Crested Butte is full of amazing locations for family photographs. From the wildflower fields in the summer to the golden Aspens in the fall, you can’t go wrong choosing Crested Butte for your family photos.

Where can you take family photographs with wildflowers?

Crested Butte is full of locations for family photos. There are many trails accessible for all different levels. You can photograph families in the alleyways in town or go to one of the fields of wildflowers during the summer. The National Forest makes most locations accessible for free for groups of 10 or less. This includes some of the most famous aspen groves and lakes west of the Elk Mountains.

Wildflower photography locations:

• Woods Walk meadows
• CB Campground
• Lower Loop trail

What should I wear for family photographs in Crested Butte?

Most locations for family photography in Crested Butte are going to be on dirt and rocks (hence the Rocky Mountains).

• Comfortable and appropriate footwear is a must for rocky dirt terrain
• Bring a light sweater or jacket for the cooler temps of the mornings or evenings
• Bring sunscreen for the midday sun
• If you feel comfortable you will look comfortable

Which areas in Crested Butte are best for toddlers during photos?

A perfect location for toddlers is the Woods Walk trail. At this location it is easy to get to a nice field with flowers, aspens and a great field of mountains. You can even get a stroller on the trail without too much trouble. The field is dirt with short grass and flat, perfect for those new walkers and crawlers.

Are there paid vs free locations for family photographs?

Most locations in Crested Butte can be used for free. The National Forest is free for groups under 10. Many of the trails from town are owned by the town or by 1% for Open Space and are free for everyone. There are several locations that are privately owned so be careful to respect the no trespassing signs.

What locations allow pets in family portraits?

All locations are pet friendly! Your pet will need to be on a leash in town but on most of the trails and National Forest they can run free if under control.

Are there hidden gems away from the crowds?

Yes! Some of the most popular spots:

• Woods Walk trail
• Lower Loop
• Kebler Pass
• Irwin Lake
• Judd Falls
• Emerald Lake

To get away from the crowds venture to Gothic townsite or into the National Forest. Irwin Lake is very busy in the summer but there are some trails from the lake that lead to beautiful spots away from the crowds. If you are up for a long drive get to the top of Paradise Divide for a 360* views and peace.

Where to take family photographs with mountain views in Crested Butte?

There are mountains surrounding Crested Butte in every direction, so it isn’t hard to find a location with views of the mountains.

To see Crested Butte clearly in the background try:

• Woods Walk trail
• Peanut Lake Road
• Crested Butte campground

Go down to the Gothic townsite for an incredible view of Gothic Mountain or drive out to Emerald Lake for a gorgeous view of Crested Butte valley.

Best meadow locations for family photographs in Crested Butte?

Open meadows are a go-to for family photography in Crested Butte. The Woods Walk trail has several great meadows with flowers blooming all summer and aspens glowing in September. The Crested Butte campground is one of the most popular wildflowers fields for both the early-season lupines and the July sunflowers.

Best aspen grove photo spots in Crested Butte?

Kebler Pass is famous for being the largest living organism in the world with its interconnected root system- the aspen grove. It is an amazing grove of white barked aspens that turn golden yellow and orange in September.

Family photograph locations near downtown Crested Butte?

The best family photography location that is closest to downtown Crested Butte is the Woods Walk trail and the Lower Loop. Both locations offer flowers, meadows and mountain views with a spectacular view of Mt. Crested Butte.

Rivers, lakes, and water backdrops for family photographs?

The most popular water locations include Gunsight Bridge, Irwin Lake and Emerald Lake.

• Irwin Lake is 10 miles outside of town out Kebler Pass Road and features a large lake with a walking path around. There is also a “hidden” waterfall that makes for great photos for those who are more adventurous.
• Emerald Lake is a little harder and farther to get to but features beautiful emerald water and shallow sloping banks.
• Gunsight Bridge is also a great location for a river view and majestic mountains.

Snowy winter family photo locations in Crested Butte?

In the winter access to many summer and fall locations are limited or non-existent. The Woods Walk can occasionally be accessible for some snowy aspen tree backgrounds, but the best bet is to photograph in town or near the Rec path which is groomed by the Nordic trails or a snow-packed side-road. The base of the mountain also makes for a nice and easily accessible location with a firepit and Adirondack chairs. For the adventurous families, skiing and snowboarding photos are fun!

What is the Best Accessibility & Kid-Friendly Locations?

The best locations for families who have limited accessibility or young kids are the Woods Walk, the Lower Loop, Peanut Lake rd., Rainbow Park, Gunsight Bridge, CB Campground or Irwin Lake. These locations offer drive-up access and flat ground, making it easy to get great backgrounds without going far.

Easy-access family photo spots that don’t require hiking?

