Utah’s top five winter photo locations! Plus, all the tips to make your freezing cold photo session more enjoyable!

There’s something magical about snowy winter sessions! Utah offers a lot of exceptional backgrounds that bring that “cozy” feeling to them! The best part is all of these locations are accessible in any weather conditions and easy to find, but what does it really take to have your pictures taken in the cold of winter when it might only be 15 degrees outside? Here’s a couple of tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years to help make your winter sessions more enjoyable!

Winter Sessions Tips

• Sunset happens around 5:00 p.m. during the winter season. Making the best time for photos around 3:30 p.m. depending on the location or 7:30am if you are braving a sunrise session.
• Dress warm! This probably sounds obvious but get creative with layers to keep yourself warm! Even most wedding dresses can hide leggings, thermals, and boots fairly well.
• Plan for road conditions, you can always check UDOT for live views of the roads here!

1. Big Cottonwood Canyon – Jordan Pines Campground (also known as Donut Falls)

This location is easily my favorite year-round! It has the most beautiful snow capped mountain views and is located only 15 minutes up Big Cottonwood Canyon. This location is an extremely popular sledding and hiking location as well. So, if you’re looking for an adventure activity after your session, it’s a win! You will definitely want some snow boots for this location and keep in mind the popular ski resorts are just past this location so plan for some extra travel time.

2. Tibble Fork Reservoir

Tibble Fork Reservoir is another location that won’t disappoint any time of the year! Google maps will say that the road may be closed, but I’ve personally never had trouble with the road being closed – check the live traffic cameras to be safe! The reservoir does freeze over which makes for a beautiful photo location, but it has been known to crack, so be cautious! If you are looking for more information on Tibble Fork, check out our blog post here!

3. Little Dell Reservoir

This little hidden gem is not very well known to most Utahns, but this beautiful reservoir is located just 15 minutes from Salt Lake City. There’s a beautiful view of the mountains along with a snow-covered reservoir. The boat ramp is closed in the winter time but you can walk along the path to explore the beautiful area and if you’re adventurous enough put a canoe in the water!

4. Little Cottonwood Trail (just across from the Lisa Falls trailhead)

There is a trail just off of the main road on the right side about 10 minutes up Little Cottonwood. The location starts off as a trail surrounded by beautiful snow filled trees and then opens up to an amazing view of the mountain side after a 5 minute walk.

5. Guardsman Pass Road

About 30 minutes up Big Cottonwood Canyon there’s a turn off to Guardsman Pass – the road is closed to traffic during the winter months, but you can walk in. It is a winter wonderland backdrop! You will definitely want some snow boots for this location but it provides the most beautiful winter wonderland scene!

You know what makes the best photos in a location? Choosing the best photographer…. We are very familiar with many of Utah’s best locations and are here to make your session as easy and stress free as possible contact us today!

Looking for more location options or not sure which is the best fit? Take our quiz to help determine the best location for you.