11 Instagram Perfect Places to Take Pictures in Colorado Springs
Grab your camera and lens, pack your favorite clothes, and head to these 11 gorgeous places to take pictures in Colorado Springs.
You love history, architecture, and the beautiful outdoors, so Colorado Springs has to be on your next visit to the state.
Located just 70 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs has everything from historic hotels to unique geological formations to castles.
That’s right: there’s a castle in Colorado!
If you’ve ever been to Colorado, you know that the entire state is gorgeous, but there’s something extra special about Colorado Springs
When we visited earlier this year, I came back with thousands of pictures from our Las Vegas to Denver road trip—and I still managed to feel as if I’d let some opportunities pass me by!
Don’t make the same mistake when planning your travel photography, and note these Instagram perfect spots in Colorado Springs.
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This post was written in partnership with the Colorado Springs CVB.
Where to Take Pictures in Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods
There’s one place you cannot miss while you’re in the area, and this is it.
Not only does it top the list of best places to take pictures in Colorado Springs thanks to its natural beauty, but it’s also a National Registered Landmark.
Plus, it was voted the #1 park in the U.S by TripAdvisor users!
To fully appreciate this area, you absolutely need some tech-free time, so put down the camera (at least for a little while) and soak up those views of Pikes Peak and the crisp mountain air.
When you’re ready to add your Instagram Stories for the day, get a few photos at the terrace, where you can look down on the Garden of the Gods and see Pikes Peak in the distance.
You’ll want to include enough time to hike a portion of the park’s 15 miles of trails.
The Perkins Central Garden Trail gives visitors a perfect up close look at the iconic rock formations, and it’s easy enough for young kids.
It’s even stroller accessible!
The Siamese Twins Trail is another great choice for hikers who want some great photos: the trail is only 1 mile long and the framing of Pikes Peak through the Siamese Twins window is sure to get you plenty of likes.
For those photographers who want some adventure with their photos, opt for the Jeep tour of the park, which takes you down quiet dirt roads, past waterfalls, and provides incredible views of the valley below.
>> Grab your tickets for the Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour here. <<
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Cog Railway in Colorado Springs
When you’re visiting Colorado Springs, you can’t miss the towering Pikes Peak.
But where should you go to get the best photos of it?
The answer: take the Cog Railway!
Not only can you get some great photos of the stunning heights along the way, but you’ll be a part of Colorado Springs history.
Visitors have been traveling the 14,115 feet since the first train opened for passengers in 1891.
Before your trip begins up the mountain, pose for a photo beside the vintage-style train.
Then, grab a seat close to the windows and make sure your camera is ready for a workout because you’re going to want pictures of everything you see on the ride.
Phone: (719) 685-5401
Address: 515 Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO
Hours: 8 AM-5 PM daily
Admission: $58.50/adult, $48.50/12 and under
Miramont Castle Museum
Exterior of Miramont Castle | source
Originally the private home of a wealthy French priest, Miramont Castle is now the perfect place to learn more about Manitou Springs in the late 1800s, have afternoon tea, and add a few more beautiful photographs to your vacation album.
During the self-guided tours of the sprawling property, you can see period furniture and decorations, and explore the permanent exhibits, including the Manitou Springs Fire Department Museum.
Don’t forget to book a spot for the High Tea or Light Victorian Tea (reservations are required).
Ask for a table by one of the large picture windows for the best light for your food and portrait photos.
Phone: (719) 685-1011
Address: 9 Capitol Hill Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO
Hours: 10 AM-4 PM Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday)
Admission: $14/ visitors 13 and up, $13/seniors, $10/children 4-12, free/kids under 3, active duty military, and firefighters
Rainbow Ryders Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Colorful Rainbow Ryders hot air balloons | source
If you’re really willing to go the extra mile for some incredible pictures in Colorado Springs, you HAVE to take this tour from Rainbow Ryders.
Yes, you’ll have to get your group up super early, but that won’t matter once you see Colorado Springs from a completely new angle.
Not only will you get to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but your photos from the balloon basket are going to be fantastic.
Seeing the sunrise with all of the colorful balloons surrounding you will leave you breathless.
Let’s lift off for incredible views!
>> Get your tickets for your Colorado Springs hot air balloon ride here. <<
The Broadmoor Hotel
Exterior of Broadmoor Hotel | source
I cannot resist a historic hotel when I’m traveling, and the Broadmoor Hotel is no exception.
