Northern Colorado & Beyond
Location Guide
Northern Colorado Locations
-
​Poudre Canyon
-
Horsetooth Reservoir
-
Local Poudre River Trail
-
Lory State Park
-
Pinewood Reservoir
-
CSU Gardens
-
​Home Sessions
Poudre Canyon
Nestled along the scenic Poudre Canyon, Gateway Natural Area offers breathtaking views year-round—especially in the fall. With mountains, pine trees, and the iconic Poudre River as your backdrop, it’s a peaceful and picturesque setting for pet sessions.
​
Best Times to Visit are Weekdays
-
Sunrise: Quiet and calm, ideal for more reactive pets.
-
Sunset: Beautiful golden light with mild activity, great for low-reactivity pets.
Location:
Address: 5216 Poudre Canyon Rd, Bellvue, CO 80512
Parking & Amenities
-
Parking: Arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure a spot.
-
Permits: $8 day pass available at parking lot machines.
-
Facilities: Bathrooms onsite (closed in winter).
-
Mobility: Light uphill and downhill walking required.
-
Cell Service: Limited in the canyon; reconnect near the gas station at the base.
-
Bonus Reservoir: A 1.8-mile walk from the parking area leads to a secluded reservoir with a beautiful swimming area—perfect for pets who love the water.
Why I Love It
Rugged look with easy access. Gateway Natural Area is peaceful, full of variety, and beautifully lit throughout the day—making it an ideal spot for capturing natural, heartfelt images of your pet.
​
Check out images from this location.
Horsetooth Resevoir
Horsetooth Open Space in Fort Collins, Colorado, is an iconic location known for its breathtaking variety—mountain vistas, sparkling water, rolling hills, pine trees, beach fronts, prairies, and rocky boulders. It’s one of the most beautiful places to photograph pets, but also one of the busiest. Because of the heavy foot traffic from cyclists, runners, and boaters, it’s best suited for low-reactivity pets who are comfortable around distractions.
Best Times to Visit are Weekdays
Sunset:
Due to the direction of light with the mountains the best time to shoot is evening golden hour. Due to the trail activity, very reactive pets will not do well here in the fall or summer but can do great in the winter when it is particularly quiet.
Location
Address: Sunrise Picnic Area 471 N Co Rd 23 #173, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Parking & Amenities
Parking: Passes available throughout the open space for under $10.
Facilities: Bathrooms and picnic tables are available in select areas.
Mobility: Easy access from parking lot.
Why I Love It
Horsetooth is epic, diverse, and truly Colorado. With its mix of mountain and lakeside views, it creates an unforgettable backdrop for celebrating your pet’s adventurous spirit. In winter, Horsetooth is calm, golden, and breathtaking. Snow dusts the cliffs and pines, the water glows a deep blue, and the crowds disappear—leaving behind a peaceful, cinematic backdrop perfect for soulful winter portraits.
​
Check out images from this location.
Poudre River Trail
The Poudre River Trail winds through the heart of Fort Collins, offering peaceful riverside paths, lush forest, and open meadows near Lee Martinez Park. It’s perfect for pets who love to explore, splash in the water, or simply enjoy a quiet stroll surrounded by nature.
​
Best Times to Visit
Sunrise: Calm and quiet with soft, even light—ideal for shy or reactive pets.
Sunset: Gorgeous golden-hour glow with vibrant tones. Evening sessions are best on weekdays to avoid the heavier foot traffic.
Seasonal Highlight: Fall transforms the area into a golden paradise with colorful leaves and warm light filtering through the trees.
Location
Address: Salyer Trail, near Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St., Fort Collins, CO 80521 (access near the tennis courts).
Parking & Amenities
Parking: Free parking available at Lee Martinez Park and Legacy Park.
Facilities: Restrooms and picnic areas on-site.
​
Why I Love It
This spot captures the peaceful beauty of Fort Collins—gentle light, river reflections, and endless greenery. Whether your dog loves to sniff the forest trails or wade into the shallows, the Poudre River Trail offers timeless backdrops for natural, joy-filled portraits.
​
Check out images from this location.
