Rocky Mountain National Park Bear Lake Fall Engagement Session | Shayla and Dave

There’s nothing quite like Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall, and Bear Lake was absolutely showing off during Shayla and Dave’s engagement session. With golden aspens lining the trail, crystal-clear alpine waters, and Hallett Peak towering in the background, it felt like the perfect Colorado postcard. Sitting at around 9,500 feet in elevation, Bear Lake is one of those spots that’s beautiful year-round, but especially magical in autumn.

From a Michigan Ski Resort to Colorado Love

Shayla and Dave’s story began in the most serendipitous way: a chance New Year’s Eve meeting at a ski resort in Northern Michigan. What followed was a long-distance relationship filled with adventure, eventually leading them to move to Colorado, where they fell even more in love, with the mountains, the lifestyle, and each other.

Since they’re planning their wedding back near family in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, they wanted their Colorado engagement session to reflect the natural beauty they’ve embraced here in the Rockies. Bear Lake, with its mix of alpine vibes and fall color, was the perfect spot.

Alpine Lakes and Autumn Color in RMNP

We spent the afternoon wandering the Bear Lake Trail, soaking in the fresh air and crisp mountain breeze. The aspen leaves were turning golden, and the lake was calm enough to reflect the changing canopy above.

Honestly, I’m hard-pressed to think of a more picture-perfect backdrop for an engagement session in Rocky Mountain National Park. Shayla and Dave agreed, this session felt like the perfect nod to both their Colorado chapter and their upcoming wedding in the Midwest at the Abbey Resort on Lake Geneva.

Dreaming of a fall engagement session in Colorado? Whether it’s Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, or a tucked-away alpine trail, let’s create something magical among the aspens.

I love photographing Colorado engagement sessions, check out more below.

xx,

Jennifer Lourie