Denver in April. Where to shoot?

I'm going out to a conference in Denver at the end of April (18-23) and wanted to get some advice on where to shoot. I will have 2 full days I will be free to go wherever. I will have a rental car, but kind of want to stay near the Denver area (1-1.5 hr drive max). We were thinking of heading north to Estes Park one day and south to Colorado Springs the next. I'm primarily looking to do landscapes and nature shots (I've heard there is a little of that out in CO). Will the majority of the roads be open during that time or will we be stuck to the base of the mountains? I got a couple books from the library, but wanted to get a "photographers point of view".

Chances are that the pass road over RMNP will still be closed.

Mt Evans is good, but I think the road to the top will still be closed too. Might be worth the drive to Echo lake - it's certainly much closer than RMNP which is really more on the 2-hour drive mark to actually get into the park. RMNP is probably still worth it though.

Garden of the Gods in the Springs is definitely nice. Possibly the single closest definite photo-op. There should also still be plenty of photo ops in RMNP, even without the high roads though.

If you go via highway 7 (as opposed to 36), then you will see quite a bit of scenery - I would probably drive up via 72 to 7 and back via 36.

Guanella Pass is nice - it's a (wide) dirt road to the top and may have snow on it, but we have been so dry this year it may be quite passable with a regular car.

East Portal is interesting with some hiking. Not sure what state the 'trails' will be in though. You'll also pass potential places on the way up.

Golden Gate canyon is a state park just into the mountains. It has some classic views of the continental divide but overall I don't seem to get good photos there. It might just be me though - seriously. Possibly one of the best options that is definitely less than an hours drive.

A lot of places I go that are really close are the local parks in the foothills, which are certainly nice, but for 'great' photo ops you need to know where to go and have the right conditions (usually fresh snow and a nice sunrise).

I would consider bringing some gear you can hike in the snow with if you can (decent boots+gators). You won't need it in Garden of the Gods, but may need it almost anywhere else in the hills. Personally I wouldn't bother with snow shoes unless you pick a particular hike that someone suggests them (and you could easily rent for a day).

I'll add more if I think of anything - I must admit I spend most weekends with the kids these days instead of going out shooting. I'll also admit that living here I probably get soiled and a lot of the scenery doesn't excite me any more.

ejenner wrote in post #15677957
I'll add more if I think of anything - I must admit I spend most weekends with the kids these days instead of going out shooting. I'll also admit that living here I probably get soiled and a lot of the scenery doesn't excite me any more.

Thank you so much! That is extremely helpful.

Check out Red Rocks amphitheater. It is quite the sight, very close, and there are a handful of short trails that lead to some very interesting rock formations.

hmmm wonder if you'll be at the same conference im attending 4/20 in denver

or the one I'll be attending April 17-20?

In April, I'd try Castlewood Canyon State Park, some 30 miles southeast of Denver. In April spring is really just getting going even down on the plains. The mountains are still in the end of winter. Sheltered places like this are usually the best chance of finding spring greenery. Castlewood Canyon is a scenic rocky gorge with a small stream tumbling through it, out in the plains just east of Castle Rock. Take I-25 south to Castle Rock to exit 182, then east on hwy 86 to Franktown. Turn south on hwy 83 to the park entrance. Easy to find if you have a GPS in your rental.

There are a couple of nice easy loop trails with some interesting photos possible. It could be incorporated into a pretty full day day split between this and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.