Beyond the Postcard: 10 Jaw-Dropping Instagram Spots in Colorado Springs

Beyond the Postcard: 10 Jaw-Dropping Instagram Spots in Colorado Springs

2026-04-25 • 14 min read

Let’s be honest, if you go on an epic trip to the mountains and don’t come back with a camera roll full of jaw-dropping photos, did it even happen? Colorado Springs is ridiculously photogenic, but getting that shot—the one that makes your friends comment “I need to go there!”—takes a little inside knowledge.

Forget the basic, overcrowded viewpoints. We’re diving deep into the most Instagrammable spots in Colorado Springs, from iconic landscapes with a twist to hidden gems that will make your feed pop. Get your camera ready.

Table of Contents

1. The Siamese Twins Trail at Garden of the Gods

Everyone gets a photo of the Kissing Camels from the main overlook. It’s a classic, but you can do better. For a truly unique and perfectly framed shot of Pikes Peak, you need to hike the short, easy 1-mile loop to the Siamese Twins rock formation.

The “window” in the rock formation creates a perfect natural frame for Pikes Peak in the distance. It’s one of the best photo spots in Colorado Springs, hands down.

Local’s Tip: This spot is magical at sunrise or sunset. During “golden hour,” the sun illuminates Pikes Peak with an alpenglow and makes the red rocks around you practically vibrate with color. The key is to have your subject stand just inside the window, looking out towards the peak. Use a wide-angle lens if you have one to capture the scale of both the rocks and the mountain. It’s far less crowded than the main parking lots, so you can take your time to get the composition just right.

2. The Summit of Pikes Peak

Reaching 14,115 feet is an accomplishment, and the photos from the top of “America’s Mountain” are the ultimate proof. Whether you drive the breathtaking Pikes Peak Highway, hike the grueling Barr Trail, or take the historic Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the summit offers 360-degree views that feel like you’re on top of the world.

panoramic view from the summit of Pikes Peak Colorado

The classic shot is with the official summit sign, but don’t stop there. Walk around the new Summit Visitor Center and find a spot along the railing overlooking the vast expanse of mountains and plains below. On a clear day, you can see five states.

Local’s Tip: Altitude is no joke. Bring water and take it slow. The best light is in the morning before afternoon clouds or thunderstorms roll in (a classic Colorado summer phenomenon). The Cog Railway offers some incredible photo ops on the way up, with views you can’t get from the road. Frame a shot looking back down the tracks with the mountains in the background for a great “journey” photo. And don’t forget to grab one of their world-famous high-altitude donuts—it’s a mandatory prop for your summit selfie.

3. The Vintage Vibes of the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

Step back in time for a photo op that’s bursting with color and nostalgia. The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade is a sprawling complex of buildings filled with hundreds of games, from vintage skeeball and pinball machines that still cost a dime to classic 80s video games.

The sheer visual chaos is a photographer’s dream. The rows of colorful, flashing machines, the vintage signage, and the genuine joy on people’s faces create a vibrant, candid atmosphere. Focus on close-ups of the vintage game art, or capture a motion-blur shot of your friend riding one of the classic horse rides from the 1940s.

Local’s Tip: My favorite area for photos is the outdoor section with the old-school kiddie rides. The faded paint and classic designs are pure retro gold. Go on a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds, giving you more room to compose your shots without a dozen people in the background. The low, colorful lighting inside makes for moody, interesting portraits.

4. The Overlook at Seven Falls

Tucked away in a box canyon, Seven Falls is a series of seven cascading waterfalls owned and operated by The Broadmoor. While the view from the base is impressive, the truly Instagram-worthy shot is from the top.

You have two options: climb the 224 steep steps alongside the falls or take the in-mountain elevator up to the “Eagle’s Nest” observation platform. The platform gives you a straight-on, eye-level view of the falls and the canyon below. It’s dramatic, powerful, and a must-do for any Colorado Springs photography tour.

Local’s Tip: After you get your shot from the Eagle’s Nest, continue on the short trails at the top. This leads you to the stream that feeds the falls and offers a different, more serene perspective. The falls are lit up with colored lights at night during the summer, which creates an entirely different and magical photo opportunity. Check their schedule before you go.

5. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Think of Red Rock Canyon as Garden of the Gods’ more laid-back, less-crowded cousin. This 1,474-acre park offers similar stunning red rock formations, but with more trails and fewer people, giving you plenty of space to set up the perfect shot.

The quarry area offers a dramatic backdrop with its steep, carved-out rock walls. For a sweeping vista, take the trail that climbs the hogback ridge on the east side of the park. From there, you get a panoramic view of the rock formations with Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in the background.

Local’s Tip: The off-leash dog area is one of the best in the city and provides great opportunities for action shots of your furry friend against a stunning backdrop. For a perfect basecamp to explore this side of the city, our Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets property is ideal. It sleeps 8, is pet-friendly, and has an awesome fire pit for recapping the day’s adventures just a few minutes’ drive away.

View from a Springline Stays property deck with mountains in the background

6. The Murals of Old Colorado City’s Art Alleys

Old Colorado City’s main street is charming, but the real Instagram gold is hidden in the alleys. For the past few years, Art on the Streets has commissioned incredible murals from local and national artists, turning bland brick walls into a vibrant outdoor gallery.