Even if you're not staying on property, you should include it on your list of places to take pictures in Colorado Springs because its Great-Gatsby-era charm is perfect for your Instagram feed.
The Pauline Chapel’s simplicity makes for a great backdrop, as does Cheyenne Lake at the heart of the Broadmoor property.
It’s also conveniently located close to Seven Falls (below) and the Cog Railway (mentioned above) for a full day out.
Broadmoor Seven Falls
It’s 7 waterfalls in 1! While you’re on property at the Broadmoor Hotel, grab tickets to see this stunning waterfall series cascading into South Cheyenne Cañon.
Definitely get several shots of the waterfalls while you’re there, and then head off to one of the many hiking trails, the zip line course, or Restaurant 1858 for beautiful plated (and delicious) meals.
Ghost Town Wild West Museum
Indulge your inner cowboy (or cowgirl) with a trip to the time traveling Ghost Town Wild West Museum.
You’ll get some great pictures of your kids panning for gold, exploring the shops in the preserved indoor ghost town, and learning how to churn butter.
The museum’s entire ghost town was salvaged from old Wild West era towns from across Colorado, so you’re assured of an authentic learning experience.
If your kids are like my preschooler, they’ll be even more excited if you let them wear a themed costume. Those little cowpoke costumes go with the museum perfectly!
The Little Cowgirl has to take a quick break in between her Wild West adventures!
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
With striking architecture, an immersive educational experience, and beautiful surroundings, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a major destination in the Pikes Peak area for a reason.
An Anasazi construction, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings haven’t always been in this location.
In the 1910s, the founder of the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Ruins Company undertook the massive process of removing the property from its original location in McElmo Canyon and reconstructing it in its current location.
Now safe from looters, the Dwellings make for a great outing for your family, since kids (and kids at heart) can crawl around, touch, and explore all parts of the museum while you capture photos of these amazing memories.
Royal Gorge Bridge
Plan to spend a full day here—and bring your telephoto lens!
Arrive early to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park for unspoiled views from one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, then hike around to Point Sublime to get a few photos of the bridge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Another great perspective of the area can be seen from Eagles Nest Overlook: you’ll get those classic shots of the Gorge while also capturing your family’s rides across the zipline.
Families and photo enthusiasts alike will enjoy a ride in the gondolas for a bird’s eye view of the Gorge, while the adrenaline seekers need to try a ride on the highest zip line in the U.S.
Helen Hunt Falls
Helen Hunt Falls | source
For families and beginning hikers, Helen Hunt Falls is a great choice. The 0.1 loop trail makes access a breeze, so you’ll spend more time setting up that perfect photo and less time hiking in and out than at other area waterfalls.
There’s a beautiful bridge crossing the falls.
Have your photographer stay at the bottom while you pose at the top for majestic Colorado Springs vacation picture, prom photos, or engagement pictures!
It’s a very popular place especially in the warmer months, so aim to arrive right at sunrise or sunset for the best photos and the fewest crowds.
You’re probably wondering why Colorado Springs named a waterfall after an American actress.
However, the Falls are named after a local writer and poet who campaigned for the better treatment of Native Americans in the mid-1880s, and not the Academy Award winning actress.
While Helen Hunt Jackson wasn’t from Colorado Springs, she was buried here.
If you want to add more to your hike, a trail connects Helen Hunt Falls with Silver Cascade Falls less than a mile away.
Glen Eyrie Castle
It’s a little bit of Tudor England in Colorado Springs! If you’ve always dreamed of sampling scones at tea time and lounging by massive fires in a castle, this is your chance—and you don’t even need a passport.
Built in 1871 by the founder of Colorado Springs, Glen Eyrie Castle is now open for daily tours, overnight stays, and private functions.
Wear your best sundress or most dapper dress coat for your Instagram snaps at the Afternoon Tea, and bring a few accessories (a picnic basket, a purse, or a book) for an informal photo in the beautiful gardens.
Phone: (719) 265-7050
Address: 3820 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO
Hours: tours at 12 PM and 2 PM Monday-Saturday, 2 PM tour Sunday
Admission: $12/person
EXPLORE MORE OF COLORADO!
What would you add to the list of places to take pictures in Colorado Springs? What’s your favorite thing to do in this area?
