Wanna do your Colorado senior portraits
at the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park?

I think that’s an amazing idea!

Let’s be real—your senior portrait session is about so much more than scoring that perfect shot for your graduation announcements! It’s about crafting an authentic experience and collecting memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.  With dramatic mountain backdrops, verdant forests, rushing rivers, and towering gorges, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place to do exactly that. 

Located within the Front Range between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, the park is an especially convenient portrait spot for graduating seniors in the Boulder and Denver areas.

If you’re planning to have your senior portraits taken in Rocky Mountain National Park, here’s the lowdown on everything you’ll want to know beforehand.

Reducing Impact

First things first: if you’ve chosen Rocky Mountain National Park for your senior portraits, it’s probably because you’re as in love with nature as I am.  Nothing beats the pristine peacefulness of a misty morning hike or the majestic beauty of a mountaintop view. 

We want to keep enjoying these natural treasures for generations to come—that’s why stewardship and impact reduction are so essential.  Before you head out for your Rocky Mountain National Park senior portrait session, consider reviewing the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.

Some important information to mention: Inside Rocky Mountain National Park, there is no throwing of confetti, no releasing of balloons (or anything for that matter), no planting, and no setting up chairs at any of the sites.  If you go up on tundra, you cannot go where there is not a designated trail or overlook.

Familiarize yourself with their guidelines, but don’t sweat the details.  As a lifetime nature enthusiast and experienced guide, you can rely on me to make sure our session has zero impact on the surrounding environment. 

What to Expect

Rocky Mountain National Park’s natural beauty draws a whopping 4.5 million visitors every year. Its peak season runs between the 1st of June and the 1st of October, but you’ll want to expect high traffic even during the winter months.  Regardless of when your portrait session is scheduled, stay mindful that we’ll be sharing the trails and nature areas with other visitors. 

If you’re thinking about bringing along your dog or other pet, know in advance that they’re only allowed on paved roads and in picnic areas.  If you’re wanting to venture out onto a hiking trail at any point during the session, it’s best to leave your animal at home.  

During the cooler months, Rocky Mountain National Park’s roads sometimes become icy and slick.  Though not officially required, park authorities do recommend 4WD vehicles for visits during the winter.  In some cases, heavy snowfall may cut off certain trails, but even in the winter months there’s plenty to choose from.  More information on regulations and seasonal road conditions can be found on the park’s official Rules & Regulations page. 

What to Wear

After booking, I’ll send you a detailed guide describing what to wear and bring.  In general, remember that comfort and preparation are key. Many of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most beautiful spots are at high elevations; temperatures and weather shift in an instant, so bring layers and dress for colder conditions even in the summer. 

Although most Rocky Mountain National Park senior portrait sessions won’t require any long or strenuous hikes, it’s essential to outfit your feet.  At the very least you’ll need to wear a pair of durable, comfortable sneakers that you won’t mind getting a little dirty.

When it comes to picking an outfit for your Rocky Mountain National Park senior portraits, don’t be afraid to add your own distinct flair. After all, you want these photos to authentically and unapologetically capture who you are in the moment.  To get the most out of your session, I always recommend bringing along several options.

Choosing a Location

Are you imagining lush forest landscapes and tranquil lakes? Or a backdrop of jagged mountains? When it comes to your senior portraits, location is everything.  Thankfully, Rocky Mountain National Park has it all!

After booking, let me know what your vision is for the session.  Using my expertise and familiarity with the park, I’ll craft an individualized list of locations for you to choose from.  I probably even know a few hidden gems you otherwise wouldn’t have found.

Planning the Details

Adventure sessions are all about crafting an authentic, unforgettable experience. During your Rocky Mountain National Park senior portrait session, your only responsibility should be having fun—so leave the details up to me! 

With 7 years under my belt, I’m an experienced and passionate portrait photographer—but I’m also so much more! Let me take care of the planning, research and execution.  You only need to focus on living the moment. 

Joy can’t be faked! So let loose with the session—you’re going to love how it shines through in the photos.

Colorado Senior Photo Location // Rocky Mountain National Park