Whether you’re looking to take a family snapshot for the Christmas card or you want to get into nature photography this winter, Steamboat Springs is brimming with possibilities when it comes to beautiful landscapes. In fact, Steamboat Springs is arguably one of the most photogenic towns year-round! Check out these wintertime destinations and have your camera ready to capture freshly snow dusted trees or beautiful snow capped mountain views at golden hour.
Fish Creek Falls
Where? 34165 Fish Creek Falls Road
Fish Creek Falls is a photography destination year-round, though it’s especially magical during the winter months! From snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls, you’ll have an abundance of opportunities to capture the natural beauty of ice formations that contrast beautifully against the white snow and dark rocks. Try to arrive in the early morning hours or the late afternoon for that golden hour glow, which provides a soft, diffused light that creates spectacular photographs and enhances the vibrance of the cold atmosphere. Photographers can experiment with long exposures to capture the trickle of the water, resulting in a smooth and ethereal effect. Watch your step on the snow-covered paths that lead to the falls and the surrounding natural area, all of which can be used to craft a compelling composition from behind the lens. The transformative wintertime beauty at Fish Creek Falls is one you won’t want to miss!
Steamboat Lake State Park
Where? 61105 Rcr 129
Situated in nearby Clark, Steamboat Lake State Park is a year-round destination for both locals and tourists alike. This Colorado park features an expansive 1,101-acre reservoir that was first opened to the public in 1972. During the winter, the frozen lake is ideal for a snowmobile ride or a cross-country skiing adventure out to a fishing hole. The well-stocked lake offers up beautiful trout — so snap some photos and then cast a line! During the winter months, the Visitor Center hours are set from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily and there is a daily vehicle pass of $9. If you want to prolong your photography adventures, consider booking a campsite for the weekend. Camper cabins are available for $109 and are owned and managed by the marina. Wake up with the sun and grab your camera while breakfast is warming up so you can take advantage of the golden light that enhances the cool winter tones of the snow-covered landscape. You’re likely to see wildlife in the area, which can seamlessly blend together dual passions for wildlife photography and landscape photography.
Howelsen Hill Ski Area
Where? Howelsen Parkway
Want to practice your action or sports photography this winter? Head over to the Howelsen Hill Ski Area for incredible opportunities to capture the energy of the slopes and the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Freeze the frame as skiers and snowboarders alike come carving through the powder or catch some impressive air. The dynamic subject matter makes for compelling photographs, especially in the late afternoon light when the shadows begin to lengthen and the landscape becomes bathed in the warm glow of golden hour. The ski resort’s charming mountain village is also a go-to spot for photographers during the winter months, as it offers welcoming shots of snow-covered buildings and festive lights. From the top of the hill, you can snap panoramic shots of the Yampa Valley, which is a great way to capture the vastness of the winter landscape.
Stehley Park
Where? 580 North Park Road
Photographers seeking out a peaceful, serene experience during the winter months can find just that at Steamboat’s Stehley Park. This local spot is open from dawn to dusk and is free and open to the public. There is a play area for the children, as well as picnic tables and nature and hiking trails that can be explored year-round. Take a snapshot of the park’s open meadows and surrounding forested areas, which become especially magical after there’s been a fresh layer of snow overnight. During the early morning hours, the soft warm light casts a beautiful glow over the white snow — highlighting textures that you can detail with your macro lens. Seek out unique ice patterns and reflections as you explore the park or take a few wide-angle shots to showcase the expansive beauty of the scene to viewers. The park is less crowded during the winter months, making it a hidden gem in Steamboat for area photographers to hone their craft.
Buffalo Pass
Where? 32586 Forest Road 60
Just a hop and a skip from Steamboat, Buffalo Pass is an iconic summer destination for mountain biking, hiking, camping, and more outdoor recreation activities! The pass is popular during the winter months for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Even if you’re not a skier yourself, you can still enjoy the area and express your creativity through photography. Photographers will enjoy sweeping views of snow-covered landscapes and the striking rugged mountain terrain that provides endless opportunities for one-of-a-kind compositions. During golden hour, you can take advantage of the long shadows that are cast over the snow and the contrast between the snow-laden trees and the vast open terrain while pulling focus towards the dramatic peaks in the distance. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including elk, which can add a compelling subject to any photograph.
Rabbit Ears Pass
Rabbit Ears Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rockies, making it a winter recreation destination. There are no fees and there is parking across two areas, each serving different recreation users. The East Summit is open to motorized recreation and the West Summit is open to non-motorized users. The pass is popular with snowmobilers, fat bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers. There is no overnight parking, so snap your final shots at sunset and hit the road back to town! Before you set out, remember that cell service is limited in the area so let your friends and family know where you’re going to be taking photos and when you expect to return. Photographing the pass during the winter can feel exhilarating, with dramatic mountain views everywhere you turn. The pass is named for the two peaks that resemble rabbit ears, so naturally you’ll want to snap a photo of this one-of-a-kind view. From winding roads, snow-covered trees, and frozen streams — this is a nature photographer’s dream destination. You can skillfully use the contrast of the dark evergreen trees against the white snow to create visual appeal and capture the true essence of the raw beauty of Colorado’s mountains.
Emerald Mountain
Whether you’re an amateur behind the viewfinder or you’ve been snapping nature shots for decades now, shooting Emerald Mountain in the winter months is a true joy for photographers of all skill levels. The combination of the rugged mountainous terrain and the snow-covered landscapes creates dramatic and enthralling photographs. Create a composition all of your own from the frosted trails and arrive early in the morning or just before sunset for the softest, warmest light. The mountain is popular for outdoor recreation enthusiasts year-round, so you’re likely to run into cross-country skiers or snowshoers while you’re snapping your photos. If you’re lucky, you may even spot wildlife such as elk and deer, which can add a bit of life into your photos and make for a compelling subject in the center of all of the white snow.
Downtown Steamboat Springs
It’s always fun to take photos around town in Steamboat, though the scenes are especially inviting during the winter! Head downtown after the snow has just fallen for a truly magical experience. Snap photos of snow-covered buildings, with a focus on architecture, or widen your horizons and take long-exposure snapshots of the streets to catch light trails off of vehicle tail lights as they drive by. The contrast between the colorful storefronts and the white snow creates a uniquely dynamic vision for street photography, all while the mountain views in the distance add depth to your photographs. As dusk begins to fall, the downtown lights keep the area aglow. Hone your street photography skills or delve into creating a snapshot into the western vibe of this infamous mountain town. Photographers will be able to work on their architectural photography style with the various historic buildings in town or focus on snapping the local art — such as murals and sculptures that can add color to your Instagram feed. During the winter holidays, the area is especially captivating under the illumination of the festive lights that create a beautiful bokeh effect for portrait photography.
Explore Steamboat by Camera This Winter!
While you may be tempted to stay indoors where it’s warm, cozy and inviting this winter – grab your camera and your warmest coat and brave the outdoors! Explore the mountain town and its rugged charm and natural beauty this winter and snap a few photos while you’re at it. Practice your macro photography skills with close-up shots of snow-covered branches or ice-laden leaves or take a wide angle composition of the stunning sunset over the snowy meadows at the local park.