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Remember, the places you visit are the home of diverse ecosystems and fragile histories.

Colorado Photo Preserves

Show Respect 

Tread carefully and help protect Colorado for future generations.

Don't Take Colorado's Beauty For Granted 

Think about why you take photos and how they can be a force for good.

Take Time For Reflection 

Guides

What would happen if you asked an influencer to put down their camera while on the road? Well, we put this very challenge to a Denver photographer. Find out what he learned along the way.

Bachelor Loop 

Take a Photography Detox in Mystic San Luis Valley

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In this location, you’re a visitor in the home of 200 species of migratory birds. Enjoy their chorus of sounds as you tread carefully at their doorstep.

Alamosa Wildlife Refuge

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge 

While exploring historic silver mining areas and abandoned ghost towns in the Bachelor Loop, take time to reflect on the impact humans have on the environment.

Bachelor Loop

Peaceful San Luis Peak was selected due to its remoteness. It’s harder to get to than most 14ers, making it all the more important to respect the mountain.

San Luis Peak

Respect your elders. Formed more than 30 million years ago, human discovery of Penitente Canyon in the 80s is a mere blip in its story.

Penitente State Park

Penitente Canyon 

Pay close attention to how seasons shape Medano Creek. In summer, snowmelt creates a wave pool, while the cooler months see snow falling upon the dunes.

Medano Creek

Wheeler Geologic Area is the result of a volcanic eruption 28 million years ago. When visiting, try visualizing how this area has transformed over the eons before human existence.

Wheeler Geologic Monument

Wheeler Geologic area

Selected as a photo preserve to protect Coller’s river ecosystem and the yellow warblers, wrens and sparrows that call it home. Leave no trace of your time there.

Coller State Wildlife Area

Tread lightly here. This reserve was selected due to the efforts underway to restore and protect the habitats for the wildlife native to the San Luis Valley.

Baca Wildlife Refuge 

Stick to the boardwalks at Russell Lakes, they’re working hard to protect the invigorating maze of wetlands and ponds below.

Russell Lakes 

See how nature has reclaimed this abandoned ski resort thanks to fundraising efforts to transform the area into outdoor recreation space.

Cuchara Mountain Par

Cuchara Mountain Park

Chosen for its stillness and lack of crowds. Pitch a tent and wake up to the sounds of birds harmonizing with the rush of the Huerfano River.

Huerfano State Wildlife Area

Preserve zones

There’s more to San Luis Valley than what’s in frame. To grow as a photographer, live the conscientious photography principles with us by stepping back from the viewfinder and refocusing on the moment. 
Find out how you can take the challenge to make your photos more authentic, considered and meaningful.

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Welcome to the Shutter Speed Limit Zone where there’s a limit on the number of photos you can take.

Shutter Speed Limits 

Filters have no place here. Instead, let the authentic beauty of the moment shine through in these zones

Filter Free Zones 

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A local travel photographer embarked on a road trip around the San Luis Valley. The only catch: he had to limit the number of photos he could take along the way. Find out how this process changed his perspective on photography.