Home / Engagement Locations / Colorado / Piney Lake
Piney Lake is one of Colorado’s most beautiful locations for engagement photos because the Gore Range is breathtaking up close.
Getting to Piney Lake isn’t the easiest but the views are often worth the trouble. The ranch is accessible mid June through the last weekend in September via a bumpy dirt logging road North of Vail. You don’t need a large SUV to get there but large tires and good ground clearance will make the journey more manageable. Cell service and GPS on your phone doesn’t work anywhere near the area so make sure you download or print directions to the lake before you leave.
The ranch is private property but everything surrounding it on Forest Service land so you have lots of locations for photos. The staff usually doesn’t mind if we use the boat dock as long as there isn’t a wedding taking place. Photographing your session here on a weekday is a must because it’s a popular wedding venue.
VENUE DETAILS
Location: 39°43'14.6"N 106°24'02.6"W
Nearest Town: Vail
Elevation: 9,350 ft.
Permit: Not Required
WHY WE LOVE IT
There are so many stunning spots for pictures in one location during the summer and early fall. The mountain views, tall aspen trees, serene lake and riverbed are the perfect backdrops if you want your engagement photos to scream Colorado. An evening canoe ride can be magical here. If you love the Maroon Bells in Aspen but don't want to drive that far, this is an ideal alternative.
