Park County Locations Guide (Summer and Fall)
- Ryan Lundgren
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Fairplay/Alma
Fairplay Beach
Best for smaller groups, but could potentially work for an extended family
Located in the heart of Fairplay, this recreation area is a popular trail with lots of wildlife and scenic views. It requires a short hike to see all of the views the location has to offer.
There are two different parking locations, if you're interested in this spot we will discuss the best option for your family based on your needs!
Valley of the Sun
Great for any type of portrait session
***Parking is incredibly limited
This mountain meadow has a gorgeous backdrop with lots of pine trees and aspens. It does not have adequate parking for more than 1-2 vehicles. Since parking is along the side of a shoulder of dirt road, it isn’t ideal if you aren’t comfortable with that. It is a short 3 minute walk to the view. We've photographed a variety of sessions here, from couples to extended and small families. Since it's more of a local's spot, there isn't a Google link. Just let us know if you'd like to see more photos we've taken here.
Stark's Pond
Would work for any kind of session
***parking is fairly limited
This is a bit of a local’s secret. It’s located in town and very accessible, but most people aren’t aware it’s open to the public. There are pine trees, wildflowers and aspens in the background so it’s a perfect option for summer or fall. The grass by the water is green and beautiful. Parking is limited to 2-3 cars and it’s along the highway, so you’ll hear some road noise. The hike to get to the water is short and not steep.
Link to the parking area- https://maps.app.goo.gl/k7aGwMxux5gUExVD8?g_st=ipc
Pennsylvania Mountain Trail
Great for any type of portrait session
***Will have snow until late May/early June
This spot is typically only accessible June-September. It features wildflowers in early-mid summer and a there is a lovely view right when you get out of the car with no hike required. Although, if you're willing to hike you'll be rewarded with some insane views as shown in the Google listing at the link below. The ground is pretty level and there are lots of pine trees along with a fair amount of parking. It is located in the Valley of the Sun and requires a drive down a bumpy dirt road to access it.
Link to the parking area- https://maps.app.goo.gl/nGGSzzFNEjuERdNR6?g_st=ic
Beaver Creek Trailhead
Would work for any type of portrait session
***Usually not accessible until late May/early June
This location has lots of aspens and would be a wonderful spot during the height of golden leaves in autumn. There are also a variety of wildflowers here, a nice bridge and a serene view. It isn’t super busy here and is only easily accessible June-October. To access it there is a pretty long drive in a dirt road, but no hike is required. There is enough parking for 5-6 vehicles.
Here is the Google pin- it does have a nice 360° photo to view
Mt. Silverheels Trailhead
Great for any type of session
This spot is very close to in town of Fairplay and the dirt road to get out to it isn't bad. It's a nice open field with grass and some wildflowers that bloom in early summer! On the right there is a winding dirt road and even a hiking trail with aspens, pine trees and cool rock formations. Although you can hike for more forest-y photos, you don't have to if you don't want to. We love this beautiful mountain meadow!
Link to the parking area-
Blue Lakes
Not recommended for groups larger than 15
***Usually not accessible until mid- 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 VERY bumpy and hilly, we recommend only going to this location if you have a 4WD, high clearance vehicle.
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.
Link to the parking area- https://maps.app.goo.gl/jFuTtGM6BHEW7Tjv8?g_st=ic
Montgomery Reservoir
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.
Link to the parking area- https://maps.app.goo.gl/UiPbScWBfy3KSucW7?g_st=ic
Jefferson/Como
Boreas Pass (Rocky Point)
Best for couples, smaller groups and older kids because of the steep drop off
The view at this location is absolutely stunning! This spot used to be part of where the railroad ran from Como to Breckenridge. There are even some tracks left! There are lots of large rocks that would be perfect for sitting photos, and the mountains are beautiful in every direction. The hike is short but if you’re scared of heights it isn’t recommended and please keep in mind that all locations on Boreas pass require a bumpy drive on a dirt road to get there.
Here’s a phone photo showing some of the trees.
Link to the parking area- 39.3596888,-105.9350718
Boreas Pass (Random Pull off)
Great for any type of session
This is a gorgeous location with views in every direction! No hiking is required. It’s a great option if you don’t want to drive all the way to the top of Boreas Pass. Check out the link below to see parking and a 360° view.
Link to the parking area-
Boreas Pass (Black Powder Trailhead)
Great for any type of session
This spot has 360° views with a large variety of backdrops. There are wildflowers and lots of pine trees! Our favorite part of this spot is that there are many pull offs with different views on the way, giving tons of options if you want an adventurous session.
Link to the parking area- https://maps.app.goo.gl/kXkWh32UTfv7wqRg8?g_st=ipc
Kenosha Pass
Would work for any type of portrait session
This scenic location features a mountain view and sooo many aspens! It's very popular in the fall, but also has lots of parking and is extremely accessible- right off of HWY 285. It doesn't require a hike to the view and is a great option for all types of portrait sessions. Since it's the top of a mountain pass it can get a bit windy out.
Tarryall Reservoir
Great for any type of session
We love this location! It’s on the water and has lots of nice rocks and hills in the background. Our only session here was in the fall, and the waterfall was closed, so please take a look at the link below to see what it looks like in other seasons and photos others have taken there.
Check out the Google maps link to see photos of the waterfall!
If you'd like to see more pictures from any of the spots in the guide please text or email us! Or, if you have a particular place in mind that isn't listed above, let us know so we can check it out. We're so excited to help you find the perfect location to capture your time in the mountains!
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