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If you’re a lover of history and photography, then Georgetown, Colorado should be on your bucket list. Located just 45 minutes west of Denver and at the start of Guanella Pass, Georgetown offers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of the Old West. The town boasts more than 200 historic Victorian buildings and has been named one of the twelve most distinctive destinations in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Georgetown offers a wide variety of photography opportunities year-round. Spring and summer offer blooming flowers, both wild and planted, which create a beautiful backdrop for lifestyle imagery. Fall is a particularly stunning time to visit as the golden hues of the Aspen trees surround the town and its parks, adding a burst of color to the mountain cliffs. Winter is perhaps the best time to visit for photographers as the tourist crowds thin out and the snow gives the town a perfect “Christmas postcard” look.
Apart from being a photographer’s paradise, Georgetown also offers a wide variety of delicious cafes that serve homemade foods. It is the perfect stopover between other destinations in the mountains, and a great place to have lunch or dinner when returning from other destinations further into the high country.
For an unforgettable experience, take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which runs from May through December. The train takes passengers over the Devils Gate High Bridge into Silver Plume, offering unique photo opportunities of the train itself as it chugs up the inclines, pouring steam from its top. It’s a great opportunity to capture the beauty of the mountainous landscape from a different perspective.
Bighorn Sheep are an iconic species of wildlife in Colorado and the state’s official mammal. They are abundant in the area, but can be tricky to photograph due to their love for rocky cliffs. However, during the winter months (October – April), they tend to graze near the I-70 highway and can often be found just meters away from the roadside. There is an official viewing area on the South side of I-70 just west of the Georgetown exit, but the best option is to jump onto the service road and follow the frontage road west while keeping a sharp eye on the cliffs.
Georgetown, Colorado is a unique destination that combines the beauty of nature with the charm of history. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just enjoy taking snapshots, Georgetown is a town that offers a wide range of photographic opportunities year-round. So, pack your camera and head out to Georgetown for a memorable journey.
