12 best overlooks to take pictures in Colorado
Great views aren’t hard to come by in Colorado. Here are 12 of the best overlooks to take pictures at around the state.
Cripple Creek (Photo) Credit MichaelSchmitz (iStock)
1. Cripple Creek Overlook – Colorado Highway 67
Gaze over the mountain town of Cripple Creek at an overlook off Highway 67. In the distance, rolling hills stretch to the Collegiate Peaks and the rest of the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Photo Credit: MichaelSchmitz (iStock).
Ackerman Overlook (Photo) Credit Richard Cawood
2. Ackerman Overlook – Interstate 25 near Colorado Springs
The Ackerman Overlook along Interstate 25 in north Colorado Springs views a long stretch of the Front Range in the Pikes Peak Region, as well as a view of the United States Air Force Academy. Informational signs detail the academy’s history and benches allow visitors to watch a gorgeous sunset behind the mountains. The Ackerman Memorial honors Jasper D. Ackerman, a decorated Colorado Springs World War I veteran who helped found the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.
Photo Credit: Richard Cawood – OutThere Colorado.
Independence Pass (Photo) Credit grandriver (iStock)
3. Independence Pass Overlook – Twin Lakes
From over 12,100 feet above sea level, the Independence Pass Overlook along Highway 82 gives visitors a grand look of the Continental Divide in Colorado.
Photo Credit: grandriver (iStock).
The Trail Ridge Road (Photo) Credit vermontalm (iStock)
4. Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. There are dozens of great overlooks to stop at for photos along the 48-mile mountain road. From wildlife to mountainous views, the overlooks along Trail Ridge Road offer a taste of classic Colorado scenery.
Photo Credit: vermontalm (iStock).
Wilkerson Pass (Photo) Credit chapin31 (iStock)
5. Wilkerson Pass
Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center along Highway 24, found west of the small mountain town of Lake George, is the perfect spot to stop and stretch the legs. Snap photos of the fantastic views of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges and stroll along a 0.9-mile loop path through aspen groves.
Photo Credit: chapin31 (iStock).
Monarch Pass (Photo) Credit Scott Ingram
6. Monarch Pass
Take a scenic gondola ride found at the summit of Monarch Pass for a panoramic view of mountains in all directions at more than 11,300 feet above sea level.
Photo Credit: Scott Ingram.
Garden of the Gods (Photo) Credit Sparty1711 (iStock)
7. High Point – Garden of the Gods
From a mountainous backdrop featuring Pikes Peak to the gorgeous geology of Garden of the Gods, many angles for photographs are found at the High Point lookout.
Photo Credit: Sparty1711 (iStock).
Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Photo) Credit tonda (iStock)
8. Warner Point and High Point Overlook – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Visit one of the best lookouts in the state at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s High Point. From here, gaze across the canyon and marvel at Colorado’s highest cliff, Painted Wall. Hike the Warner Point Trail for another amazing view of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Photo Credit: tonda (iStock).
Collegiate Peaks Overlook (Photo) Credit krblokhin (iStock)
9. Collegiate Peaks Overlook – Buena Vista
View several Colorado 14ers, which are mountains with elevations of 14,000 feet or higher, from the Collegiate Peaks Overlook in Buena Vista.
Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock).
Grandview Overlook, Colorado Springs (Photo) Credit RondaKimbrow
10. Grandview Overlook – Colorado Springs
The Grandview Overlook in Palmer Park, one of Colorado Springs’ best urban parks, features views of Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain, and a stretch of the Front Range to the north with the city below.
Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow.
Red Cliff Bridge (Photo) Credit Anze Furlan / psgtproductions (iStock)
11. Red Cliff Overlook – Between Leadville and Minturn
A small gravel pullout along U.S. Highway 24 between Leadville and Minturn offers a historic view. The overlook sits high above the Eagle River Canyon where the 471-foot-long steel arch Red Cliff Bridge crosses over. The towering cliff wall above the overlook is comprised of quartzite and limestone. Just east of Red Cliff Bridge, which was built in 1941, is the historic mining town of Red Cliff, founded in 1879.
Photo Credit: Anze Furlan / psgtproductions (iStock).
Overlook of Ouray Colorado (Photo) Credit aimintang (iStock)
12. Ouray Overlook – Million Dollar Highway (US Highway 550)
Ouray, also known as the “Switzerland of America,” is a stunning destination that lives up to its lofty nickname thanks to many mountain peaks and waterfalls. The Ouray Overlook rests above the historic mining town, squeezed between towering mountains with waterfalls scattered throughout. There’s no shortage of great views here.
Photo Credit: aimintang (iStock).
Crystal Mill (Photo) Credit Christian Murdock
Looking for more photography spots?
There are great places for photography all around Colorado. Here are 16 beautiful destinations for photography found around the state.
Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette.
(2) comments
Lands End on the Grand Mesa with views of the entire Grand Valley extending into Utah and beyond.
The South Park overlook on U.S.-285 has incredible views of the open range.
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