Colorado is full of awe-inspiring landscapes, and a dream destination with a variety to do for every kind of traveler. And if you fly a drone, it’s even more so! Here are some fun – not to mention stunning – Colorado drone photos!
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After vacationing to this amazing state over 20 times, I’ve traveled to nearly every corner and every charming Colorado mountain town. And although I haven’t seen it all yet, there’s so many places to explore in this incredible state.
Many of my trips over the past decade have included one – or more – of my drones in hand, so I thought I’d share some fun shots, if you’re wondering where to fly drones in Colorado!
No matter what time of year you’re visiting or the region you’re headed to, there’s so many amazing places in Colorado to see – not to mention it’s a photographer’s dream!
Colorado drone laws
First, let’s address a few things if you’re wondering, ‘where can I fly my drone in Colorado?’
- As a general rule, there’s no flying drones in Colorado State Parks and National Parks. Private property is also off limits, unless granted permission by the property. And of course, you’ll need to use drone maps based on each location you intend to fly.
- I’ve been flying drones since 2018 and the rules are getting more and more strict. More people are getting into flying drones, which means more places are restricting them. Even some of the photos in this article are no longer available to fly a drone. 🥲 Always fly responsibly: verify you can launch and fly to ensure you’re respectful and within the Colorado drone laws.
- If you’re interested in flying drones, check out this online guide to everything you’ll need to know to fly a drone in Colorado and elsewhere.
- The weather can make or break a shot. From afternoon showers in the summer to wildfire and frigid temps, it’s sometimes hard to get good aerial shots in Colorado. If you’re traveling to Colorado to drone, I highly recommend planning your locations early in the trip, so you have time to circle back if your plans have to change.
I could talk for dayyyys here but let’s just get on with the photos, shall we? Check out these drone resources for more info.
Drone photos of Colorado – amazing locations you gotta see!
Gorgeous mountains, stunning lakes and scenic roads – oh Colorful Colorado you steal hearts!😍
Let’s go!
1. Million Dollar Highway
Can you even imagine driving these roads?!? They’re absolutely spectacular!
The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of road connecting Ouray (pronounced ur-ray) and Silverton, Colorado. The name comes from the apparent price tag it took to build each mile of the highway.
Regardless of the name origin, photographing this gorgeous road is as fun from the air as it is driving it!
2. Lake Dillon
There are so many gorgeous lakes in Colorado to photograph, it makes perfect sense there’s another one on this list of the best places to fly a drone in Colorado!
The Dillon reservoir is a recreational spot where you can kayak, rent boats or go hiking or biking. It’s a beautiful spot, particularly late spring and early summer when there’s still now on the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque setting.
Note: double-check to ensure you’re landing and launching from a safe and legal spot. The drone regulations near Dillon Lake have changed since this photo was taken above the lake!
3. Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass connects Georgetown to Grant, and is spectacular in the fall! Definitely a drone-worthy location.
The scenic drive i’s just 24 miles long, but can take about an hour, depending on how many stops you make. The highest part of the drive reaches an elevation of 11,670 feet, and offers breathtaking views and is a haven for photographers and hikers alike.
I recommend bringing water and snacks with you on this trip, as there’s not really a place to stop along the way.
👉Interested in drone photography? Learn how to take amazing drone photos and videos!
4. Steamboat Springs
This little slice of paradise in northern Colorado is known for it’s ski resorts and winter activities. But the summer – i.e. perfect drone flying season in Colorado – is another great time to visit (and fly)!
Along with the gorgeous mountains and hills in Steamboat Springs, the Yampa River is a fun area to visit. Oh, and Steamboat Springs is also one of the most charming Colorado mountain towns you’ll ever visit!
5. Telluride (one of my favorite places to fly drones in Colorado)
A popular tourist destination, and for great reason, Telluride is a fun town and beautiful spot to fly a drone in Colorado! The town is adorable and quaint, just what you’d expect from a tourist town in Colorado.
I’ve ever only been to Telluride in the fall, and let me tell you it’s a fabulous time to capture the beauty of the region.
Pro tip: there is an airport in Telluride, so you’ll have to use your drone app to determine a safe and legal place to fly. This drone photo was taken just east of town, near Bridal Veil Falls.
6. Grand Lake
If you’re wondering, ‘where can I fly my drone in Colorado?’ Well, one of my very favorite areas of Colorado, Grand Lake is a super fun destination, especially in the summertime!
It’s nestled just north of I-70, on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, and is a perfect place to fly your drone in Colorado! I’ve visited this area a few times over the years, and the lake scenery is just so stunning.
7. Near Georgetown
As someone who loves a good top-down shot, such as the ones in these 20 Kauai drone photos, the Colorado scenery lends itself well to it.
This particular photo was taken near Georgetown, right at the peak of leap peeping season, which typically falls the last week of September to the first week of October each year.
But I mean, does being a drone pilot get any better than this?!
