Beaver Creek and the surrounding Vail Valley give photographers plenty of ways to capture Colorado’s mountain scenery. Alpine lakes, distinctive architecture, changing aspens, and wide mountain views are all within reach of the village.
Some of the best photography spots near Beaver Creek include Beaver Lake, the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Nottingham Lake, and Vail Pass. Add these locations to your list of things to do in Beaver Creek if you want to bring home photos that show more than the ski slopes.
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is a rewarding photography destination for travelers willing to hike. The Beaver Lake Trail climbs from Beaver Creek through forests and aspen groves before reaching the alpine lake.
Beaver Creek Resort highlights the trail during fall, when changing aspens add shades of gold to the landscape. The route also provides opportunities to photograph forest scenery before you reach the lake.
Reflections of the Rocky Mountains
At Beaver Lake, the water and surrounding mountains create opportunities for reflection photography. Calm conditions can produce clear reflections, especially when wind across the lake is limited.
Try visiting earlier in the day when the light is softer. A wide-angle lens can help capture the lake and mountains together, while a telephoto lens is useful for picking out distant details. Staying in Beaver Creek condo rentals makes it easier to plan an early start and spend plenty of time exploring the trail at your own pace.
Chapel at Beaver Creek
The Chapel at Beaver Creek gives photographers a completely different subject. Located at 33 Elk Track Road, the mountain chapel serves multiple faith communities and is within easy reach of Beaver Creek Village.
Its architecture and mountain setting make it a strong subject throughout the year. Snow creates a classic winter scene, while summer greenery and fall colors can give the building a warmer backdrop.
One of the Village’s Most Photographed Landmarks
The chapel is a natural stop for visitors walking around Beaver Creek with a camera. Look for compositions that combine the building with the surrounding landscape rather than focusing only on architectural details.
Remember that the chapel is an active place of worship and a wedding venue. Be respectful of services, ceremonies, and other visitors while taking photographs.
Nottingham Lake
Head down to nearby Avon for another easy-to-reach photography location. Nottingham Lake is part of Harry A. Nottingham Park, a 48-acre public park that offers views toward Beaver Creek.
The lake is especially useful for photographers who want mountain scenery without a long hike. Walking paths around the park make it easy to experiment with several angles during the same visit.
Mountain Views in Nearby Avon
The Town of Avon describes Nottingham Lake as a central gathering place with year-round views. During summer, paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats can add people and movement to your images.
Sunset is another good time to bring your camera. The lake, park, and surrounding mountains can all catch the changing evening light. It is an easy addition to a day spent exploring vacation rentals in Beaver Creek and the surrounding Vail Valley.
Vail Pass
For large-scale mountain scenery, drive east from Vail to Vail Pass. The pass reaches more than 10,000 feet in elevation and provides access to high-country terrain between Vail and Copper Mountain.
The Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area is also used for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling. In winter, photographers can capture snow-covered landscapes, while warmer months offer a different view of the surrounding mountains.
Weather can change quickly at this elevation. Check conditions before leaving and never stop along I-70 solely to take a photograph. Use designated parking and recreation areas.
Plan Your Visit
Discover the best spots to photograph in Beaver Creek by booking directly today!
Final Thoughts
Beaver Lake, the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Nottingham Lake, and Vail Pass are four of the best places to photograph the area. Together, they offer alpine water, architecture, mountain views, forests, and seasonal scenery.
Give yourself time to visit more than one location. Booking a Beaver Creek vacation rental for several nights allows you to photograph different areas and adjust your plans based on weather and light.
Book Your Beaver Creek Vacation Rental with Beaver Creek West Condominiums
Make Beaver Creek West Condominiums your home base for a photography-focused Colorado getaway. Our condos provide space to relax, organize your camera gear, and recharge between days exploring Beaver Creek, Avon, Vail, and the surrounding mountains.
Browse our Beaver Creek vacation rentals and plan a stay with personalized service, comfortable condo accommodations, and easy access to some of the Vail Valley’s most memorable views.
