Estes Park is a photographer’s dream destination! Though beautiful year-round, there’s something about pristine white snow covering dark evergreens that adds a special touch to pictures of Estes Valley. Whether you’re a novice on a quick getaway or expert, you have to stop by these must-see places to photograph in Estes Park during the winter season.
Welcome to Estes Park Sign
Start your photo journey before you even make it into town. Stop on your way in at the “Welcome to Estes Park” sign. Get your quintessential Estes Park picture with your travel buddy and silly faces with the huge sign and a gorgeous mountain landscape in the background.
Lake Estes Trail
Take a stroll on the trail that edges Lake Estes. As winter sets in, the entire area wears a permanent frost. During the coldest winters, a layer of ice glazes over the top of the freezing water. The trail is an excellent place for close shots of frozen grass and even shooting wildlife lurking in the distance. At the point on the path furthest from town, you can capture the entire downtown Estes Valley area with the snowcapped Rocky Mountain peaks backing it. During the evening, the mountainside is even more picturesque. Capture the nighttime lights from various homes and businesses as they illuminate the entire town against the dark starry skies.
Riverwalk
A must-visit during your trip to Estes Park is the Riverwalk. The path starts at the Visitor Center and follows Big Thompson & Fall River as it winds through downtown. There are plenty of photo ops from start to finish. Strike a pose on a bench or next to one of the rock water features. Catch pictures with the resident wildlife! Not the real animals, of course, but the beautifully crafted bronze sculptures that you can find along the trail. Once you cross the bridge, capture the lively culture of the downtown area. Stop in front of shops and cafes decked out in their winter decor. Or take pictures as you’re enjoying a meal on the patio of a local restaurant!
Knoll Willows Open Space
The Knoll Willows Open Space is a 20-acre space full of wildlife and incredible views. A short loop trail near downtown Estes Park allows curious visitors access to one of the best viewpoints in Estes Park. Look out at untouched land dotted with evergreens. During the winter, unobstructed views of snowcapped Prospect Mountain and the Continental Divide are a real treat!
Rocky Mountain National Park
For breathtaking nature photos, Rocky Mountain National Park is the best place to go. See snow-covered trees and frosted alpine meadows. Encounter passing wildlife and get shots of them in their natural habitats from a safe distance. If you fancy hiking, take on one of the trails to glassy alpine lakes and mountain views that will leave you speechless.
Book an Estes Park Photography Tour
Visitors to Estes Park can book a private photography tour for a more in-depth experience. Expert photographers instruct you on best photo-taking practices and lead you to some of the most picturesque landscapes you can imagine. By the end, you’ll be a pro at taking nature photos and highlighting the beauty and magnificence of each shot.
Rocky Mountain Resort
Timber Creek Chalets in Estes Park.
Book a stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts for more fun winter photos. Guests can choose accommodations in a variety of locations, all with different scenery. Some offer views of Fall River and snow-covered open spaces. Other rentals have spectacular mountain vantage points with hiking trails right outside their doors. All are fantastic places to photograph in Estes Park during the winter.
Whether you are bringing a group or traveling solo, we have the perfect property for you. Enjoy studios and vacation homes with hot tubs, fireplaces, and cozy beds, your must-haves for a winter getaway. All of our properties are conveniently located near the upbeat downtown area of Estes Park and the great outdoors of Rocky Mountain National Park. Book your stay today!
When you book a two-night stay now through May 21, 2022, receive a third night FREE!
