Erie: Thomas Reservoir, Coal Creek, and Eastern Open Space
Erie sits on the eastern edge of Boulder County, where the foothills give way to the open plains. The town has been growing fast, and its open space system has been growing with it. Thomas Reservoir, Coal Creek's riparian corridor, and a network of trails through native prairie give you the wide-open Colorado landscape with the entire Front Range stretched across the western horizon.
Thomas Reservoir
Thomas Reservoir is a 10.7-acre reservoir on Erie's north side, and it is the town's best single location for photography. The reservoir has an ADA-accessible fishing pier that extends over the water, giving you an elevated platform with mountain views to the west. A pollinator garden along the eastern bank adds color and texture from late spring through fall.
I like Thomas Reservoir because it packs several backdrops into a compact space. The fishing pier works for portraits and family groups with water and mountains behind. The pollinator garden provides a wildflower setting. The open banks along the south shore give you the classic lake-and-prairie composition. You can shoot an entire session here without repeating yourself.
The mountain views from Thomas Reservoir are genuinely impressive for a location this far east. On clear days, you see the full Front Range from Longs Peak to the Flatirons, and the reservoir's elevation gives you a clean horizon line. The sunsets here are big, open, and colorful because the western sky is completely unobstructed.
Coal Creek Open Space
Coal Creek Open Space covers 399.6 acres in Erie, with over 10 miles of trails following Coal Creek through the town's western portion. The trail system passes through riparian corridors with mature cottonwoods, open prairie with mountain views, and creek crossings that add water elements to your compositions.
Coal Creek is my pick for sessions that need variety and distance from crowds. The sheer size of the open space means you can walk 15 minutes from any trailhead and find yourself essentially alone on the trail. The cottonwood groves along the creek are especially photogenic in fall when the canopy turns gold and the fallen leaves carpet the trail.
The riparian corridor creates a microclimate that is cooler and shadier than the surrounding prairie. On hot summer days, the creek-side sections offer relief from direct sun while maintaining good photographic light. The filtered light through the cottonwood canopy creates soft, even illumination that flatters faces.
Erie Community Park
Erie Community Park covers 49.3 acres near the center of town. It is a developed park with sports fields, playgrounds, and paved paths, and while it is not wilderness, it has enough variety to support a solid family session. The pumptrack and bike skills area are popular with kids and add an active, playful backdrop that works well for casual family portraits.
I use Erie Community Park for quick family sessions where convenience matters. The parking lot is large and free, the paths are paved and flat, and there are restrooms. For families with young kids who need to stay close to the car and have bathroom access, it is a practical choice that still delivers good photos.
Longs Peak Park
Longs Peak Park is named for the obvious reason: from its elevated position in Erie's northern neighborhoods, you get a direct, unobstructed view of Longs Peak to the northwest. The 14,259-foot mountain is the tallest peak visible from the Front Range urban corridor, and this park lines you up with it perfectly.
The park itself is modest: open grass, a trail, and some play features. But the Longs Peak view is the point. For sunset and golden hour sessions, the mountain catches the last light while the sky behind it fades through orange and purple. I position clients with Longs Peak over their shoulder, and the scale of the mountain in the background makes the whole scene feel grand.
Looking Ahead: Prairie Run Open Space
Prairie Run Open Space is a 1,377-acre property on Erie's eastern side that is currently being developed for public access. Phase I, with initial trail openings, is scheduled for May or June 2026. When complete, it will be one of the largest public open spaces in the entire northern Front Range.
I am keeping an eye on Prairie Run because the scale is remarkable. Nearly 1,400 acres of open prairie with mountain views and native grassland could become a significant photography destination for the eastern Boulder County area. The eastern position means big, unobstructed sunsets with the full mountain range as a backdrop. Once trails open, I will be among the first photographers out there to scout locations.
Logistics and Tips
- Parking: Thomas Reservoir has a free parking lot off Thomas Reservoir Parkway. Coal Creek trailheads have small lots along the trail corridor. Erie Community Park has a large lot off Erie Parkway. All free.
- Trail surfaces: Thomas Reservoir has paved and packed gravel paths. Coal Creek trails are packed gravel. Erie Community Park paths are paved. All are stroller-accessible.
- Erie Lake closure: Erie Lake Open Space is closed for construction improvements through summer 2026. Check the Town of Erie website for reopening updates before planning a session there.
- Best seasons: Summer for long evening sessions at Thomas Reservoir. Fall for golden cottonwoods along Coal Creek. Winter for crisp mountain views and dramatic Longs Peak sunsets. Spring for wildflowers at the pollinator garden.
- Wind: Erie is on the plains and gets more wind than locations closer to the foothills. Evening sessions are typically calmer. The Coal Creek corridor is more sheltered than the open prairie trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best outdoor photo spot in Erie?
Thomas Reservoir is the top choice. The 10.7-acre reservoir has an ADA-accessible fishing pier, a pollinator garden, mountain views to the west, and enough space to find a quiet spot for your session. The combination of water, mountains, and native plantings gives you the most variety in one location.
Is Erie Lake Open Space available for sessions?
Erie Lake is currently closed for construction improvements through summer 2026. Once it reopens, it will be a 20-acre park with year-round fishing and wildlife viewing. Check the Town of Erie website for the latest reopening timeline before planning a session there.
How much trail does Coal Creek Open Space have in Erie?
Coal Creek Open Space covers 399.6 acres in Erie with over 10 miles of trails. The trail system follows Coal Creek through a riparian corridor with cottonwoods, open prairie, and mountain views. It is one of the largest open spaces in the area and rarely feels crowded.
What is Prairie Run Open Space?
Prairie Run is a 1,377-acre open space on Erie's eastern side. Phase I is scheduled to open in May or June 2026 with initial trail access. When fully developed, it will be one of the largest public open spaces in the northern Front Range. It is worth watching for future sessions.
Are Erie's outdoor spaces accessible for families?
Yes. Thomas Reservoir has an ADA-accessible fishing pier and paved paths. Coal Creek trails are packed gravel and mostly flat. Erie Community Park has paved paths and contained areas for kids. These are practical, family-friendly locations that do not require any real hiking.
Photography Services
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