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Photography

The Pikes Peak area offers excellent opportunities for nature, landscape and wildlife photography. With elevations ranging from 5,700 to over 14,000 feet above sea level, the geographical diversity of the region provides a wide range of plant and animal species as well as grand vistas to photograph. Certain locations are also great for star and Milky Way photography. Garden of the Gods is the best location for sunrise.

Before You Get Started

Requirements

Permits are required for commercial shoots and workshops on National Forest Service, BLM, El Paso County and City of Colorado Springs properties. Permits are required for night photography in El Paso County Parks since they are closed from dark until dawn.

Gear

Photographers should be equipped with a variety of lenses, a sturdy tripod and plenty of memory cards. Polarizing and UV filters can be useful. Photographers should also be prepared for any type of weather and sudden weather changes. Good rain gear is necessary in the summer months since thunderstorm activity is very common in the afternoons. Stay away from exposed areas when lightning is present. Warm clothing is essential for preventing hypothermia even in the summer months since temperatures can drop drastically, especially at high altitudes. Also carry plenty of water and sunscreen.

Where to Go

Featured Places

Eleven Mile State Park

4229 Co Rd 92, Lake George, CO 80827

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Anglers and​ ​writers consistently tout Eleven Mile’s large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. When not reeling in a trophy rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee or pike, there are nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that await exploration. Canoe the day away around the shores of the backcountry. Fish from the shoreline or troll […]
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Fountain Creek – Manitou Springs
Sourced from: http://www.anglerscovey.com/where-to-fish/pikes-peak-region
Fountain Creek is truly our local water; a small section is directly behind Angler’s Covey. Over the past couple of years Manitou Springs has completed several stream habitat enhancement plans. These include Soda Springs, Shryver, Memorial and Mansions Park. If you need a quick break from the office any of these can produce results.   The creek […]
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Garden of the Gods
Sourced from: http://www.gardenofgods.com/

1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300′ towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. This world-class Visitor & Nature Center and museum is the most visited attraction in the region with all new interactive exhibits. Learn how the amazing […]
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starPaint Mines Interpretive Park
Sourced from: https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/paint-mines-interpretive-park/

29950 Paint Mines Road Calhan, CO 80808

The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of El Paso County’s most unique open spaces. The Paint Mines are named for their colorful clays that were collected by American Indians to make paint. Brightly colored bands, caused by oxidized iron compounds, are found in varying amounts throughout the many different layers of clay. Located in […]
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Learn More

 Local Photography Blogs:

Hiking Bob

Local Photography Groups:

The Colorado Photography Learning Group

Beyond the Lens

Colorado Springs Creative Photography Group

Guided Photography:

3 Peaks Photography & Design

The content on this page was provided by Three Peaks Photography