Photogenic Places in Estes Park
5 places ranked by scenic score
Estes Park, CO
Bear Lake
A high-elevation lake at 9,450 feet surrounded by Hallett Peak and Continental Divide peaks. The lake's calm morning waters create near-perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains. It is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Park, CO
Sprague Lake
A small, accessible lake at 8,710 feet with a half-mile paved loop trail. The lake provides reliable reflections of the Continental Divide including Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The site is wheelchair accessible and located along a short spur road from Bear Lake Road.
Estes Park, CO
Alberta Falls
A 30-foot cascade on Glacier Creek located 0.8 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead at 9,400 feet elevation. The waterfall flows through a narrow granite gorge and is most powerful during spring snowmelt in late May and June. Surrounding subalpine forest frames the falls with spruce and fir trees.
Estes Park, CO
Lily Lake
A small roadside lake along Highway 7 at 8,927 feet with a 0.8-mile paved loop trail. The lake offers reflections of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker from its southeast shore. Lily pads cover portions of the lake surface in summer, adding foreground interest to photographs.
Estes Park, CO
Estes Park Elkhorn Avenue and Downtown
The downtown area of Estes Park sits at 7,522 feet with the Big Thompson River flowing through the center of town. Elk routinely walk through the commercial district, particularly during the fall rut. The Stanley Hotel, perched on a hill above downtown, provides a distinctive architectural subject with mountain backdrops.