• Rainbow Park offers a beautiful view of Mt. Crested Butte and is very easy to navigate. With a parking lot and a sidewalk and flat soccer field, Rainbow park is an easy option.
• Gunsight Bridge is a few miles outside of town and the right vehicle can drive right to the river. The mountain views sweep in both directions.
• The Woods Walk is a flat walk to an open meadow with aspen trees and a view of Mt. Crested Butte.
• The Lower Loop has a double-wide walking path and a meadow with a view of Mt. Crested Butte.
• You can stop along Peanut Lake Rd for a great background of Mt. Crested Butte and Peanut Lake.
• The CB Campground at the top of Gothic Rd has the best wildflower field with both lupines in June and sunflowers in July. The double-wide path is well maintained and easy to navigate.

Best locations for family photographs with toddlers?

Toddlers love to run and play during photoshoots. The Woods Walk meadow and the Rainbow Park soccer field both provide flat spaces with beautiful backdrops. Peanut Lake Road is an easy place to pullover and have stunning views of Mt. Crested Butte and Peanut Lake or the Paradise Divide mountain range. The CB Campground has the best flower field and is perfect for a toddler to play.

Stroller-friendly photo locations in Crested Butte?

Some strollers can manage the rocky dirt path of the Woods Walk but the Lower Loop is a double-wide path perfect for any stroller. Strollers can easily manage at Rainbow Park or on the Rec path. The CB Campground has a double-wide trail that is easy to access with a stroller.

Which photo spots are close to parking for young kids and grandparents?

The Woods Walk meadow is only a 3-minute walk from the parking lot on Kebler Pass rd. There is parking right at Rainbow Park and with the right vehicle you can drive right to the bridge at Gunsight. The CB Campground at the top of Gothic Rd has the best wildflower fields and a parking lot right on site.

What is the Best Season for Family Photographs in Crested Butte?

The best season for family photography in Crested Butte is the summer and the fall. The summer season starts in mid-June with wildflowers blooming through July. The foliage starts changing in mid-September and will go as long as mid-October.

Best summer family photo locations in Crested Butte?

The best summer family photography locations in Crested Butte are the

• Woods Walk- views of the mountains, fields of wildflowers and aspen forest
• Lower Loop- views of the mountains, fields of wildflowers and aspen/pine forest
• Emerald Lake- views down valley and emerald water
• Irwin Lake- views of Ruby, Owen & Purple mountains and pine forest
• CB Campground- wildflower fields of lupine and sunflowers
• Gunsight Bridge- views of the mountains and Slate River

Where to take fall family photographs with aspens in Crested Butte?

Kebler Pass rd. is the most popular location to see the foliage in Crested Butte. The Woods Walk trail has beautiful views of the mountains in the aspen forest and is easy to access. Pull-offs along Washington Gulch rd. and Gothic rd. are also stellar foliage-viewing locations.

Where are the best winter snow photo locations for families?

Winters in Crested Butte average 300 inches of snow a year. This makes photographing families during the winter months more difficult. The Woods Walk can sometimes be accessible during the early winter. Elk Ave is a great downtown location for the snowy months. Slate Rive rd. is scenic and is accessible for a few miles for a pull-off.

Spring and early summer photo locations before wildflowers bloom?

Crested Butte does not have spring, it is mud-season. Any time before June it can be muddy, rainy or snowy. The leaves will not start to bud until May, and the flowers will not bloom until June. If the weather is warm aspen groves are a good choice during the Spring months. The Summer Home Groups in Crested Butte South is a nice location with a river and an aspen forest that thaws earlier than town or the mountain.

What is the Best Time-of-Day & Private Location in Crested Butte for Family Photographs?

The best time of day for family photos is morning or late afternoon/early evening. Private locations can be found off Gothic rd. or Washinton Gulch.

• The morning offers cooler temps and less crowds.
• The late afternoon/early evening weather can be more unpredictable but can also offer a nice evening light.

Best morning family photo locations in Crested Butte?

The Woods Walk trail is a perfect location for morning photo shoots. The sun rises behind Mt. Crested Butte creating a glow and staying out of everyone’s eyes.

Best sunset spots for family pictures in Crested Butte?

Favorite sunset locations are Gunsight Bridge and the CB Campground. Both offer sweeping views facing the west.

Locations that photograph well in midday light?

Locations that include aspen or pine trees for shade are best during the middle of the day. This would include the Woods Walk trail, the Lower Loop, and Irwin Lake.

How to avoid crowds at popular photo locations?

Walking a few feet into the woods is the best way to avoid crowds in spots like the Woods Walk or the Lower Loop. The farther you walk off the path, the less crowded it will be. The CB Campground is one of the most popular locations during the wildflowers season. The farther you walk down the path the farther away from the crowds you will be.

Where is the Best Location for Pets & Lifestyle Photos?

Dog-friendly family photo locations in Crested Butte?

