What Are the Best Locations for Family Photography in Crested Butte?
By Third Eye Photography | Crested Butte Colorado Family Photographer
Crested Butte is one of the most beautiful places for family photos. The lupine and sunflower fields, snow-capped mountain peaks, pine forests, lakes and rivers, and golden aspen groves create endless options for stunning backdrops.
As a local Crested Butte photographer, I’ve explored every corner of this gorgeous valley over the last 20 years. Below are the 7 best Crested Butte, Colorado family photo locations — places that offer amazing light, easy access (even for kids!), and postcard-worthy views.
1️⃣Crested Butte Campground – Lupine & Sunflower Fields
If you’re dreaming of wildflowers, the CB Campground is unbeatable. The hillside is covered in lupine flowers in June and sunflowers in July with big mountain views in all directions. The soft golden hour light make this one of my favorite locations.
Best for:
✔ Wildflower photos -June & July
✔ Younger kids – easy double-wide trail through the field
✔ Morning or evening light
Pro tip: The lupine flowers peak mid-June and the sunflowers peak mid-July — book early because these weeks fill FAST.
2️⃣ Gunsight Bridge over the Slate River
Slater River road offers many locations to pull over and enjoy the perfect mix of open mountain vistas and rolling hills. But the best spot off Slate River road is Gunsight Bridge. The bridge is unique and the river is low enough to walk right into the water. This is a location easy enough for families with small children and the variety allows for multiple looks in one session.
Best for:
✔ Fall colors (late September–early October)
✔ Families who want variety and accessibility
✔ Kids who like to explore and play
3️⃣ Lower Loop— Water + Peaks for Colorado Family Photos
The Lower Loop offers a double-wide trail through a pine forest to a soft riverbank, views of Mt. Crested Butte, and wide-open meadows. It’s perfect for candid, playful sessions with room for kids to run.
Best for:
✔ River and mountain views
✔ Summertime sessions
✔ Families who love natural, candid looks
4️⃣ Peanut Lake — Iconic CB Backdrop
Peanut Lake is classic Crested Butte — sparkling water, dramatic peaks, and a relaxed, peaceful vibe. It photographs beautifully year-round but is especially gorgeous in summer and early fall.
Best for:
✔ Families wanting a “postcard” Colorado look
✔ Sunset sessions
✔ Easy access for all ages
5️⃣ Gothic Townsite— Forest + Mountain Views
Just a short drive from town, Gothic Townsite gives you stunning views of Gothic Mountain and a stellar aspen forest. Perfect for fall foliage and big mountain backdrops.
Best for:
✔ Adventurous families
✔ Longer sessions
✔ Sunset and afternoon light
6️⃣ Woods Walk — Easy, Scenic, and Accessible
Woods Walk is ideal for families who want a beautiful backdrop without having to hike. The trail offers aspens, flower meadows, and views of Mt. Crested Butte — all within a few minutes of the parking area.
Best for:
✔ Toddlers or babies
✔ Grandparent-inclusive sessions
✔ Fall family photos
7️⃣ Kebler Pass — Legendary Aspens
If you want jaw-dropping fall color, Kebler Pass is one of the best aspen groves in the entire country. The golden light filtering through these trees is nothing short of magical. Pull off at any point on the road for breathtaking views or hike to Lost Lake for mountain scenes and water.
Best for:
✔ Peak fall (late Sept–mid Oct)
✔ Large family groups
✔ Dramatic forest backdrops
❤️ Which Location Is Right for Your Family Photos?
Every family is different — playful, calm, adventurous, energetic. I help guide you to the perfect location based on:
✅ Your kids’ ages
✅ Your walking comfort level
✅ Your clothing colors
✅ The season
✅ The mood you want in your images
Crested Butte has a spot that fits your family perfectly with it’s wildflowers, golden aspens, mountain views and riverside locations.
Are dogs allowed at popular photo locations?
Yes, dogs are allowed at all of the popular family photo locations. Leashes are required within town limits.
Where can we avoid crowds for photos in peak season?
The farther off the trail and deeper into the national forest you go the less crowds there will be. Easy access are often the most popular locations such as:
- Woods Walk
- Lower Loop
- Irwin Lake
- Emerald Lake
- CB campground
To explore less crowded locations check with your local photographer for suggestions and accessibility.
How much does a photo session cost in Crested Butte, Colorado?
Family photo sessions in Crested Butte cost $245/hr- $900+ for product packages. Most photographers will offer both an hourly option and a package including prints and files.
What’s included in a family photo session price in Crested Butte?
Family photo sessions include an hour on location, an online gallery to view and share your images. A studio review meeting to pick photos and discuss products. The average family photo session fee in Crested Butte cost $300/hr. Product packages range from $900-$5000+ and include items like:
- Canvas
- Albums
- Digital Files
- Smartphone App
How many images do you get with a typical session?
An hour session will yield around 100 final edited photos to select from.
Do photographers offer payment plans?
Yes many photographers offer payment plans for printed product cost. Products are not delivered until the entire payment has been made. Payments can be divided into as many parts as necessary.
Ready to book your Crested Butte family session?
Let’s choose the perfect location and create beautiful, joyful images of your family in the mountains.
Email: rebecca@thirdeyephotographycolorado.com
Website: thirdeyephotographycolorado.com
Let’s make magic together.
