Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited places in the state, and for good reason! With hundreds of miles of trails to explore as well as a plethora of easily accessible views, it makes a wonderful place to propose! As frequent visitors of the park, we have a few recommendations to make sure your Rocky Mountain National Park proposal goes off without a hitch.

Best Places to Propose in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sprague Lake Proposal

A favorite accessible spot in the park, Sprague Lake has a dock that is perfect for popping the question! With a short walk from the trailhead and wheelchair-accessible trails, it is also a popular spot for hikers and other tourists visiting the park. It has dramatic views of the mountains and lake, as well as a knoll that you can hike up to for better views. Check out Jamie and Zach’s engagement session at Sprague Lake!

3M Curve Proposal

3M Curve is perfect for couples who love rock formations with views of the mountains. There is a small rock outcropping with views of the meadows below and the famous 14,000 Longs Peak in the background that provides a semi-private spot to propose.

Check our Bryson + Marisa’s 3M Curve Proposal for inspiration!

Moraine Park Proposal

Moraine Park is a dreamy spot with a vast meadow, dramatic mountain views, and a creek that meanders through. It’s a popular spot for elk to hang out and provides a good amount of privacy for your proposal! Amye + Harper’s engagement session at Moraine Park is a great example!

Dream Lake Proposal

If you’re looking for somewhere scenic to propose after a short hike, Dream Lake might be your ideal spot! With stunning views year-round, this 2.2-mile round-trip hike is perfect for getting your heart pumping while not having to hike too far before proposing. It is one of the busiest hikes in the park, so be sure to plan for early morning or late afternoon, and avoid weekends and holidays if you are planning to propose here. Check out Allison and Ben’s winter engagement session at Dream Lake!

Trail Ridge Road Proposal

Accessible only during the summer and early fall, a Trail Ridge Road proposal is perfect for the couple looking for dramatic mountain views above treeline. On Trail Ridge Road you truly feel like you’re on top of the world – at around 10,000 foot elevation, you practically are! Because of the fragile ecosystem in the alpine tundra, it is especially important to stay on the trail and on durable surfaces in this area. Kevin and Emily’s engagement session on Trail Ridge Road is the perfect inspiration!

West Alluvial Fan Proposal

For couples looking to go a bit off the beaten path, consider proposing at West Alluvial Fan! This spot tends to be a bit less busy than other locations in the park and has stunning views of a creek, aspens, and the Endovalley.

Tips for Planning Your Rocky Mountain National Park Proposal

If you’re looking to propose in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Plan to Avoid Crowds

Rocky Mountain National Park gets extremely busy on weekends and holidays. In order to have the most privacy, we strongly recommend planning your proposal on a weekday. If a weekday isn’t an option, sunrise can also be a good option to avoid crowds and enjoy a bit of privacy! The park is typically the busiest from mid-morning through the afternoon. If you’re planning on hiring a photographer, the best time of day for good lighting (and typically the least-busy times of day!) are sunrise and sunset.

Photography Permits are Required

If you are working with a photographer, be sure that they have obtained a photography permit to document your proposal. Permits can be purchased by your photographer here. As photographers who regularly capture proposals in the park, we handle all necessary permits for proposals and engagement sessions!

Check to See If Timed Entry Is Required

Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a Timed Entry Permit System during peak season. As of January 2023, reservations are required May 26 through October 22, 2023. If you are planning to propose at this time, be sure to reserve your slot!

If you are working with a photographer, their photography permit will act as your reservation. While you will not need to purchase a separate reservation, you will still need to pay the entrance fee. As of January 2023 a 1-day pass is $30 and a 7-day pass is $35.

Be Prepared for Your Rocky Mountain National Park Proposal

Weather changes rapidly in Rocky Mountain National Park, especially at higher elevations. If you are planning to propose in the park be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand. The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can be significantly different from other places in the state, such as Denver or Boulder!

During the warmer months, anyone planning to hike should consider bringing layers (including a rain jacket), lots of water, bug spray, sunglasses, a snack, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear at the very minimum. During the winter you will also likely need gloves, a hat/earmuffs, snowshoes or microspikes, and hand/foot warmers.

Give Wildlife Space

There is a high probability that you’ll see wildlife when in the park. Elk, moose, pika, marmots, chipmunks, birds, deer, and foxes are just some of the animals that call the park home and might make an appearance during your proposal! While it is always an incredible experience to see wildlife, it is important to be sure to give the animals lots of space and not to try to feed or touch them.

Leave No Trace

Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place to explore. By practicing Leave No Trace while in the park, we can work to keep it that way for generations to come! The seven principles of Leave No Trace are:

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Others

You can learn more about how you can Leave No Trace here!

Where to Celebrate after Your Rocky Mountain National Park Proposal

After you’re finally engaged, there’s no better way to celebrate than with dinner or drinks! Below are some of our favorite local restaurants and businesses to celebrate at.

Restaurants for a Nice Meal

• Dunraven
• Twin Owls Steakhouse
• Bird and Jim
• Seasoned
• Mama Rose’s

Where to Get a Celebratory Drink

• The Barrel
• Lumpy Ridge Brewing
• Avant Garde Aleworks
• Rock Cut Brewing
• Snowy Peaks Winery
• The Stanley Hotel’s Whiskey Bar

Planning to Propose in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Meet Larissa and Bailey! We are two born and raised Coloradoans who specialize in planning and capturing epic proposals for our couples that feel authentic to who they are. If a Rocky Mountain National Park proposal sounds right up your alley, we’d love to help you find THE perfect spot and make sure it’s a day you never forget with stunning pictures to remember it by. Just get in touch and we’ll get planning!