Ascend Session Locations
Just to get the brainstorming started. If you find a location you love, put the name in your design questionnaire. If you want something different, put those preferences in your design questionnaire instead.
For all locations below permit fees are covered by Sara Herkes Photo. However, entry fees may still be required for certain locations. We’ll discuss those details during your design meeting.
Note about Denver: As of 2026, I have removed most Denver area locations from my recommended locations list below. I just can’t recommend them anymore due to being overrun by people and other photographers, exorbitant permit fees that exceed the value, and my inability to capture the best backdrops because of the increase in traffic and rules regarding access. This does not mean that I won’t shoot in Denver. I just recommend that we only do so if the pros outweigh the cons. If you’re interested in a Denver location, please note that on your form and I would be happy to discuss options.
In the Mountains
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Betasso Preserve
Mountains and Ponderosa Pines
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Bald Mountain
Unmatched Mountain Vistas
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Sprague Lake in Rocky Mtn National Park
Epic Mountains with alpine lake
Only available outside timed entry (late-Oct to Memorial Day Weekend) OR when the sunset works with timed entry.
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Moraine Park East in Rocky Mountain National Park
A stream and a meadow flanked by mountains
Closed Sept 1 to Oct 31 due to elk activity
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Moraine Park West in Rocky Mountain National Park
Stream flowing through mountains
A stream and a meadow flanked by mountains
Please note that the slideshow linked to below is at two locations, Moraine Park West and 3M Curve. Location overview is under construction.
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Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Aspen Groves, Lake, and Long’s Peak
Great fall color for aspen fall color season (late Sept to early Oct)
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3M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park
Grandiose Views of the Mountains and Moraine Valley
Can be paired with a great fall color spot for aspen fall color season (late Sept to early Oct)
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Brainard Lake
Towering Mountain Peaks Over an Alpine Lake
Available from June 15 to Oct 15, weather pending
In the Foothills
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Golden Ponds
Waterfalls, Mountain Views, and Ponds
Great fall color for foothills fall color season (mid-Oct to late-Oct)
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Pella Crossing
Longs Peak, Cottonwood trees, Ponds, and Wetlands
Great fall color for foothills fall color season (mid-Oct to late-Oct)
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Walden Ponds
Wetlands, Boardwalk, Ponds, and Mountains
Great fall color for foothills fall color season (mid-Oct to late-Oct)
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Chautauqua
The Boulder Flatirons
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Lost Gulch
Spectacular Mountain Vistas
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South Boulder Creek West Trailhead
Boulder Flatirons from the South
Great fall color for foothills fall color season (mid-Oct to late-Oct)
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Heil Valley Ranch
Rolling Hills, Historic Cabins, and Historic train cars. Great western or boho feel!
No location overview developed yet. Click below to see a slideshow of a session at Heil Valley Ranch.
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NCAR Trailhead
Flatirons and pine trees. Great year round!
No location overview developed yet. Click below to see a slideshow of a session at NCAR.
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Roger's Grove
This is a brand new location that I haven’t released any images for yet. Feel free to ask me more about it in our design meeting.
Great fall color for foothills fall color season (mid-Oct to late-Oct)
In the Plains
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Pearson Park
Cottonwood Tree Grove
Great fall color location for foothills fall color season (mid-Oct to late-Oct)
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Sandstone Ranch
Historic Ranch, Lake, and Nature Preserve