Most of Crested Butte is dog friendly. Dogs outnumber people!

• The Woods Walk and the Lower Loop are popular dog-walking trails.
• Gunsight Bridge and the CB Campground are easy spots for dogs to play, explore and be photographed.
• For the more adventurous pets, look for National Forest or meadows off Slate River rd. or Washington Gulch.

Best spots for active family photos (hiking, exploring, playing)?

Active families can enjoy exploring trails up and down the valley. The Lower Loop is a great trail for an easy hike with river and mountain backdrops to your family photos.

Hiking trails for young children:

• Woods Walk
• Lower Loop
• Gunsight Bridge

Longer and strenuous hikes include:

• Green Lakes trail
• Bud trail
• Upper Loop trail
• Upper Lower Loop trail

What are the best locations where kids can throw rocks, explore, and be natural?

The best location for kids to throw rocks and have fun outdoors is Gunsight Bridge. The bridge makes for a fun location to throw rocks from, the riverbank is flat and the river is low.

Best picnic-style or playful family photo spots?

The Woods walk is a perfect meadow for a picnic with an easy 3-minute walk and flat ground. The Woods Walk has a beautiful aspen forest and view of Mt. Crested Butte.

How Should I Plan for the Weather in Crested Butte?

Crested Butte town is at 8887’ above sea level. This can make for some extreme weather conditions. Weather often moves in and out very quickly. The old saying is “if you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes”. Storms often come with heavy rain, winds and lightning, but are followed by rainbows. Snowstorms can accumulate 1-2 inches of snow per hour.

Where to go for family photos if afternoon storms roll in?

It is best to wait out a storm if you are in the middle of a photo shoot. Most summer storms move in and out quickly. The pine forest at Irwin Lake can offer shelter for light rain. Locations that are close to the parking lot, like the Woods Walk or CB Campground, are best if weather is predicted.

Which locations look beautiful on cloudy days?

Most locations look beautiful on cloudy days with the mountains peeking out from the clouds. Wildflower fields like at the CB Campground or the Wood Walk will be beautiful in all weather conditions.

Do you need a permit for family photos in Crested Butte?

No. National forest land requires a permit for groups of 10 or more but most locations are owned by the town or by Open Space and are free.

How far in advance should you choose your photo location?

Let your local photographer pick the best location right before your family photography session. Their choice will take into account the weather, the flowers or foliage and the needs of your family.

How to pick the right location based on your kids’ ages

For toddlers choose a location that is close to rivers or flower meadows and is easy to access.

• Woods Walk
• Lower Loop
• CB Campground
• Gunsight Bridge

For older kids and adults explore the trails and aspen forest.

Traveling to Crested Butte? Schedule with a local professional for your family photography session like Third Eye Photography.

Family Photography FAQs

Do we have to hike for mountain views?

No! There are several locations that have sweeping views of the majestic mountains surrounding town that are just a few steps away from your car.

• Woods Walk- open meadow with view of Mt. Crested Butte
• Lower Loop- view of Mt. Crested Butte, Gothic Mountain and Paradise Divide
• CB Campground- 360* view of mountains
• Gunsight Bridge – Mt. Crested Butte and Paradise Divide
• Peanut Lake- Mt. Crested Butte, Gothic Mountain and Paradise Divide

What if my kids don’t like to sit still for photos?

Great! Kids who are having fun are the best to photograph. Use a location with a flat meadow like the Woods Walk to let them roam and explore.

Can we choose a location close to town without a lot of driving?

Yes! There are several locations that are only a few minutes away and easily accessible from Elk Ave.

• Woods Walk- 3-minute drive from Elk Ave.
• Lower Loop- 5-minute drive from Elk Ave. out Peanut Lake rd.
• CB Campground- 10-minute drive from town up Gothic rd.
• Gunsight Bridge – 10-minute drive from town out Slate Rive rd.
• Peanut Lake- 5-minute drive from Elk Ave.

When is the best time of day for family photos?

The best time of day for family photos is the morning around 9am or the afternoon/evening around 5pm. The light is best in most locations, and the crowds are the smallest.

When is the best time of year for family photos in Crested Butte?

The summer and fall are the most popular time for family photos in Crested Butte.

• June- lupine fields
• July- sunflower fields
• September- fall foliage

Are these locations good for young children or elderly people?

Yes! These locations are easy to access and require minimal walking.

• Woods Walk- open meadow 3-minute flat walk from parking
• Lower Loop- double-wide maintained trail 5-minute walk from parking
• CB Campground- double-wide maintained trail
• Gunsight Bridge – 2-3minute walk from parking
• Peanut Lake- parking alongside road

Can we include our dogs?

Yes! Dogs are always welcome. Meadows, rivers and aspen forest are great locations for dogs to roam and play during our photoshoot.