Family Adventure Location Guide
Arkansas River Valley Adventures
Habitat: River Valley
The beautiful Arkansas River Valley features large cottonwood trees, open fields, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills and mountains. There are multiple locations along the Arkansas River or its tributaries in Salida, Nathrop, and Buena Vista that could be perfect for your session. These locations are great for exploring next to the water, skipping rocks, and water play.
Session Type: Backyard or Big Adventure
The Arkansas River passes through both Salida and Buena Vista and there are many easily accessible spots perfect for the typical 45-90-minute Backyard Adventure. A Big Adventure could look like a late afternoon picnic along the river with time to capture hiking and exploring, water play, and everything in between. There so much potential to capture photos of your family doing what you love most!
Need Ideas? Check Out:
Buena Vista Whitewater Park & River Trail
Browns Canyon National Monument (Ruby Mountain or Hecla Junction)
Downtown Salida, Sands Lake State Wildlife Area, or the South Arkansas River
Foothills Adventures
Habitat: Foothills Shrubland
Looking for a more desert-like location? There are plenty of spots in nearby foothills that feature cacti, pinon pines, scrubby oaks, and mountain views. Some spots even include views of Buena Vista or Salida. There are areas that are easy to drive to and others that offer more of a hiking adventure, depending on your interest and abilities. There are typically no water features, so keep that in mind.
Session Type: Backyard or Big Adventure
Most of these locations are perfect for a 45-90-minute Backyard Adventure because you can access the locations by car or a short hike. Sometimes clients book a 2-4hr Big Adventure so they can include multiple locations because the region offers so many unique habitats and landscapes. With a Big Adventure, you could start in one location and end in the foothills to get a wide variety of images!
Need Ideas? Check out:
Fourmile or Midland Trails in Buena Vista
Arkansas Hills & Methodist Mountain Trails in Salida
Mountain Adventures
Habitat: Spruce-Fir & Aspen Forests, Alpine Lakes & Tundra
A little farther drive up into the mountains there are a number of locations where we can access beautiful aspen groves, tall pines, stunning alpine lakes, and epic views from mountain passes. Temperatures are cooler year-round and wildflowers abound in the summer. There’s potential for water access at certain locations as well.
Session Type: Big Adventure
Many of these locations are best suited for a 2-4 hr Big Adventure to accommodate extra time for hiking to scenic spots or to capture a stunning sunrise or sunset! For example, there’s an aspen grove in Salida that gets the best morning light, so a Big Adventure is needed for enough time to hike to the grove before sunrise, capture photos, and hike back. A few spots are possible to do in a 45-90 minute timeframe so just ask based on your preference.
Need Ideas? Check Out:
O’Haver Lake Campground and Day Use Area in Salida
Marshall Pass in Salida
Old Monarch Pass in Salida
Waterdog Lakes Trail in Salida
The Colorado Trail in Salida, Nathrop, or Buena Vista
Chalk Creek/Agnes Vaille Falls in Nathrop
Cottonwood Lake Campground and Day Use Area in Buena Vista
Lost Lake Trail in Buena Vista
Cottonwood Pass in Buena Vista
What about other locations?
This is only a list to get you started! I love photographing clients in places that are special to them, so please introduce me to your family property, favorite trails, or other natural areas that are meaningful to you. Photos can be so powerful when they are taken somewhere where you’ve already created memories in nature.
I also only included location ideas in Salida, Buena Vista, or Nathrop! All my sessions include 100 miles of roundtrip travel from Salida, Colorado and I am available for to travel further for an extra fee. I’m familiar with and love working in and around Twin Lakes. I also live just north of the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park. Don’t hesitate to reach out if your ideal location isn’t on this page!
What about permits or entrance fees?
Be prepared to cover any entrance, use, or activity fees associated with our visit to the session location, such as State Parks or other natural areas with fees. If we choose a location that requires a permit fee and I do not already have a permit, you may be responsible for the fee. If photo permits are required, I will obtain any necessary photo permits and will bill you separately for reimbursement.
What if I need more information to decide?
Once you book a session with me, I’ll work with you to determine your location preferences. If you don’t already have a spot in mind, I can give you up to 3 suggestions with more detailed descriptions about each location. You’ll get to see example photos and learn more specifics, such as hiking times, to help you make a decision.