Colorado is the perfect spot for you if you’re excited about flying drones and exploring beautiful places! Colorado is a wonderful destination, no matter the season. It’s filled with stunning mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and deserts that will take your breath away.
In the mountain towns, you can unwind and enjoy the amazing views. These towns are famous for fun activities like flying drones, skiing, hiking, climbing, and biking.
Where To Fly Drones in Colorado:
This article will help you know where to fly your drone in Colorado without any worries. I’ll also share important information about places where drone flying isn’t allowed according to the law. And most importantly, I’ll provide you with all the necessary rules to ensure you follow the federal, state, and local regulations. Let’s get ready to discover the drone-flying wonders of Colorado!
Best Places to fly drones in Colorado
I want to recommend some wonderful places where you can fly drones in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I picked these places based on how easy they are to reach, the airspace rules, and the cool things you can see there.
1. Garden of the Gods
One of the best places to fly drones in Colorado is the Garden of the Gods. This incredible park in Colorado Springs is full of towering rock formations that make for amazing drone shots. You can capture the unique beauty of the red rocks against the blue sky and the surrounding greenery. Ensure you follow the rules and treat nature kindly while flying your drone.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
Another fantastic spot to fly drones in Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. This famous park has incredibly beautiful sights, like big mountains, calm lakes, and thick forests. Flying a drone here allows you to capture breathtaking panoramic views and showcase the park’s diverse beauty from above. But remember that national parks have specific rules and regulations, so make sure you’re well-informed before taking off.
3. Cathedral Pines Trailhead
If you go to the Cathedral Pines in the Black Forest, you’ll find a five-mile trail called Pike Peak Loop. This trail is really nice – it goes through pine tree areas and some open spaces. It’s a perfect place to capture drone videos. And what’s really neat is that the mountains around there look totally different from the flat, dry ground of the Pike Peak Loop.
4. Shoshone National Forest
Shoshone National Forest is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a fantastic spot to fly your drone. This vast forest spans an impressive 2.4 million acres, giving you plenty of space to soar your drone. The forest is a treasure trove of stunning views and exciting activities. You can capture the area’s beauty from the sky, getting breathtaking views of lakes, trees, and more.
With its expansive landscape and natural beauty, Shoshone National Forest is an ideal destination for drone enthusiasts to experience and capture the magic of the outdoors.
5. Hanging Lake:
You can happily fly your drone here without any legal worries. If hiking is your thing, you can take your drone along when you visit the White River National Forest. This special place lets you record stunning videos of a mountain lake that shines with super clear water and stunning waterfalls.
6. Dillon Reservoir:
You can also fly your drone at Dillon Reservoir, but there’s something important to do first. You must register your drone with the Denver Water Authority to ensure everything goes well. This helps avoid any problems like your drone being taken away.
When you’re flying your drone at Dillon Reservoir, you can control it to hover in the air or lower it down slowly toward the water. This way, you can get some really nice shots. If you’re interested, you can also capture footage of a cool water wheel in Idaho Springs.
For commercial drones, there’s an interesting use too. They can collect water samples from old mining pits to check the water quality. It’s a unique way drones can be helpful!
7. Monument Rock:
Imagine exploring Monument Rock, a truly one-of-a-kind rock formation in Colorado. Now, picture the incredible views you can capture using a drone. As you follow the hiking trail nearby, your drone can help you capture breathtaking images and videos of Monument Rock.
The backdrop of the lush forest and the charming little lake to the north add an extra touch of beauty to your aerial shots, leaving you craving even more stunning sights.
Related Article: Where can I fly drone in Atlanta and Georgia
8. Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area:
This small village park offers a wonderful view of Palmer Lake and the nearby Mt. Herman. It’s a great spot to spend a relaxed afternoon flying your drone or taking a stroll on the trails. Remember to double-check before flying over the lake as paddle boarders and kayakers often use it. To stay safe, it’s a good idea to use waterproof drones when flying them over a lake.
9. Ketring Park:
Ketring Park is the spot to explore if you’re looking for a great place to fly your drone in Littleton, Colorado. Situated right in Littleton, this park offers a special airspace classification (Class G) that makes it drone-friendly. It means drone pilots have the freedom to fly their drones without too many restrictions.
Ketring Park is situated across from Ketring Lake and boasts a large open area, giving drone enthusiasts plenty of space to enjoy their flights. The park’s lush green spaces create a wonderful backdrop for your drone adventures.
