Dreamy Colorado Proposal at Mills Lake | RMNP Engagement

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Get ready to be inspired by this gorgeous Colorado proposal at Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park! Another surprise proposal, perfectly pulled off on the dreamiest day in late-May.

Why Mills Lake for Your Colorado Proposal Location?

Nestled deep in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is Mills Lake. This is certainly one of my favorite locations for a surprise proposal.

The hike itself is just over 5 miles roundtrip, starting from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead (heads-up—it fills up fast!). If that trailhead is full, you can also start from the Bear Lake Trailhead. What makes it truly special isn’t just the view at the top (which is insane, by the way), it’s the entire hike.

You’ll walk through a stunning forest trail that’s photogenic at every turn. From aspen groves to cascading waterfalls to crossing numerous bridges over alpine streams. When you arrive at the lake, prepare to be absolutely blown away. You will be arriving to sweeping mountain views behind a large treelined lake. It’s almost like you’ve walked into a calendar.

Unlike more popular nearby spots like Dream Lake or Emerald Lake, Mills Lake tends to be less crowded. The lake has long shorelines, offering tons of room to spread out. That means you’re more likely to get epic, private-feeling proposal photos, without a crowd in the background.

Planning a Surprise Proposal in Rocky Mountain National Park

This particular Colorado proposal took place in late May. This time of the year is stunning in RMNP because you have snow-capped mountains while the weather is starting to really warm up!

As you can see, there was still quite a bit of snow on the trail. If you’re thinking about a springtime adventure, I definitely recommend bringing microspikes through early June (at least). Here in the mountains, there’s often snow and ice lingering longer than you’d expect!

To pull this off, I hiked up ahead of the couple to a pre-determined location that we had mapped out beforehand.

One of the perks of working together on your surprise proposal? You’re never doing this alone.

I will help you come up with a game plan, walk you through cues and timing, scout trail conditions, and more. That way, all you have to do is show up and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Learn more about Hiring a Surprise Proposal Photographer here.

Surprise proposal at Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

RMNP Engagement Photos After the Proposal

Once they were officially engaged (cue all the happy tears 🥹), we took full advantage of the return hike. I always recommend building in extra time after your proposal to capture those just-got-engaged feels. Plus, you walk away with engagement photos from your day as well!

From alpine backdrops to forest trails and waterfalls, the scenery gave us plenty to work with on the way down!

Mills Lake engagement photos in Estes Park

Couple hiking after surprise proposal in Colorado

Hiking shoes with traction for Mills Lake hike in May

Couple hiking across a bridge in Rocky Mountain

Couples photos at a mountain overlook in Colorado

RMNP engagement photos at mountain overlook in Glacier Gorge

Meet Your Colorado Proposal Photographer

Hey, I’m Amber! I’m based in Estes Park and specialize in capturing adventure-filled, authentic proposal and elopement stories for outdoor-loving couples across Colorado.

Whether you’re planning a mountaintop moment, lakeside vows, or a low-key hike with a surprise twist, I’d love to help you make it incredible (and stress-free!).

Ready to do this? Fill out the inquiry form below and let’s meet!

Let’s do this