Location Guide
Welcome to Summer in
Crested Butte
Where mountain views stretch for miles, wildflowers blanket the hillsides, and every trail seems to lead to another breathtaking backdrop. Whether you’re dreaming of colorful lupine fields, alpine lakes, towering aspens, or sweeping mountain vistas, this guide will help you choose the perfect location for your session. Summer is one of the most magical times of year in the valley, and I can’t wait to help you create beautiful memories surrounded by everything that makes Crested Butte so special.
Let's Find the Perfect Location
Crested Butte truly has no shortage of incredible scenery, and it’s hard to go wrong no matter where you choose. The locations below are some of my personal favorites because they each offer something unique—from vibrant wildflowers and alpine lakes to sweeping mountain views and peaceful trails.
If you already have a special spot in mind, I’d love to hear about it! I’m always happy to photograph sessions at custom locations within about 30 miles of Crested Butte. My goal is to help you find a place that feels like you while showcasing the beauty that makes this valley so special.
Ten Peaks
If you’re looking for jaw-dropping mountain views with easy access, Ten Peaks at the Umbrella Bar is one of my favorite locations in Crested Butte. This spot offers sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and wildflower-covered slopes. During peak summer bloom, vibrant lupine fields create a stunning foreground against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
One of the best things about this location is how accessible it is—you can drive right up to it, making it a great option for families with young children, grandparents, or anyone who wants incredible scenery without a hike. There are multiple areas to explore, giving us a variety of mountain views and backgrounds all within a short walking distance. Sunset sessions here are especially beautiful, with golden light spilling across the mountains and wildflowers.
Teddy's Trail
Teddy’s Trail is one of Crested Butte’s hidden gems for summer photos, offering a beautiful mix of mountain views, colorful wildflowers, and a peaceful alpine feel. The trail is relatively easy and family-friendly, with open meadows, winding paths, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks throughout the walk.
During wildflower season, the hillsides come alive with lupine, daisies, and other vibrant blooms, creating some of the most colorful backdrops in the valley. There are several spots along the trail that provide a variety of scenery, from flower-filled meadows to expansive mountain vistas. While a short walk is required, the trail is gentle and well worth it for the incredible views and quieter atmosphere. Teddy’s Trail is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking for a classic Crested Butte wildflower experience.
Woods Walk
Woods Walk is a classic Crested Butte location that combines easy access with some of the area’s most iconic scenery. This gentle trail winds through open meadows, wildflower-filled fields, and groves of aspens, all with stunning views of Mt. Crested Butte and the surrounding mountains.
During the summer months, colorful wildflowers line the trail, creating beautiful natural backdrops without requiring a long hike. The wide-open spaces offer plenty of room for kids to explore and play, making it an excellent choice for families. With a variety of scenery packed into a relatively short walk, Woods Walk provides the perfect mix of mountain views, lush greenery, and seasonal blooms. It’s an ideal location for anyone looking for a relaxed session that showcases the beauty and charm of Crested Butte.
Gothic
Gothic Road offers some of the most dramatic and iconic mountain scenery in the Crested Butte area. Just a short drive from town, this location is surrounded by towering peaks, lush meadows, and endless alpine views that make you feel completely immersed in Colorado’s high-country beauty.
Throughout the summer, wildflowers can often be found along the roadside and nearby meadows, while the rugged mountain backdrop creates a breathtaking setting for photos. One of the things I love most about Gothic Road is the variety—it offers everything from expansive mountain vistas to quiet forested areas, allowing for a diverse gallery without traveling between multiple locations.
Accessibility varies depending on the exact spot we choose, but many beautiful locations require only a short walk from the vehicle. Gothic Road is perfect for families, couples, seniors, and anyone wanting those quintessential Colorado mountain views with a little extra alpine magic.
Lake Irwin
Lake Irwin is one of Crested Butte’s most scenic locations, offering a beautiful combination of mountain views, peaceful shoreline, and towering evergreens. Just a short drive from town, it’s the perfect spot if you’re envisioning classic Colorado landscapes with an alpine lake as your backdrop.
Throughout the summer, you’ll often find patches of wildflowers around the lake, though they’re generally less abundant. The real highlight here is the combination of the lake, surrounding mountains, and open shoreline, creating a timeless setting that photographs beautifully. There are two nearby waterfalls that can easily be incorporated into your session, adding even more variety to your gallery.
Accessibility is easy, with most photo locations just a short walk from the parking area. Lake Irwin is a wonderful choice for families, couples, seniors, and maternity sessions who love the look of mountain lakes and expansive alpine scenery while keeping the walk to a minimum.
Mt. CB Campsite
The Mt. Crested Butte Campsite is one of my favorite locations for wide-open mountain views and beautiful evening light. Just minutes from downtown Crested Butte, this location offers expansive alpine meadows surrounded by towering peaks, creating a classic Colorado backdrop.
Throughout the summer, the meadows are often sprinkled with wildflowers, bringing soft pops of color while keeping the dramatic mountain scenery front and center. One of my favorite things about this location is the unobstructed views—you’ll have sweeping mountain landscapes in nearly every direction, making it easy to create a gallery with a variety of natural backdrops.
Accessibility is easy, with only a short walk from the parking area over relatively flat terrain. The Mt. Crested Butte Campsite is a wonderful option for those who love open alpine scenery, breathtaking mountain views, and beautiful golden-hour light.
which setting feels like you?
Summer in Crested Butte is filled with wildflowers, lush green meadows, alpine lakes, and stunning mountain views. While each location offers something unique, all provide plenty of space for kids to explore and play naturally. I'll help you choose the perfect spot based on your family's style, mobility needs, and the current conditions.
Best light: 1–2 hours before sunset
Most locations require a short walk
Wildflowers typically peak from mid-July through early August
Afternoon storms are common in summer
Layers are recommended, even on warm days
Wildflower coverage and bloom timing can vary, making each season a little unique.