Photo Opportunities near Breckenridge Colorado: This year if all goes well our family is doing a gathering in mid-September in the Breckenridge, CO area. Of the approximately 20 family...

Nddave01 Loc: Bismarck, ND

This year if all goes well our family is doing a gathering in mid-September in the Breckenridge, CO area. Of the approximately 20 family members at least 4 are serious photographers. We will be in the area for 5 days and I would like to be able to suggest some not-to-be-missed locations. I am assuming fall colors will be near their peak at the time. Thanks in advance for sharing your local knowledge.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

I would suggest a trip to nearby Leadville. It has the remains of the Climax mine, the highest situated town in the U.S. and a nice train ride.

Dave327 Loc: Duluth, GA. USA

Route 6 (Loveland Pass Road) is a great scenic drive up and over the top of the Continental Divide. Photo opps to east and west. The historic mining towns of George Town, Silver Plume and Idaho Springs all have museums of the town history. In Idaho Springs is the Argo Mine and historic Gold Mill that has guided tours including the mine. George Town has become a pretty trendy town with good restaurants and is now a four seasons area. George Town has the historic Loop Rail Road which has about 1 hr ride with narrators explaining the history in the mining industry.
As you approach George Town on I70 there is a pull out that offers photo opps of the town. But, turn around because the rocky slope usually has mountain goats running around. I’m amazed how sure footed they are on the steep slope.

Nddave01 Loc: Bismarck, ND

Thanks for the responses. I will share these with the entire group. For many this will be their first trip to the Rockies. Other thing in the "not-to-be-missed" category that aren't necessarily photo ops will be appreciated. I think we will take a least 1 daytrip to Denver.

Bugs

Boras Pass, an old railroad bed, accessible on south end of Breck to the east, is not to be missed in fall season. Dirt, well maintained, but fantastic Aspen groves and colors and huge mountain views. Worth a day.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Go south on Hiway 9 about 20 miles or so and you will come to the little town of Fairplay. On the northwest edge of town is the little historic area called South Park. It's the area that the comic tv series South Park is based on. And, the drive itself is beautiful, you can see the tops of many 14,000 footers.

ColoPete

As a part-time resident of Breckenridge, I heartily second the suggestion of Boreas Pass, especially for fall colors. Another drive that makes for a nice day trip is the “Copper triangle” of Vail Pass, Tennessee Pass and Fremont Pass (where the Climax Mine is located). Independence Pass from Twin Lakes to Aspen is spectacular and a stop at the ghost town of Independence is a bonus, but can be crowded and is very narrow in spots. Closer to Breck, there are innumerable hiking trails and dirt roads that can take you to lakes and other sights. To the east, there are other passes such as Guanella and if you want to climb a “14’er” in your car, Mt Evans is a popular choice with wonderful views and wildlife, including Mountain Goats. Lots to see; enjoy!

photoman43

Nddave01 wrote:

Thanks for the responses. I will share these with the entire group. For many this will be their first trip to the Rockies. Other thing in the "not-to-be-missed" category that aren't necessarily photo ops will be appreciated. I think we will take a least 1 daytrip to Denver.

If your group is into hiking, one of my favorite photo hikes is Mccullough Gulch Trail near Breckenridge.

https://www.alltrails.com/us/colorado/breckenridge

sam3 Loc: Mitchell, indiana

If fall colors are peaking take I-70 over Vail pass into the Vail area. Colors are outstanding on the south side of I-70 in Vail. Take a ride up the north side into the subdivisions, find a spot to view across the valley and stand in awe of the colors.
In Breckinridge head up Ski Hill Road to the viewing area, a wide spot at a horseshoe curve, and get a Birdseye view of the city. Plenty of in town photo ops of the buildings and people. A fun place with a camera.
All the other suggestions are spot on. Have a great time looking and photographing,

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

ColoPete wrote:

As a part-time resident of Breckenridge, I heartil... (show quote)

I too have a home nearby, and the above is excellent advice.
However, just wandering around in the mountainous areas will lead to no end of great and small opportunities. Be aware of the light angles - many sites change hugely at different times of day.

Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

ColoPete wrote:

As a part-time resident of Breckenridge, I heartil... (show quote)

Independence pass is fabulous, but if you are a wimp like me it is better traveled east to west (the mountain side of the highway) instead of west to east (the drop-off side). I would go east to west through the pass and then get back to Breckenridge on I-70.

Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

UTMike wrote:

I would suggest a trip to nearby Leadville. It has the remains of the Climax mine, the highest situated town in the U.S. and a nice train ride.

Although it is not a great photo opportunity, the mining museum in Leadville is well with seeing. You can learn a lot about mining, especially as it was done in the 19th century.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Nddave01 wrote:

This year if all goes well our family is doing a gathering in mid-September in the Breckenridge, CO area. Of the approximately 20 family members at least 4 are serious photographers. We will be in the area for 5 days and I would like to be able to suggest some not-to-be-missed locations. I am assuming fall colors will be near their peak at the time. Thanks in advance for sharing your local knowledge.

Breckenridge is the place my wife and I like to go to all the time. Although it is a lot bigger than back in the 70's, and quite a bit more touristy, it is still a fun place to go. During the fall there are shots to be had without even leaving town. But do go to some of the places, passes, and surrounding areas. Once you get to Breckenridge, contact some of us or keep your eyes on the TV at night for local reports of where to go for the best color in the area. Last year the color traveled south through the state a little earlier than normal so the use of a car to get where you need to is a relative must. Also, there are apps for the best color locations for the state.