Officer's gulch

Officer's Gulch

Often overlooked because it’s so obvious, this exit off I-70 is plenty of fun to explore and shoot in the right conditions!   

Rating: ***

Best for: Easy access to a hiking trail that circumnavigates an alpine lake, fun angles and unique approaches to the landscape

Drawbacks: Crowds (on busy weekends, peak hours), right next to the interstate

Alltrails Link

Waypoints (see AllTrails Link):

  • Officer’s Gulch (Winter Shot)
  • Tenmile Creek shot

Trailhead: Officer’s Gulch Pond Trail  

Trail Length/ Vertical Gain (Gross*): 1.23 mi, 46’ elevation

Trail Access: Officer’s Gulch Pond Trail #9142

Camping: Check out thousands of opportunities to camp in and around Frisco, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, all of which are within a 15 minute drive.

Recommended Photography Gear: Bring it all. Since the parking lot is right next to the trailhead, and it’s a fairly easy walk/hike, feel free to bring a bunch of lenses. Make sure to have a tripod, with water as a primary subject, camera stabilization is of key importance. Bring polarizers and ND filters depending on lighting and the shot in question. Have fun exploring this place, don’t rush things and look for both close-in and wide-angle perspectives.

Tenmile Creek

Since this spot isn’t going to take up an entire day, its accessibility makes this spot unique, it can be visited in a short time from most anywhere in Summit. Pretty much unless the lake is frozen over (approximately Dec 1st-May 1st), any interesting weather or lighting conditions are reason to visit this gem hidden in plain sight, just off exit 198 on I-70.

Don’t forget to check out Tenmile Creek, on the other side of the highway. The river runs with a different vibe at different times of year, and this bend is one of the only spots between Frisco and Copper Mountain where a photographer can (legally) get close to the water during winter and spring months-the rest of the Rec Path is closed due to avalanche danger.

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