When this family hired me to take lifestyle family photos of them, I suggested we go for a short late afternoon hike in Lyons, Colorado at Hall Ranch. If you want red dirt trails and big mountain views for the backdrop of your Colorado or Lyons family photography session, Hall Ranch is the perfect spot for you! It’s one of the most recognizable spots in Lyons, which means it’s also one families ask about most — so here’s a look at a real family photography session there, plus what you need to know before you go, especially if you’ve got a toddler in tow.
Family photography in Lyons often means choosing between a few well-loved trails, and Hall Ranch is consistently one of the most photogenic.
A Family Hike at Hall Ranch
This session happened on a warm late-fall evening with a family I’ve photographed for years — wandering the trail beneath the mesa, with plenty of room to roam and no rush to get anywhere in particular. Hall Ranch is better known for mountain biking than hiking, but the hikers-only Nighthawk Trail keeps things simple if you’ve got young kids who don’t need to be pulled aside for passing bikes every few minutes.
Curious what a session like this includes? See pricing and collection details here.
What to Know Before You Hike Hall Ranch With Kids
A few things worth knowing if you’re considering Hall Ranch for your own family session:
- Stick to the Nighthawk Trail. It’s the hikers-only option, which matters most with younger kids — no dodging mountain bikes every few minutes.
- Don’t plan on the full hike. The incline increases steadily the farther you go. We turn around whenever kids start to get tired or bored, which is usually well before any of the steeper sections. The trail is officially rated moderate to difficult, but at a toddler’s pace, that rating doesn’t really apply.
- There’s not much shade. This isn’t the spot for a hot summer afternoon. Sunscreen, water, and hats are non-negotiable, especially for a late-morning or midday session.
- Pack snacks. A couple of shade trees along the trail make a good spot to stop, snack, and recharge before heading back.
- Bring something for restless hands. Sticks, rocks, and dirt are abundant, and kids who like digging in or moving things around will find plenty to do.
- Watch for wildlife. Mostly this means snakes — keep an eye on where little feet are stepping.
- Expect some dirt. Dry, dusty trail dirt gets everywhere. Worth knowing before you pick light-colored outfits.
Not sure what to wear for a hiking session like this? Here are some outfit ideas that hold up outdoors.
Why Hall Ranch Works for Family Sessions
The mesa backdrop and red dirt give Hall Ranch a different feel from the parks and pond settings more common elsewhere on the Front Range — it photographs less like a city park and more like an adventure. For families who hike regularly or want something with more texture and grit than a manicured lawn, it’s a strong fit. For families with very young kids, there are flat spots by the parking lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hall Ranch good for hiking with toddlers?
A: Yes, if you stay on the Nighthawk Trail and don’t push for the full hike. We turn around whenever the kids are done — there’s no need to complete any particular distance to get great photos.
Q: Is there shade on the trail?
A: Very little. This location works best in the evening rather than midday, especially in summer.
Q: What should we bring?
A: Water, sunscreen, hats, and snacks. A walking stick or something small for kids to hold and explore with also helps keep things moving. Even toys like trucks could be cute!
Q: Will my kids get dirty?
A: It is likely. The trail is dry and dusty — plan outfits accordingly and don’t stress about it. And, if it has snowed or rained lately, mud is possible.
Q: Do you only photograph at Hall Ranch in Lyons?
A: No — if Hall Ranch doesn’t feel right for your family, there are other spots in Lyons and nearby worth considering. I’ll help you pick based on your kids’ ages and what you’re going for.
Ready to Plan Your Own Lyons Family Session?
If Hall Ranch sounds like a fit — or you’re already wondering whether a flatter, easier location might work better for your family — the next step is simple. Fill out my contact form and I’ll follow up within 48 hours with availability and next steps. We’ll talk through your kids’ ages, timing, and which trail or spot actually makes sense before anything’s locked in.
About the Photographer
Susannah Storch is a professional photographer based in Berthoud, Colorado, specializing in family, newborn, and maternity photography across the Front Range. She has photographed Colorado families since 2006, serving Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, Lyons, Niwot, Erie, Broomfield, Fort Collins, and the greater Denver metro area.