8. Lake Estes
Without a doubt, one of the most popular places in Colorado for visitors is Estes Park. The gateway to the eastern part of Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s a lot to see and do in this tourist town.
One of my favorite spots in Estes Park is Lake Estes. Surrounded by mountains with a 360-degree view of the Rocky Mountains, can you even think of a better place to fly the drone?!
Pro tip: if you’re not sure if you can launch and land your drone from a kayak, then you definitely need this drone course.
Colorado drone photography: more beautiful aerial photos
Geez, can you believe this stunning landscapes all exists within this one state? It’s truly hard to believe your eyes. And then of course, the dramatic scenery looks even more stunning from aerial photos from a drone!
Here’s more of my favorite Colorado photos from the air!
9. Million Dollar Highway (again)
Alright, so the Million Dollar Highway is one of the most scenic spots in the state – especially from a drone, so it definitely needs to be on this list multiple times!
The photos are so gorgeous from above the highway. I was lucky enough to catch this red tour bus as I was flying, which makes the drone photo even more interesting.
Pro tip: there are a ton of power lines along the valley and Million Dollar Highway. Use caution when flying near them!
10. Georgetown
A quaint Victorian town provides a picturesque step back in time with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings. From above, you get a great view of the mountain valley where the town sits. With its charming boutiques and eateries set against the backdrop of steep mountains you’ll love a visit to Georgetown.
The lake just to the north of town is a picturesque place to fly, too! Just be aware and respectful of any wildlife, as they’re known to frequent the area.
Pro tip: if you have time, and especially if you’re traveling with kids, make sure to do the Georgetown Loop Railroad just outside of Georgetown!
11. Silverthorne
Anyone else love to drone while hiking? Packing my DJI Mini 4 Pro in my hiking backpack and hitting the trail makes for a great day! So there’s no surprise that hiking the Ptarmigan Trail near Silverthorne, overlooking Lake Dillon, is such a fun and picturesque setting.
Silverthorne, Dillon and Frisco are all fun spots to visit, stay in and drone when visiting Colorado!
12. San Juan Scenic Byway (another epic place to get great aerial photos of Colorado)
Take a gorgeous loop through southwest Colorado for some of the most unbelievable views in the state – and perfect opportunities for flying a drone in Colorado!
It runs through historic mining towns, covering 230 miles of this gorgeous state.
The San Juan Scenic Byway runs through (or nearby) Ridgway, Telluride, Durango, Silverton, Ouray and a bunch more small towns. The San Juan Mountains are stunning, and I especially love them during Autumn!
Note: the Million Dollar Highway is actually just a small stretch of the larger San Juan Scenic Byway
13. Central City
Central City, once known as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth” due to its gold mining heritage, attracts visitors with its blend of history and entertainment. The quaint downtown is adorable, full of shops and restaurants.
I loved flying my drone above Central City, which also happens to be right along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, which is another epic scenic drive in Colorado!
👉Real quick: my favorite drone to fly when traveling is the DJI Mini 4 Pro. It’s lightweight and takes amazing photos and videos!
14. Guanella Pass (again)
Well, have you fallen in love with fall in Colorado yet?! Another dramatic view of a scenic road in this fun state – surprise! 😂
Guanella Pass, like many other scenic routes in Colorado are equally as fun to drive as they are to fly a drone! Just make sure you’re stopping on the side of the road where you’re safe. Keep your drone in your line of sight and watch out for those power lines!
15. Grand Lake (again)
Another view of Grand Lake, this place is just too good not to share again!
Whether you’re capturing the fresh mountain snow on the peaks surrounding the lake town, or the kayakers on the lake, it’s such a fun place to fly a drone.
The day I took this it was hazy with wildfires in the distance (unfortunately a common occurrence during summer in Colorado), but I was still able to get a decent shot of the lake and surrounding mountains.
16. Lake Dillon (again)
Gah! One more Lake Dillon scene to wrap up this travel guide. Colorado is an amazing state, and Lake Dillon – like much of the state – seems to look different everytime I visit the area. I snapped this photo near the shoreline on an otherwise hazy day as there was a fire just south of Leadville.
With anything else, the fires in Colorado and the west create not-so-ideal conditions, but you just do the best you can, making changes to settings until you optimize the colors within the photo.
Colorado drone photos – that’s a wrap!
Seriously are you ready to pack your bags (and maybe a travel drone?) and head to Colorado?
It’s pretty easy to photograph such a gorgeous destination! As one of my favorite places to visit and fly a drone, and you can easily see why!
Additional drone resources:
Learn to fly a drone course: Elevate Your Photos: Beginner’s Guide to Drones!
Study guide for your FAA Part 107 drone license test
Here’s more travel guides if you’re still working on travel plans for Colorado:
Perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary: 22 Stops You Need to See
15 Charming Colorado Mountain Towns You’ll Absolutely Love
27 Incredible Colorado Bucket List Ideas You’ll Love
12 Epic Scenic Drives Colorado (Map + Tips + Photos)
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