Choosing the perfect location is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your family photos. The backdrop sets the tone for your entire gallery, whether you’re looking for mountain views, open fields, colorful fall foliage, or a more classic Colorado landscape.

One thing many people don’t realize is just how much time photographers spend searching for locations.

Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours driving back roads, hiking trails, checking light at different times of day, and exploring new areas throughout the Denver area. Some of my favorite spots are places I’ve discovered through years of location scouting, and I intentionally keep many of those tucked away specifically for my clients. Keeping a few hidden gems exclusive helps ensure they stay quiet, beautiful, and uncrowded.

That said, some locations are popular for a reason. They consistently offer incredible scenery, beautiful light, and a wonderful experience for families year after year. These are the places I return to often, and ones I recommend frequently to my clients.

If you’re trying to decide where to take your family photos this fall, here are some of my favorite locations around Denver.

1. Mount Falcon Park West

Best for: Mountain views, evergreen trees, golden grass, and a classic Colorado feel.

If someone tells me they’re hoping for photos that feel unmistakably Colorado, Mount Falcon West is one of the first places that comes to mind. The combination of mountain views, pine trees, and beautiful golden light makes it one of the most versatile locations in the Denver area.

One of my favorite things about this location is how many different looks we can create without hiking long distances. In a single session, we can photograph open meadows, dramatic mountain backdrops, and tree-lined paths, giving your gallery plenty of variety. This is always one of the most popular spots for my fall mini sessions.

What to Know:

• The light here is especially beautiful during the hour before sunset, especially if you want those epic mountain views.
• This spot is VERY popular, especially on weekends, so keep that in mind and plan plenty of time for parking. If you want to avoid the crowds, weekdays are a great option.
• Jefferson County Park Permit required. I already have a yearly permit, so this is no extra cost to my clients.
• Best Season: All year round
• Walking required: Moderate – There are lots of spots right next to the parking lot, but also lots of options if you’re willing to hike 5-10 extra minutes.
• Peak fall color: Doesn’t get a ton of traditional fall color and is pretty all year round.
• Best for toddlers: ★★★★ Lots of fun things for them to see and explore, but also some big rocks and a few steep cliffs to be aware of.

2. Mount Falcon Park East

Best for: Families looking for a little more open space, views of the foothills and Red Rocks Amphitheater.

While the west side is known for expansive mountain views, the east side offers a completely different feel. Beautiful open space with golden grass in the fall, and pockets of colorful foliage make this one of my favorite locations.

It’s especially beautiful in early fall when the colors begin changing, creating a softer, more golden backdrop than the mountains on the west side.

What to Know

• Because this is a west-facing location, evening shoots are preferred for the best lighting.
• You can get great views of Red Rocks Amphitheater in the background, but this can also make traffic a bit congested on event nights while you’re trying to get there.
• Jefferson County Park Permit required. I already have a yearly permit, so this is no extra cost to my clients.
• Best Season: All year round
• Walking required: Minimal/Moderate – Everything is fairly flat and only a minute or two from the parking lot.
• Peak fall color: Doesn’t get a ton of traditional fall color and is pretty all year round. The yellow rabbitbrush blooms from late summer-early fall.
• Best for toddlers: ★★★★ – Very accessible, but can get hot in the summer and fall with little to no shade.

3. South Valley Park

Best for: Dramatic red rock formations, open fields, and stunning sunsets.

South Valley Park has become one of my most requested location, and for good reason. The combination of red rock formations, wide-open meadows, and mountain views creates one of the most iconic Colorado backdrops without requiring a long hike. There’s also a small lake and trees that are green in the summer and yellow in the fall.

What to Know:

• This is one of my favorite locations for families with younger children because the walking is minimal and there are plenty of open spaces for little ones to move around comfortably.
• This location is always incredible in the evening, but I think I prefer morning even more when the sun rises over the red rocks.
• Jefferson County Park Permit required. I already have a yearly permit, so this is no extra cost to my clients.
• Best Season: All year round
• Walking required: Minimal/Moderate – There are lots of spots right next to the parking lot, but also lots of options if you’re willing to hike 5-10 extra minutes.
• Peak fall color: September/October. There aren’t a ton of trees that change color, but a beautiful spot with a few on the west side of the park you can take advantage of.
• Best for toddlers: ★★★★★ – Lot of space to run and explore

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4. 17 Mile Farm House Park

Best for: Pretty open fields, big trees and golden light

17 Mile is known for the pretty rustic barn and fences and those are definitely available for the clients that love them. I usually like to walk past the main barn and take advantage of the open fields, huge trees and gorgeous light.

