Engagement Photos at Dream Lake | Lois + Brandon
Lois + Brandon’s Dreamy Sunrise Hike
It’s not often that I wake up at 3:00 am to go for a hike, but when I do, it’s SO worth it! What a magical engagement photo session with Lois + Brandon at Dream Lake, a high alpine lake nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park in beautiful Colorado!
I met Lois + Brandon at 3:45 am outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, and they followed me in their car to the start of the trailhead. The hike to Dream Lake is rated “easy” and is about 2 miles out and back. We arrived with enough time to rest a little bit and get ready for our session. There’s nothing worse than running late for a sunrise!
It was pitch black out—and cold! Even though it was late June, the altitude and the fact that it was the middle of the night made it chilly. But we brought head lamps and warm coats. I always send my clients a list of things to bring, wear, and prepare ahead of time. I also bring extras of everything (blankets, ice spikes in case there’s snow, hand warmers, etc.) because I want my clients to be comfortable and feel like they’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at us!
We made the easy hike to the lake and took a moment to be present and take in the sight of the water and the dramatic rock face that rose behind it. For me, it’s a spiritual experience that never gets old. There’s something so special about being in nature, alone.
On this morning, I brought coffee for everyone, because the hardest part about making coffee is that you haven’t had your coffee yet ;) The hot drinks were a welcome pick-me-up and got us invigorated for the photo shoot.
Other people started arriving as we began shooting. Dream Lake is understandably busy, so it helps to plan ahead if you’re wanting to get photos there. Weekends are almost always packed, even at sunrise, but Mondays-Thursdays give you a better shot at having the place to yourself. We spent a little over an hour, moving around to different areas of the lake to get a variety of images.
It’s important to note that Dream Lake is not a ceremony site, so weddings or elopements are not allowed there. However, it’s a great option for before- or after-ceremony portraits. (Read about the park’s official ceremony sites on my blog How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park.)
Other things to know: RMNP charges an entrance fee per vehicle ($25) and a permit for professional photography (however, I will have secured that beforehand). Dogs are unfortunately not allowed at Dream Lake, but they are in other parts of the park. RMNP offers a free shuttle that helps with parking congestion that can happen at the most popular trailheads.
More info about Dream Lake can be found on the National Park Service website, or you can, of course, reach out to me to ask any questions! As your elopement guide, I’m here to help!
Colorado Engagement Photo Location // Dream Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park
Lois + Brandon
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