Snowy Hiking Engagement Photos in the Colorado Mountains
Alissa & Eitan’s adventure hiking engagement session at Mayflower Gulch was nothing short of magical. This, right here, is what it’s all about. These two incredible humans love each other so well—constantly finding ways to say “I love you” in the smallest, most thoughtful gestures. Their snowy spring session in the heart of the Colorado Rockies was packed with intention, laughter, and adventure.
We hiked at Mayflower Gulch, a breathtaking location nestled between Frisco and Leadville, Colorado. Mayflower Gulch is a sentimental location for Alissa and Eitan, so they just KNEW they had to take their engagement photos there. It was a relatively quick hike, with postholing through fresh powder and the occasional gust of alpine wind to keep us on our toes. What really made the session special wasn’t just the landscape—it was the way Alissa & Eitan shared it, side by side.
Their love is vibrant, honest, and deeply connected. Whether they’re catching live music or snuggling up with their pup Murphy, Alissa & Eitan are always down for a good time—and this day was the perfect reflection of their wild, wonderful love.
Their Love Story
- Alissa & Eitan met through mutual friends, and their connection sparked fast.
- They’re the kind of couple who live for weekend adventures, camping trips, and traveling for festivals.
- Eitan proposed during a family ski trip in Tahoe—fitting, right?
- They chose an adventure engagement session because they wanted something them: relaxed, adventurous, scenic, and dog-friendly.
- What mattered most? Documenting the entire day—from trailhead to post-hike beers in town. They wanted to remember everything.
The Day Unfolded
Getting Ready & Trail Start
Alissa & Eitan stayed in Leadville, Colorado the night before our sunrise hike at Mayflower Gulch. I camped nearby (your photographer always comes prepared 🏕️), scouting conditions and making sure everything was good to go.
At the trailhead, Murphy bounded out of the Subaru like the handsome, freshly-groomed trail buddy he is. Alissa carried her dress, Eitan laced up his boots, and we hit the snowy trail with big smiles and high vibes.
Mayflower Gulch Engagement Photos & Hike
We trekked about 1.5 miles up into the snow-blanketed basin of Mayflower Gulch, surrounded by jagged peaks and old mining cabins tucked into the landscape. Once we reached the top, Alissa changed into her whimsical white dress (yes, it was from Amazon and yes, I’m obsessed) and they shared sake shots from a handmade shotski.
Between Murphy’s excitement, the snow glittering in the sun, and their willingness to posthole through knee-deep snow with total joy, it was adventure photo magic.
After our Mayflower shoot, we made a quick stop at Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir for a few more portraits—right before the rain rolled in. We timed it perfectly.
Post Hike Brewskies in Leadville
To wrap up the day, we headed into Leadville for a celebratory drink at the historic Delaware Hotel Bar. The staff was amazing and went out of their way to help us get the perfect photo.
And then, as if the day couldn’t get any better, we popped into Melanzana on a whim and scored a last-minute appointment. We all left with the newest Melly colors—truly the cherry on top of a day packed with magic.
Mayflower Gulch Adventure Engagment Photos
📍 Colorado Elopement Locations Featured:
Why Mayflower Gulch is a Perfect Elopement Location:
- Epic alpine views, snowy peaks, and old mining cabins at the top
- Moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike—adventurous but doable
- No permits required
- Dog-friendly and accessible year-round (bring spikes or snowshoes in winter)
- Close to charming mountain towns like Leadville and Frisco
Bonus Nearby Spot:
Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir is just down the road and ideal for those quick golden hour portraits.
Leadville Local Highlights:
- Melanzana: iconic for custom colorful fleeces (worth the hype, trust me)
- The Delaware Hotel: perfect for post-hike drinks & vibes
- Buchi Café: Alissa & Eitan’s go-to Cuban sandwich stop
Pro Tips:
- Plan for an early start on a weekday to beat the crowds
- Bring traction like microspikes in early spring and winter
- Grab celabratory drinks in Leadville—it makes your day feel even more memorable
- Hire a photographer who knows all the best spots(👋 hi, that’s me)
Alissa & Eitan’s Mayflower Gulch Adventure Engagement Photos
This day was unforgettable. Not because of the epic views or the perfect weather (though we had both), but because Alissa & Eitan radiated a kind of joy that made everyone around them feel lighter. Watching them laugh together in the snow, take shots at the summit, and stroll through Leadville with fleece shopping bags in hand—I couldn’t have asked for a more them day.
Why the Right Photographer Matters
Alissa & Eitan had a vision. They wanted snow covered peaks, a sentimental Colorado location, their pup, and a full-day experience—and I made sure they got every moment documented, just the way they imagined. My job is to help bring your vision to life, whether that’s a quiet mountaintop elopement or an epic engagement hike followed by beers and Melly shopping.
When you hire someone who gets you, who’s down for anything, and who plans with you—not just for you—that’s when the magic happens.
Thinking about planning your own Colorado mountain engagement session or elopement?
Let’s create something just as adventurous, meaningful, and true to you. From planning to the trailhead & celebratory drinks—I’ll be there every step of the way.
