There is something very romantic about the Colorado Rockies in the dead of winter. While summer offers wildflowers, the winter transforms the landscape into a quiet, frozen fairytale. For this reason, Rocky Mountain National Park was the perfect location for Annie and Josh’s engagement session.

Why a Winter Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session is Magical

Choosing a winter session means trading the crowds for a sense of serene isolation. Consequently, the park feels more intimate. The contrast of a cozy couple against the vast, white wilderness is truly a photographer’s dream. For Annie and Josh’s session, we decided on the hike to Dream Lake. This iconic location takes on a completely different character once the alpine lakes freeze solid.

Planning Your Dream Lake Engagement Photos in the Winter

Winter photography in the mountains requires a unique strategy. For instance, “Golden Hour” happens quite late in the summer. In contrast, the sun drops behind Hallett Peak much earlier in the winter. Therefore, we started Annie and Josh’s hike around 1:00 PM to catch the best possible light.

Beating the Early Winter Sunset at Dream Lake

Starting in the early afternoon is not optional for a winter session. By hitting the trail at 1:00 PM, we ensured the sun was still high enough to spill light into the basin.

More importantly, this timing is a safety essential. Temperatures drop drastically the moment the sun dips behind the peaks. By finishing our shoot while there was still lingering light, we reached the Bear Lake trailhead before dark. As a result, we avoided the hazards of navigating icy terrain in the pitch black.

Safety and Altitude Tips for Your RMNP Session

If you are traveling from out of state, the altitude is no joke. Since Dream Lake sits at approximately 9,900 feet, the air is much thinner than at sea level. To prepare for this, keep these tips in mind:

• Hydrate Early: Start drinking extra water at least 48 hours before your session.
• Acclimate: Additionally, try to spend a night in Denver or Estes Park before heading to higher elevations.
• Know the Signs: Altitude sickness can cause headaches and dizziness. To prevent this, we take plenty of “scenery breaks” during the hike.
• Pack the Essentials: Bring extra wool socks, a headlamp, and high-protein snacks.

You can find more winter safety tips for your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park here.

Capturing Annie & Josh

Annie and Josh were absolute naturals in front of the lens. Because of the winter chill, they naturally engaged in a lot of snuggling and hand-holding. These moments translated beautifully into their photos. From walking across the ice to sharing laughs under the snow-dusted pines, their connection was the true highlight. Ultimately, there is a specific stillness at Dream Lake that makes every shutter click feel special.

Best Tips for Your Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session

If you’re planning a session in RMNP, here are a few final things to keep in mind:

• Traction Gear: Even a moderate trail can be an ice rink in the winter. Therefore, I recommend all my couples bring micro-spikes for their boots.
• Layering: Wear warm base layers under your photo outfits! Luckily, Annie and Josh did a great job of staying warm between shots.
• Timed Entrance Permit: Keep in mind that RMNP requires a permit. For Dream Lake, you specifically need the Timed Entrance Permit + Bear Lake Road option.
• Flexibility: Finally, remember that weather can change in a heartbeat. Being prepared for wind and sudden snow squalls is part of the adventure!

Thinking about Booking an Engagement Session in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Whether you want to trek through the snow to a frozen alpine lake or find a scenic overlook, I am here to help you navigate the magic of the Rockies. Click here to inquire about your own Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session.

While Dream Lake is a spectacular spot for portraits, the park has very specific rules for wedding ceremonies. If you’ve fallen in love with these views and are considering saying “I do,” you’ll need to know about designated ceremony sites and permit windows.

To learn more, check out my complete guide to eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park here to learn everything you need to know about planning your mountain wedding.