7 Unique Horsetooth Photography Spots
Horsetooth Reservoir is at the pinnacle of photography in Fort Collins, Colorado. Whether you’re an established or a casual smartphone camera photographer, here’s a list of seven photo-worthy spots throughout Horsetooth.
- The Iconic
If you have been to, or lived in, Fort Collins, you have most likely seen this view with your own eyes. The spot is right next to a big parking lot off of Centennial Drive. The reservoir is about six miles in length, which allows the photographer to shoot towards either end and still end up with a great capture.
2. The Iconic (Winter Edition)
Most people in Fort Collins do not typically travel to Horsetooth when it snows outside, but the perspective can change drastically during Summer’s counterpart.
3. Big fan of symmetry?
I have never been a big fan of geometry, but a couple of years of photography experience has lead me to believe that in certain photographic situations, symmetry is the way to go. The road that runs right by Horsetooth’s heavily trafficked main parking lot (look both ways) is a great location to capture some great symmetry.
4. A Different Perspective
A common road Horsetooth goers take is Dixon Canyon Road. This road eventually turns into Centennial Drive, which runs next to the main parking lot of Horsetooth. When Dixon turns into Centennial, the option to turn left is presented. If you make that turn and drive about one mile down the road, you will reach a hiking trail off to the right side with a small parking lot to the left. This trail allows you to reach Duncan’s Ridge, a higher point at Horsetooth, and capture some pretty incredible photos.
5. Leading lines, anyone?
This spot is available to those who make that left turn (as mentioned in the previous photo). There is a large amount of space to walk around once the hiking trail is completed, including this man-made rock and dirt path leading to this lonesome tree gazing over a cliff.
6. Everyone loves a blurred background
For the more experienced photographer, using this picnic table in the foreground to create a soothing depth of field might be up your alley. Notice how the background is slightly out of focus? That’s depth of field.
7. For the drone pilot
Everyone loves a good drone shot. They provide a very unique perspective and I personally love mine. This spot is within Rotary Park right below the main parking lot via a short but technical hike down some rocks. If you own a drone and want to attempt this shot, be weary of park rangers, as it is illegal to fly in state parks without a permit. Fun fact: directly to the left of where we’re standing is a small cave with graffiti throughout.
Pictures of Horsetooth Reservoir could be considered “boring” or “overdone” by many, but utilizing these unique spots can allow you to have photos that stick out in an Instagram feed. Experienced or not, these spots can be photographed by anyone and still produce high quality results.