Wander the alleys between Colorado Ave and Pikes Peak Ave. You’ll find everything from massive, colorful abstract pieces to whimsical portraits and stunning nature scenes. These murals provide an edgy, urban backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the mountain scenery Colorado Springs is known for.

colorful artistic mural on a brick wall in an alley

Local’s Tip: Start in the alley behind Pikes Peak Lemonade and work your way west. The art changes periodically, so there’s always something new to discover. The key is to interact with the art—pose in a way that makes you part of the scene. The “Greetings from Old Colorado City” mural is a classic spot for a group photo.

7. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

About a 45-minute drive east of Colorado Springs lies a landscape that feels like another planet. The Paint Mines Interpretive Park features colorful clay formations of white, yellow, purple, and gray, sculpted by erosion into surreal spires and hoodoos.

This is one of the most unique photo spots in the entire state. The 4-mile trail network winds through the formations, offering endless opportunities for otherworldly photos. The contrast between the colorful, almost-glowing clay and the deep blue Colorado sky is simply stunning.

Local’s Tip: This place is fragile! Stay on the designated trails to protect the delicate clay formations. Drones are strictly prohibited. The best light is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the low-angle sun highlights the textures and layers of color in the rock. A polarizing filter on your camera can help make the colors pop even more. The drive is absolutely worth it for a photo no one else will have.

8. Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Cañon Park

While not as massive as Seven Falls, Helen Hunt Falls has a rustic, wild charm that is incredibly photogenic. Located in the beautiful and free-to-enter North Cheyenne Cañon Park, this 35-foot waterfall is easily accessible from the road.

The classic shot is from the picturesque wooden bridge that crosses over the top of the falls. It gives you a great perspective looking down the creek as it tumbles over the rocks. You can also take photos from the base, looking up at the cascading water.

Local’s Tip: For a more adventurous shot, take the short but steep trail from the visitor center up to Silver Cascade Falls, which sits just above Helen Hunt Falls. It’s a much taller, more dramatic waterfall, and far fewer people make the effort to see it. Using a slow shutter speed (if your camera or phone allows) will give the water that silky, smooth look that is perfect for waterfall photography.

9. The Royal Gorge Bridge

Ready for a photo that will make your friends’ jaws drop? Head about an hour southwest to the Royal Gorge Bridge. Suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River, it’s one of the highest suspension bridges in the world.

The photo opportunities are endless and epic. Walk across the bridge and capture the dizzying view straight down. Take a photo of the bridge itself from one of the viewpoints on either side of the canyon. For the ultimate thrill-seeking shot, ride the Cloudscraper Zip Line or the Royal Rush Skycoaster, which swings you out over the edge of the gorge.

Local’s Tip: The gondola that runs parallel to the bridge offers the best perspective for photographing the entire span of the bridge and the depth of the gorge. Try to time your ride so the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad is passing through the canyon below for an incredible action shot.

10. SunWater Spa’s Mountain View Soaking Tubs

After all that hiking and exploring, you deserve a photo op that’s all about relaxation. SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs offers mineral water soaking tubs with direct, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains.

The most Instagrammable spot is in one of their cedar soaking tubs on the upper deck. The composition of the steaming water, the natural wood of the tub, and the majestic mountain backdrop is pure bliss. It’s the perfect way to capture the serene, rejuvenating side of your Colorado vacation.

Local’s Tip: Book your tub for the hour leading up to sunset. You get to watch the sky change colors over the mountains from the comfort of a warm, mineral-rich tub. It’s an unforgettable experience and an unbeatable photo. If you want that private spa experience back at your rental, our Epic Family Home is perfect for groups up to 11. It has its own private hot tub, a sauna, and even a mini-golf course, so you can unwind in style after a long day of capturing content.

Living room of the Epic Family Home with modern decor and fireplace

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Springs Photo Spots

What is the most photographed place in Colorado Springs?

Without a doubt, Garden of the Gods is the most photographed location in Colorado Springs. The iconic red rock formations with Pikes Peak in the background are a world-famous view. Specifically, the view from the main overlook and the Balanced Rock formation see the most camera clicks.

Can you get good photos in Colorado Springs in the winter?

Absolutely! Winter adds a whole new layer of beauty to the landscape. A fresh dusting of snow on the red rocks at Garden of the Gods or on the summit of Pikes Peak is breathtaking. The key is to go out right after a snowfall on a clear, sunny day. The contrast between the white snow, red rocks, and blue sky is incredible. Just be sure to dress in warm layers and check for road or trail closures.

What is the best time of day for photography in Colorado Springs?

Like most places, the “golden hours”—the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset—are the best times for photography. The low-angle light is soft, warm, and creates beautiful long shadows that add depth to your photos. Mid-day sun can be harsh, creating unflattering shadows and washing out colors, especially at high altitudes.

Are drones allowed for photography at these spots?

Drone regulations vary by location. Drones are strictly prohibited in Garden of the Gods and the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. They are also not allowed in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. For places like the Royal Gorge or Pikes Peak, you must check their specific policies before flying. Always follow FAA rules and be respectful of other visitors. When in doubt, it’s best to leave the drone at home.

Your Colorado Springs Adventure Awaits

Now that you have the inside scoop on where to get the best shots, it’s time to plan your trip. Forget cramped hotel rooms. Give your group the space, amenities, and stunning views you deserve.

At Springline Stays, our homes are perfectly situated to be your basecamp for adventure, with features like hot tubs, game rooms, and fire pits to make your downtime just as memorable as your excursions.

Browse our Colorado Springs properties and book your stay directly with Springline Stays for the best rates!

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