Los Pinos Peak Engagement Adventure

Last weekend, I roped in my buddies Ashley and Alex for a hike up to Los Pinos Peak in the Cleveland National Forest, and it turned into more than just a hike – it was an impromptu engagement photo session! It all started with me casually sending Ashley the trail info via AllTrails. In my half-asleep state, I mistook the trail’s “moderately trafficked” tag for a “moderate” difficulty rating. Oops! Turns out, it’s actually rated “hard.” But hey, I’m always up for a challenging trail that kicks my ass. Read on to discover just how this Los Pinos Peak Engagement Adventure came to fruition.

The Journey

Our journey kicked off on an uphill fire road, offering us amazing views of the city and distant mountain peaks. Nearing the peak, we wandered through shrubby paths and were greeted by cooler, windy conditions. The peak itself was a treasure, complete with a hiker’s locker and a notepad filled with notes from past adventurers. We took a break, snacked, and captured some beautiful shots of Ashley and Alex’s recent engagement, with the snow-capped Mount Baldy in the backdrop – which, by the way, brought back memories of my own summit a few years ago.

The hike back was a breeze, all downhill, chatting and laughing about the day’s surprises. To cap off the adventure, we indulged in some delicious vegan Thai-inspired cuisine before going our separate ways. It was a day of unexpected turns, laughter, and creating memories on the trail. Of all the surprises on this trip, the most exciting is getting to have a Los Pinos Peak Engagement Adventure.

Feeling inspired for your own unique engagement session? If you loved this adventure but are dreaming of something a bit more arid, check out this incredible desert engagement session here. Let’s plan your adventure engagement, whether it’s in the mountains or in the captivating beauty of the desert.

A person with a backpack stands on a trail in a scrubland environment, observed from behind by another person with a round, white backpack featuring colorful symbols.

A couple is pictured at Los Pinos Peak, which is at an elevation of 4510 feet, as indicated by the sign. They are enjoying a sunny day outdoors, with the man standing and the woman seated on a rock, her legs draped over his. They appear to be sharing a light-hearted, affectionate moment against a backdrop of distant mountains and clear skies.

A joyful couple shares a loving embrace at the summit of Los Pinos Peak, basking in the warmth of a sunny day.

A person stands on a rocky cliff overlooking a vast canyon landscape with the Colorado River winding through the valley below.

A couple is sitting on a rock with a mountain behind them. The woman is laughing while the man kisses her temple.

A couple is sitting on a rock facing away from th camera and into the distance.

A man kisses his partner on the forehead while she leans in closely.

A man places his hand on the woman's cheek as they gaze toward each other.

Two people holding hands; one hand is wearing an engagement ring.

Two hands are gently touching at the fingertips with the view of a hill in the background.

A couple is standing and holding hands along a hiking trail while looking off into the distance.

I’m Karen, a Southern California Elopement Photographer who empowers couples to create memories that will last a lifetime. I am dedicated to providing the tools you need to create an unforgettable experience.

I help couples by providing personalized location lists, planning resources, vendor recommendations, permits, timeline-curation, and much more to curate elopement days that will be cherished forever.

Your Southern California Elopement Photographer, planning expert, and adventure pal.

I'm here to empower you to create memories that will last a lifetime.