What to Know:

• This spot is always packed on fall weekends with lots of photographers, but its a big enough location that groups are rarely on top of each other. Keep this in mind though for parking.
• If you’re willing to walk a little farther than the trailhead and barn (5-10 minutes), there’s access to the Cherry Creek Trail and river for a lot more color and variety.
• No permit required.
• Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall. The trees lose their leaves in the winter leaving it a little baron.
• Walking required: Minimal/Moderate – There are lots of spots right next to the parking lot, but also lots of options if you’re willing to walk 5-10 extra minutes. Very flat though.
• Peak fall color: September/October/November there’s tons of yellow and orange color.
• Best for toddlers: ★★★★★ – Wide open space to run plus the fun barn and historical farm house to explore.

5. McCabe Meadows

Best for: Open fields, soft evening light, and a quieter setting.

McCabe Meadows is one of those locations that feels peaceful the moment you arrive. The big trees allow beautiful sunset light to filter through, creating soft, warm images that feel simple and timeless. There’s a big bridge over the river for lots of variety, in addition to the massive trees and open fields.

It’s a wonderful choice for families with plenty of room for kids to run and play.

What to Know:

• Check the calendar for any school dances happening in the area. I’ve learned from experience this locations gets VERY busy with prom/homecoming kids taking photos. Other than that, it’s a generally quiet location.
• No permit required.
• Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall – it can look a little dead when the trees lose their leaves in the winter.
• Walking required: Minimal – Everything is within a 5 minute walk from the parking lot plus very flat and mostly paved.
• Peak fall color: September/October/November
• Best for toddlers: ★★★★★- Fun bridge and the river, plus the Story Walk path for kids.

6. Highlands Ranch Mansion

Best for: Elegant architecture and a refined, classic look.

If you’re looking for something a little more polished than a mountain backdrop, Highlands Ranch Mansion offers beautiful stone architecture, manicured grounds, mature trees, and timeless landscaping.

It’s especially lovely in early fall when the changing leaves begin framing the historic property.

What to Know:

• There’s no permit fee required, but they are closed when they are hosting events, so check the calendar for availability and hours.
• Best Season: All year round
• Walking required: Minimal – Everything is paved or traditional grass.
• Peak fall color: September/October
• Best for toddlers: ★★★★ – Space of space to play and explore whole being mindful of the historical mansion

7. Hildebrand Ranch

Best for: Foothill views, trails, and fall color.

Hildebrand Ranch is one of the most versatile family photo locations in the Denver area. You’ll find views of the foothills, open fields, rustic fences, and beautiful tree-lined trails, giving us plenty of variety throughout your session.

It’s a favorite for families who want a true Colorado feel without venturing too far into the mountains.

What to Know:

• No permit required
• Best Season: Summer, Fall
• Walking required: Minimal – Mostly flat and accessible, lots of spots within a couple of minutes from the parking lot.
• Peak fall color: September/October/November
• Best for toddlers: ★★★★★ – Very accessible, stroller friendly

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How Do You Choose the Right Location?

The “best” location isn’t necessarily the most popular, it’s the one that fits your family’s style.

If you love dramatic mountain views, Mount Falcon may be the perfect fit.

If you picture your kids running through open fields at sunset, McCabe Meadows or South Valley Park might be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you prefer a more elegant, refined backdrop, Highlands Ranch Mansion offers something completely different.

One of my favorite parts of the planning process is helping families choose a location that feels like them. I’ll always recommend the spot that I think best fits your vision, your family, and the overall look you’re hoping to achieve.

Continue Planning Your Family Session

If you’re still planning your family’s fall photos, these guides may help:

• Mini Session vs. Full Family Session
• What to Wear for Fall Family Photos
• What to Expect During a Mini Session
• Denver Fall Mini Sessions
• Family Photography Experience