One of the highlights of Ketring Park is the presence of beautiful trees and mountain vistas. These natural features provide an excellent opportunity to capture stunning aerial shots with your drone.
So, if you’re in Littleton and want to experience the joy of flying your drone in a spacious and scenic location, don’t miss out on Ketring Park.
Related Article: Best Places to Fly A Drone In Sedona
10. Royal Gorge Bridge
Among the many bridges drone photographers love to capture, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is a captivating subject. This bridge offers amazing views of the gorge within the park, making it a popular destination for aerial videography.
However, it’s important to note that strict flying restrictions are currently in place. Both commercial and recreational drone operators must reach out to park authorities ahead of time to stay updated on the latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) regulations.
While some drone pilots attempt to fly their drones into the park from outside areas, avoiding this practice is advisable.
11. Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine
One of the places you shouldn’t miss in Colorado is the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine. This mine is an open-pit type and is currently in operation. They even offer tours to show you how everything works. While you might not be allowed to fly your drone directly above the mine, you can still capture amazing shots from a good distance. The mine is surrounded by tall mountains and peaks, making it a fantastic spot for capturing stunning panoramic photos.
Local Drone Rules in Colorado For Different Places:
These special drone rules apply only to specific places like towns or cities within Colorado. Different groups in the state made these rules.
Cherry Hills Village – Town Law
You must register your drone with the FAA and follow their rules for flying drones in Cherry Hills. You can’t fly your drone over city places like streets, trails, parks, or buildings.
Aurora City – Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Drone Policy
In Aurora, you can only take off or land your drone in parks or city areas with permission from the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space. Some areas might be okay for flying drones, but you must follow their rules.
Lakewood City – City Law
Lakewood’s law says you can’t take off or land your drone in certain places.
Telluride Town – Town Law
Before flying your drone over private or city property here, you need permission from the town or the people who own the property. You can’t fly dangerously for people or animals or if you’re not in control. Also, you can’t fly if you’ve been drinking alcohol or using certain substances.
Boulder City – Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Drone Policy
You’ll need special permission if you’d like to fly your drone in an OSMP park. You can learn how to get it by visiting their website.
Get Drone Training in Colorado:
UAV Coach offers training classes if you want to learn how to fly a drone safely in Colorado. These classes are in person and last for about 2 hours. You’ll get to practice flying with an instructor, learn about flight modes, and learn how to follow the rules. You can also ask questions about regulations, software, and how to manage your flights properly. It’s all about being safe and following the right steps!
FAQs:
Certainly! Colorado’s mountains offer breathtaking scenery that’s perfect for drone flying. However, there are rules to follow to ensure safety and respect for the environment. It’s important to fly your drone responsibly, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow any specific regulations in your flying area.
Flying a drone in Colorado is generally allowed, but there are rules you must follow. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific guidelines for drone flight, including staying below 400 feet, flying within your line of sight, and avoiding restricted areas like airports. Additionally, certain areas in Colorado might have their own rules or restrictions, so it’s essential to research and adhere to local regulations.
Yes, you can fly drones in some Denver parks, but there are rules to remember. Denver Parks and Recreation has guidelines for drone use, which include obtaining a permit for commercial drone operations and following FAA rules. It’s crucial to fly responsibly, avoid flying over crowds, and respect the privacy of others while enjoying drone flights in Denver’s parks.
Flying drones in national forests in Colorado is allowed, but it comes with certain considerations. The FAA regulations, such as staying below 400 feet and flying responsibly, still apply. However, being mindful of the natural environment and wildlife is essential. Flying drones can disturb animals and other visitors, so respecting the forest and its inhabitants is important.
Where are drones not allowed in Colorado?
While Colorado offers many beautiful places to fly drones, there are areas where drone flight is restricted. Drones are not allowed near airports, as they can pose a safety risk to aircraft. Additionally, flying drones over people without their consent is discouraged. National parks and some state parks have their own rules about drone use, often limiting or prohibiting it from protecting the landscape and visitors’ experiences. Always prioritize safety, respect for others, and compliance with regulations when flying your drone in Colorado.
Last word:
Colorado has lots of beautiful places where drone lovers can take amazing pictures. You can see nature in a special way from the sky. Whether you’re flying above big mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park or checking out the cool rocks in Garden of the Gods, always be safe, follow the rules, and enjoy Colorado’s beauty from up high. Have fun flying your drone!
