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Gunnison, CO (GUC) / Alamosa, CO (ALS)
6 Days/5 Nights
Level 2 - What's This?
Up To 7 Guests
Crested Butte: Known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” with diverse flowers like Fleabane, Larkspur, Aspen sunflowers, and Indian Paintbrush.
Great Sand Dunes National Park: Capture the stunning textures and light play of North America’s tallest sand dunes.
Diverse Photography Opportunities: Use macro lenses for detailed flower shots and wide-angle lenses for expansive fields with mountainous backdrops.
Personalized Experience: Small group sizes, comfortable accommodations, and convenient transportation all focused on a seamless travel experience.
Discover the natural beauty of Colorado through your lens on this exclusive photography adventure, designed to capture the state’s most iconic summer landscapes. This 6-day journey begins in the charming mountain town of Gunnison, our gateway to two distinct and breathtaking photographic opportunities: the wildflower-laden meadows of Crested Butte and the towering dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Your adventure begins with two days in Crested Butte, often hailed as the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado." During peak bloom, this alpine paradise transforms into a vivid mosaic of colors, with fields of lupines, Indian paintbrush, columbines, and sunflowers stretching as far as the eye can see. You'll have access to expert guidance as you explore various locations—from rolling meadows to high-altitude trails—all timed to take advantage of the golden hours. Whether you’re interested in macro photography to capture the intricate details of individual blossoms or sweeping landscape shots that showcase the grandeur of this mountain valley, you’ll find endless inspiration here.
From Crested Butte, the journey continues south to Great Sand Dunes National Park. For the next two days, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the tallest dunes in North America, their golden ridges dramatically juxtaposed against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As the light shifts throughout the day, so too do the textures, shadows, and tones of the dunes, providing endless creative possibilities. Sunrise and sunset sessions will highlight the surreal beauty of this otherworldly landscape, while nighttime photography will allow you to capture the brilliance of the stars under some of the darkest skies in the country.
This trip is more than a photography workshop; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in two of Colorado’s most photogenic and diverse environments. With professional instruction tailored to your skill level, you’ll not only enhance your technical abilities but also develop your artistic vision. Don’t miss your chance to join this unforgettable journey and return home with a portfolio of images that truly capture the essence of Colorado’s wild beauty.
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
Flights to Gunnison, CO and from Alamosa, CO
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (D)
We’ll kick off our journey by arriving in the charming mountain town of Gunnison. After settling into our accommodations, we’ll meet for a welcome orientation to go over the itinerary, photography goals, and a few tips to make the most of the trip ahead!
Days 2 (B,L,D)
We’ll kick off the day driving along Gothic Road (FS 317), where the rugged mountain views and vibrant wildflowers will keep our cameras busy. The morning light will be perfect for capturing the lush landscapes as we wind through the scenic valley toward the quaint Gothic Townsite. After a quick stop to photograph the historic buildings, we might take a short, one-mile hike to a waterfall. The trail will be bursting with wildflowers, framing the rushing falls beautifully for wide-angle and detail shots. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the pull-offs along the road or near Gothic before heading back toward Crested Butte. In the afternoon, we’ll stop at a nearby lake to photograph the serene water reflecting the surrounding peaks. Then, we’ll head to a scenic viewpoint where the golden hour light here will make for some stunning compositions. We’ll wrap up the day back in town, enjoying dinner and reviewing our shots.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
On our second day, we’ll start our morning at a haven for wildflower photography. We’ll walk through colorful meadows and aspen groves, pausing often to capture Mt. Crested Butte framed by the vibrant blooms. The early morning light will make the colors pop, creating dreamy photos. After a relaxed lunch—either packed trailside or back in town—we’ll spend the afternoon exploring some more trails that offer sweeping views of the valleys, perfect for capturing the layers of color and texture that summer brings. As we hike, we’ll take our time setting up shots of the wildflowers against the dramatic mountain backdrops. If we finish early, we might drive back along Gothic Road during golden hour for one last chance to photograph the vibrant landscapes under the warm evening light.
Day 4 (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we’ll pack up and make the scenic drive south to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll take some time to explore the dunes and familiarize ourselves with the unique landscape. As the golden hour approaches, we’ll focus on the interplay of light and shadows on the undulating dunes, creating stunning abstract compositions. After dinner, we’ll venture back out for a nighttime photography session, capturing the Milky Way against the dramatic backdrop of the dunes.
Day 5 (B, L, D)
We’ll rise before dawn to capture the first light illuminating the dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The cool morning light will bring out the soft textures and rich tones of the sand. After a break, we’ll explore more of the park, photographing rippled patterns, animal tracks, and unique desert vegetation. In the afternoon, we’ll focus on storytelling through photography, combining landscape and detail shots to tell a visual narrative of the dunes. Our final sunset session will be a chance to experiment with long exposures, playing with movement and light to create ethereal images.
Day 6 (B, L, D)
On our last day, we’ll enjoy a relaxed morning and reflect on the incredible experiences and images we’ve captured. After breakfast, we’ll head to Alamosa for departures, leaving with not only a portfolio of stunning photographs but also memories of the breathtaking beauty of Colorado’s diverse landscapes!
This trip includes easy to moderate hikes on uneven or sandy terrain. Trekking the dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park can be strenuous due to shifting sand and elevation changes. Participants should be prepared for varied terrain and full days outside. While the tour is suitable for most active individuals, participants should be prepared for varying terrain and extended hours of outdoor activity.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.