p.1 #1 · Steamboat Colorado in Winter. Where to go?
Hi,
I’m planning a trip to Steamboat, Colorado, and I’m hoping to get some recommendations. My family enjoys skiing, but I prefer to use these trips for landscape photography instead.
Can anyone suggest great spots near Steamboat to capture scenic landscapes? I’d love to explore areas with vistas, interesting geological features, or unique natural beauty.
p.1 #2 · Steamboat Colorado in Winter. Where to go?
You'll be struggling with a lot of snow right now so you may not get off the road easily. Steamboat Springs has changed quite a bit in the last 30 years. When I knew it it was a cow town but that is long ago and in a different time. Still, here are somethings you might want to check out:
Downtown stores:
F.M. Light....use a WA lens to capture the lines of cowboy boots on their shelve. A lot of varied colors makes a great subject.
Steamboat Hatter...a nice assortment of western hats and people shaping them. Ask first but if they let you I'd shoot away!
p.1 #3 · Steamboat Colorado in Winter. Where to go?
As Al mentioned, winter is very limiting (anywhere in the mountainous part of state), as only main roads stay open, so suggestions and options are very limited. The only spots I can add are as follows:
The biggest views would actually be from atop one of the ski lifts there, though I've never been.
You could try taking the short hike up to Fish Creek Falls, but it doesn't seem like it's all that photogenic this time of year since it would be mostly snowed and iced over. You'd be walking in snow, but if you have time to kill . . .
There are a couple pullouts along the highway leading up to Rabbit Ears pass with big views looking out to the Flat Tops and overlooking Lake Catamount, but not really picture worthy other than snapshots given the vastness. Unless you're flying directly into Steamboat, you'll be driving through here on your way into town. Map link
I would definitely drive up to Steamboat Lake. It's a great drive, and though the lake is a state park, you can shoot Hahns Peak roadside across from the park visitor center (or anywhere in the area), or across to Sand Mountain on the SW side of the lake. Hahns Peak has been one of my favorites since childhood since my family took many camping trips there. For a closer view of Sand Mountain, you should be able to drive a short ways up FR 42 on the SW side of the lake, like 6/10 of a mile where you'd have some aspens in the foreground. There are a couple houses along there, so I would have to think that portion of the road stays plowed.
p.1 #4 · Steamboat Colorado in Winter. Where to go?
Steamboat is / was one of my favorite places. I miss skiing there. To that point, any chance you'd considering skiing with a smaller kit and shooting from the mountain?
I've got some great pictures of my family skiing and was able to capture some vistas / landscapes.
I also seem to remember they do snow shoe tours on the mountain where you wouldn't have to ski if that's not your thing.
Bob
ibarrabenjamin wrote:
Hi,
I’m planning a trip to Steamboat, Colorado, and I’m hoping to get some recommendations. My family enjoys skiing, but I prefer to use these trips for landscape photography instead.
Can anyone suggest great spots near Steamboat to capture scenic landscapes? I’d love to explore areas with vistas, interesting geological features, or unique natural beauty.
p.1 #7 · Steamboat Colorado in Winter. Where to go?
Thanks. I will be in the ski area one day. I am not a skier, but riding the gondola is a good deal for me. I'll look for the snowshoe tours; those sound appealing.
