Discover El Paso
40 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Pikes Peak Summit
Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, the summit of Pikes Peak is a must-visit for landscape and nature photography. The dramatic change in elevation creates diverse and unique photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
A scenic train ride that offers breathtaking views of Pikes Peak. It provides unique opportunities for landscape and travel photography.
Pikes Peak summit via Barr Trail
A challenging hike to the summit of Pikes Peak, offering breathtaking views from the top. It's ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Cadet Chapel
The Cadet Chapel is a stunning architectural landmark at the USAF Academy. Completed in 1962, it features 17 spires and serves as a popular photography spot, especially from the outside due to ongoing repairs. The chapel's unique design and mountain backdrop make it an excellent subject for architectural photography.
Pikes Peak Highway
A scenic drive leading to the summit of Pikes Peak, offering stunning views and opportunities for landscape photography.
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Located in Peyton, CO, this park features vibrant, colorful rock formations created by the erosion of limestone layers. It offers a unique terrain for nature and landscape photography.
Front Range Mountains
The Front Range offers panoramic views of the mountains surrounding the USAF Academy. It is ideal for landscape and nature photography.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
A scenic canyon with hiking trails, creeks, waterfalls, and stunning views of Pikes Peak. It's ideal for nature and landscape photography.
Thunderbird Overlook
Located near the USAF Academy, this overlook provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is ideal for capturing scenic vistas and watching aircraft flyovers.
Pikes Peak
A famous mountain with a summit accessible by car, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great spot for panoramic views and capturing unique perspectives.
Wild Horse Monument
A scenic location with a unique monument, offering stunning views and sunset photography opportunities.
Chapel Trail
This 1/3-mile paved trail offers scenic views of the mountains and access to the Cadet Chapel. It is ideal for capturing nature and landscape photography.
Noon Meal Formation
This event is a spectacle of military precision and discipline. It offers dynamic photography opportunities for capturing cadet formations and military life.
Cheyenne Canyon
Features stunning rock formations and waterfalls, making it a great spot for landscape and nature photography.
Blodgett Peak
A scenic location with fall foliage and mountain views. Ideal for landscape photography, especially during autumn.
Falcon Trail
This trail offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and is ideal for nature and landscape photography.
Helen Hunt Falls
A picturesque waterfall surrounded by natural beauty, ideal for capturing serene moments in nature.
Crystal Creek Reservoir
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Crystal Creek Reservoir offers scenic views year-round. It's a serene spot for capturing the tranquility of nature, with opportunities to photograph fishermen or families during summer.
North Cheyenne Canyon
A scenic canyon with waterfalls and hiking trails, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
North Cheyenne Cañon
Features beautiful landscapes and hiking trails, offering opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
Falcon Stadium
Falcon Stadium is a significant landmark and venue for sports and events at the USAF Academy. It offers a blend of sports photography and architectural shots, especially during events.
B-52 Display
Located on the USAF Academy campus, the B-52 display offers an opportunity to photograph a historic aircraft up close.
Colorado Hoodoos Paint Mines
Unique, colorful rock formations that offer a striking landscape. The Paint Mines provide an otherworldly backdrop for photography, with vibrant hues and sculpted rock formations.
Fountain Creek Regional Park
Fountain Creek Regional Park is a serene location perfect for capturing romantic couple portraits or peaceful landscapes. The park features a gentle creek with mountain views, including Pikes Peak, surrounded by cottonwood-lined trails and a scenic boardwalk.
Air Force Academy Parade Grounds
The parade grounds are a hub for military ceremonies and formations. They offer opportunities for capturing military life and architecture.
Honor Court
Honor Court is a significant spot for cadet formations and ceremonies. It offers opportunities for capturing military life and architecture.
Rampart Range Road
A scenic mountain road offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for capturing panoramic shots and the rugged beauty of the mountains. The road is well-graded and suitable for passenger cars.
Calhan Highway Scenic View
Along the Calhan Highway, there are several scenic viewpoints offering broad vistas of the eastern Colorado plains. These spots are ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and sunsets.
Fox Run Regional Park
Located nearby, Fox Run Regional Park offers trails and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. It's suitable for nature and wildlife photography, especially for capturing birds and small animals.
Arnold Hall
Arnold Hall is a museum honoring Air Force personnel. It offers opportunities for photography related to military history and architecture.
USAFA Planetarium
Located within the USAF Academy, the planetarium offers educational shows and is a unique spot for interior photography related to astronomy.
Squirrel Creek Bridge
A quaint bridge in a scenic rural setting, offering opportunities for capturing rustic architecture and possibly wildlife around the creek.
Ellicott Wildlife Management Area
Located near Peyton, this area provides opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly birds and local wildlife, amidst a natural setting.
Peyton, Colorado Countryside
The rolling hills and open fields of Peyton, Colorado, provide a serene backdrop for rural landscape photography. This area is perfect for capturing idyllic scenes of nature and vast skies.
Barry Goldwater Visitor Center
The Visitor Center offers a glimpse into the history and daily life of cadets. It includes exhibits, a snack bar, and a gift shop. The building itself is not as photogenic as other spots but offers interesting interior shots and a starting point for exploring the USAF Academy.
Security-Widefield Lake
A peaceful lake area suitable for nature and wildlife photography, especially during dawn or dusk when wildlife is active.
Catamount Reservoir South Shore
A tranquil spot near Divide, offering scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. It's perfect for capturing serene landscapes and reflections.
El Paso County Line
A scenic border area between El Paso and Elbert counties, offering rural landscapes and possibly interesting wildlife.
Doolittle Outfitters Retail Store
This retail store offers a glimpse into Air Force merchandise and culture. It is more suited for candid street photography or capturing unique souvenirs.
Security-Widefield Neighborhood Scenic Streets
This area offers a mix of suburban and natural landscapes, providing interesting street photography opportunities. The variety of residential architecture and the surrounding natural elements make it a good spot for capturing images of everyday life.