10 Locations for Photoshoot in Aspen
1. Maroon Bells
Iconic twin peaks
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunrise
Duration: 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Hiking / Scenic Views / Wildflowers
The twin peaks of Maroon Bells rise above the glassy surface of Maroon Lake in North America’s most photographed mountain scene. Meadows and forests surround the lake, creating a dramatic backdrop throughout the year. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the shore, and in autumn, golden leaves add warmth to each frame.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is at sunrise when the first rays illuminate the peaks and visitors are scarce. Access costs approximately $10 per vehicle, and from June through October, you must reserve a shuttle. Plan to arrive before seven in the morning on a weekday to enjoy tranquillity. A light jacket is wise even in summer, and bright or pastel outfits will help you stand out against the landscape.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best time to shoot is at sunrise when the first rays illuminate the peaks and visitors are scarce. Access costs approximately $10 per vehicle, and from June through October, you must reserve a shuttle. Plan to arrive before seven in the morning on a weekday to enjoy tranquillity. A light jacket is wise even in summer, and bright or pastel outfits will help you stand out against the landscape.
2. Rio Grande Trail
Scenic riverside trail
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Evening
Duration: 2 hours | 3 hours | 4 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: History / Nature / Hiking
The Rio Grande Trail follows an old rail line beside the Roaring Fork River. You’ll find lush meadows, wooden bridges, and rushing rapids. This location is perfect for dynamic shots with movement or romantic portraits by the water.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon when light is soft and shadows add depth. In summer, the river can glow golden at dusk. Access is free, and the trail is quieter on weekday mornings or in early autumn. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk a few miles. Casual or boho style outfits blend beautifully with the natural setting. For active frames, bring a bicycle. It adds energy to your images.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon when light is soft and shadows add depth. In summer, the river can glow golden at dusk. Access is free, and the trail is quieter on weekday mornings or in early autumn. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk a few miles. Casual or boho style outfits blend beautifully with the natural setting. For active frames, bring a bicycle. It adds energy to your images.
3. John Denver Sanctuary
Floral tribute garden
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Midday
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Reflection / Nature / Tribute
Named in honor of the legendary musician, this oasis in downtown Aspen features one of the world’s largest perennial flower gardens. Engraved stones featuring Denver’s song lyrics create a special atmosphere. It is ideal for romantic or family sessions.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Midday light can highlight the colorful blooms, while sunset brings warm tones. Our team will guide you on posing among the flowers to capture genuine, vibrant shots. Entry is free and the sanctuary is quiet in early morning hours or in September when the summer crowd thins out. Lightweight dresses or shirts in pastel shades harmonize with the floral displays. Children can run freely among the paths and we will capture their joyful moments.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Midday light can highlight the colorful blooms, while sunset brings warm tones. Our team will guide you on posing among the flowers to capture genuine, vibrant shots. Entry is free and the sanctuary is quiet in early morning hours or in September when the summer crowd thins out. Lightweight dresses or shirts in pastel shades harmonize with the floral displays. Children can run freely among the paths and we will capture their joyful moments.
4. Independence Pass
High alpine pass
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Scenic Drive / High-Alpine Views
At an elevation of 12,095 feet, Independence Pass offers panoramic views of the Sawatch and Elk Mountains. Waterfalls, ice caves and alpine meadows make this a photographer’s dream. You can shoot both epic landscapes and intimate mountain portraits.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Sunset is spectacular when peaks glow in pink and orange hues. Morning light works well too, though it can be sharper. The pass is open free of charge from late May until October. Visit on a weekday to avoid heavy traffic. Outdoor clothing, such as wool sweaters and jeans or a bright scarf, will add character to your images. Don’t forget sun protection, UV intensity is high at this altitude.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Sunset is spectacular when peaks glow in pink and orange hues. Morning light works well too, though it can be sharper. The pass is open free of charge from late May until October. Visit on a weekday to avoid heavy traffic. Outdoor clothing, such as wool sweaters and jeans or a bright scarf, will add character to your images. Don’t forget sun protection, UV intensity is high at this altitude.
