location because there is no hike required. It is a short drive to the Breckenridge downtown area and there is enough parking for at least five cars. There is a fence that may show up in some of the photos (pictured above.) There are pine trees and a lovely panoramic mountain view.




B&B Mine Trailhead



This spot is very accessible, with little to no hiking. Its particularly ideal for fall sessions due to the abundance of aspen trees, however its also beautiful in the summer months. There is ample parking, and although its a popular trail, it doesn't feel crowded or overrun with visitors. We like how there is a variety of backdrops and scenery, including a forest, nice rocks to sit on, and an expansive mountain view.



Link to the parking area- https://g.co/kgs/JR2NZQ1


Blue River


Blue Lakes Trailhead

Not recommended for groups larger than 10

***Not accessible until late May or even June


This spot features views right when you get out of the car! It has a good amount of parking and is pretty popular so it’s best to avoid weekends and holidays. The road usually opens in June and closes in November. Please note the dirt road is quite bumpy and hilly, we recommend 4WD or AWD although we have been able to make it in our 2WD car.


If you want to hike there is the option to hike two different directions depending on what type of scenery you’d prefer. One way takes you about a mile until you reach a small waterfall. The other direction is about a mile but pretty steep. Even as locals we get winded with the elevation gain, but if you take your time it isn’t bad. The road can be hiked to another scenic backdrop and at the top there is a second alpine lake. Up there it tends to be more secluded. This location is fairly versatile and would work for nearly any portrait session- except very large groups.







Lower Mcculough Gultch

Will work for any type of portrait session


This location has a good amount of parking and is a short and pretty level hike to the open area with a nice hilly view. There is a thick forest area and a small bridge which can make for some nice pictures. This would work for any type of portrait session in any season. For the more adventurous, it looks like a nice hike would lead you to some stunning views.


Would work for any type of session



Montgomery Reservoir/Magnolia Mill

Not recommended for groups larger than 6

***Requires a longer hike during the months of April and May


This spot features a beautiful waterfall without much of a hike. The mill provides a rustic backdrop but does take a pretty rocky and uneven hike to get there. The dirt road to get there is very bumpy and not for the faint of heart! We don’t recommend large groups because there isn’t an abundance of flat ground, but for couples and small families this is a beautiful, scenic location.




Silverthorne/Dillon/Frisco


Swan Mountain Pull Off



Great for any type of session


This spot is right on the side of the road and doesn’t require any hiking! It features long grass and a beautiful view. There is plenty of parking. The only downside is it’s along the road. The cars/road won’t be in the photos, but you’ll see them during your session.



Swan Mountain Trail



Great for any type of session


We love this location because of its scenic views, pine trees and the fact that it’s a more secluded area for photos. The parking area has plenty of spots and although it requires a walk to get to the view, it is a very even dirt road without elevation gain. Below is a professional image from this spot. It was taken in winter time but gives a great idea of the view. Below is a link to the parking area.




Sapphire Point Overlook

Not recommended for groups larger than 12

Please note there have been periodic closures announced during 2025. June 2nd-June 19th the area will be completely closed


This scenic location is ideal in any season. Although its best for seniors, couples or families up to five individuals. It has stunning views over Lake Dillon right when you get out of the car. It’s heavily trafficked but has a good amount of parking. It does have steep portions that require carrying toddlers and young children. It has lots of pine trees! As stated above the hiking area is mostly closed this year, but the viewing area pictured above should still be accessible for photos.



Giberson Bay



Great for any type of session


This spot features a beautiful rocky beach with a nice view of the mountains. There are also wooded and grassy areas nearby for some variety during your session. It has ample parking. The short hike to the view is uneven, rocky and steep in parts which is important to keep in mind.




Old Dillon Reservoir Trailhead

Not recommended for groups larger than 5


This is a beautiful trail with purple and yellow wildflowers in early-mid summer along with aspens and evergreen trees. It has a fair amount of parking and although the hike is moderate there are some spots to take photos with a view of the mountains on the way to the small reservoir. We took the phone picture above when we hiked it as a family. It would be ideal for seniors all the way up to a medium sized extended family who would enjoy a hike! We haven't done a session here, check the Google reviews to see some beautiful professional images taken by a fellow photographer in the area.



Lowry Trail

Would work for any type of session


This stunning trail overlooks Lake Dillon from a slightly different angle, and it has lots of pine trees and big grassy fields. In early June last year there were some yellow wildflowers scattered about. It’s more secluded than other locations nearby, with limited parking, but enough for 4 cars. It does require a short hike, a little less than half a mile one way.



Acorn Creek Trail


Best for couples and small families

***Hike may be difficult in April and May


This more secluded location is best for summer and fall because it requires about a mile hike to the view of the Gore range on relatively steep and rocky ground. There is a bridge over a stream in the aspen grove and there are lots of wildflowers all around in June and July. There’s quite a bit of parking and it would work for any portrait session, although it might be difficult for a large extended family.



Crosscut Trail

Great for any type of session, although large groups will need to limit their party to two vehicles due to parking



This is another location we recently found. We have yet to do a session here, but we think the scenery and mountain views are gorgeous! There is lots of greenery with pine trees and various plant life. The parking area is small, located in a neighborhood. The view is ready for pictures after a one minute, flat walk. It is used frequently, so you will likely see some people during your session.




Buffalo Mountain Trailhead

Would be best for groups up to five people


We stumbled upon this trail recently while exploring Silverthorne and we fell in love with the craggy peaks, pine trees and various wildflowers stilll in bloom half-way through August. This spot has at least 10 nice parking spots and requires a super short but steep climb up to a nice little area where the entire session can take place with the view. There is also another area you can hike along for a couple minutes for some shaded photos in the trees if desired. We think this would be a great option for a couple or small family who is comfortable climbing a quick but intense hill.




Vail


Shrine Pass

Ideal for any type of session


This pass is bursting with wildflowers in the summer months! We love the history of this stunning location as well as the option to easily split your session into two separate spots if you’re willing to drive to the second location pictured below! The parking at the first spot with the purple wildflowers is very limited (2-3 vehicles max) so that is important to keep in mind. However, the spot with yellow flowers pictured below has ample parking. Little to no hiking is required for either spot.


Link to the parking for the first spot with purple flowers- https://maps.app.goo.gl/eGxLMTbKdLT43zc7A?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy


Copper Mountain


Clinton Gulch Reservoir



Would work for any type of session


Clinton Gulch is absolutely breathtaking! It is located right off of the highway with a paved parking lot. The hike to the location we took photos of the man in the cowboy hat is very short and not particularly steep. One thing to keep in mind about this spot is that the sun shines directly onto the mountains, which means that there is only about 45 minutes of ideal lighting conditions here so that the sub isn’t in your face. If you have a longer session scheduled with us, we will coordinate timing her to ensure the light is beautiful!



There is an option to hike further like the couple who eloped in the photos below if you want more of an adventure! If you’re considering making the trek, let us know and we will send you a video of the hike so you can get an idea of the terrain beforehand.












 
 
 

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Ryan Hunter Photo & Video Services, formerly Park Summit Digital Media, is a husband and wife ran small business offering quality photography and videography. We specialize in senior portrait photography, family portrait photography, extended family portrait photography, kids portrait photography, couple portrait photography, vacation rental photography, event photography, drone and aerial photography and video, family films and videography to Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Dillon, Frisco, Blue River, Alma, Fairplay, Jefferson, Hartsel, Bailey, Colorado and the surrounding areas.

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