5. Ashcroft Ghost Town
Abandoned mining town
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Early morning
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: History / Exploration
Located eleven miles from Aspen, Ashcroft Ghost Town is an abandoned mining settlement surrounded by Elk Mountains. Weathered wooden buildings offer an authentic Old West atmosphere. It’s perfect for unique shots with historical flair.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Early morning light softly bathes the structures, while evening creates dramatic shadows. Entry is five dollars and weekday visits in early autumn see very few tourists. Retro or country style outfits: cowboy hats, denim jackets, or long skirts - will enhance authenticity. If you bring children, western props make for delightful, playful shots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Early morning light softly bathes the structures, while evening creates dramatic shadows. Entry is five dollars and weekday visits in early autumn see very few tourists. Retro or country style outfits: cowboy hats, denim jackets, or long skirts - will enhance authenticity. If you bring children, western props make for delightful, playful shots.
6. Silver Queen Gondola
Scenic alpine gondola
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Panoramic Views / Hiking / Skiing
A ride on the Silver Queen Gondola takes you to 11,212 feet above sea level with sweeping views over the Roaring Fork Valley. You can capture mountain grandeur without a long hike. Summer offers lush meadows, and winter brings snowy slopes.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the clear morning air or at sunset for warm golden light. Gondola tickets cost about forty dollars, and June or September visits tend to be less crowded. Outdoor attire or elegant coats in winter will look stylish against the panorama. Bring sunglasses and a scarf because conditions can be windy. Props such as a frisbee can add playful movement.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the clear morning air or at sunset for warm golden light. Gondola tickets cost about forty dollars, and June or September visits tend to be less crowded. Outdoor attire or elegant coats in winter will look stylish against the panorama. Bring sunglasses and a scarf because conditions can be windy. Props such as a frisbee can add playful movement.
7. Sunnyside Trail
Wildflower nature trail
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Wildflowers / Nature / Hiking
The Sunnyside Trail winds above Aspen with spectacular valley views and carpets of wildflowers in summer. It is ideal for both sweeping landscapes and portraits surrounded by blossoms. The hike is moderate and accessible.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Morning light is best for fresh blooms and soft shadows. Sunset can be lovely, but the trail is busier then. Access is free, and weekdays or early autumn see fewer hikers. Bright colors like yellow or red contrast beautifully with greenery. Comfortable shoes are essential, and a picnic blanket makes a romantic prop for portraits.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Morning light is best for fresh blooms and soft shadows. Sunset can be lovely, but the trail is busier then. Access is free, and weekdays or early autumn see fewer hikers. Bright colors like yellow or red contrast beautifully with greenery. Comfortable shoes are essential, and a picnic blanket makes a romantic prop for portraits.
8. Red Mountain Road
Sunset mountain drive
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Sunset Views / Scenic Drive
Red Mountain Road overlooks Aspen’s lights below with mountains on the horizon. It is perfect for urban evening shots against a natural backdrop.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Begin shooting about an hour before sunset when the sky turns pink and orange. The road is free to access but narrow, so visit on a weekday. Smart casual attire with metallic accents complements the evening glow. Our photographers will position you for the best city-light frames.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Begin shooting about an hour before sunset when the sky turns pink and orange. The road is free to access but narrow, so visit on a weekday. Smart casual attire with metallic accents complements the evening glow. Our photographers will position you for the best city-light frames.
9. Hunter Creek Trail
Historic nature trail
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Midday
Duration: 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Hiking / Waterfalls / Wildflowers
Hunter Creek Trail leads through forests and meadows to old mining cabins. Streams, wooden bridges, and Aspen views make this spot great for family or adventure sessions.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the morning or at midday when light is even. Our team knows how to use natural elements for lively compositions. Access is free, and September or weekdays see the fewest visitors. Outdoor or casual wear, such as flannel shirts and jeans, will blend with the surroundings.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot in the morning or at midday when light is even. Our team knows how to use natural elements for lively compositions. Access is free, and September or weekdays see the fewest visitors. Outdoor or casual wear, such as flannel shirts and jeans, will blend with the surroundings.
10. American Lake
Lush conservatory haven
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Swimming / Boating / Fishing / Nature
American Lake is an alpine gem surrounded by mountains and wildflowers. A two to three-hour hike through forest and ridge brings you to its emerald waters. This location is perfect for off-the-grid style images.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Morning sessions capture calm waters and gentle light. Sunset is also beautiful, but the return hike can be challenging after dark. Access is free, and few travelers make the trek. Bright or white outfits contrast strikingly with the water. Bring water and snacks, and consider small props for engaging shots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Morning sessions capture calm waters and gentle light. Sunset is also beautiful, but the return hike can be challenging after dark. Access is free, and few travelers make the trek. Bright or white outfits contrast strikingly with the water. Bring water and snacks, and consider small props for engaging shots.