Zion National Park Elopement
Back in December I met Lexy & Ashton when we did an engagement session up in the cold & snowy mountains, just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. This time when we reconnected, it was at a trail head just outside of Zion National Park in Southern Utah, on a warm day in mid-May.
Lexy & Ashton came prepared to hike her dress, his suit, their shoes and more to an overlook that would surely take their breath away. As they loaded their backpack up with all they would need, I checked my camera bag. We all loaded up and hit the trail.
The trail we took to the overlook is my absolute favorite hike! Although it is a little lengthy for some, it is somewhat flat most of the way, with a small hill and a few switchbacks near the end. It was a little above 90° f that day, but thankfully a large portion of this hike is in the shade. Everyone we passed that was on their way back told us we still had a ways to go. But we were ready to see the view.
Once we were near the overlook, Observation Point, we came around a corner and suddenly we were viewing the fullness of the main canyon of Zion National Park. We could clearly see Angels Landing, the road the shuttle buses drive on, and the spot where Ashton proposed to Lexy last year.
As soon as we all took it in, Lexy & Ashton set up their changing tent and we took time to experience the view before us. Every time I have hiked this trail, I have always gotten to the overlook just in time for sunset. It is absolutely majestic watching the golden light slip away from the canyon. As the light highlights different parts of the canyon, you are able to see things you never would otherwise.
While spending our evening at the overlook, Lexy and Ashton shared many intimate moments as they began their marriage together. Lexy & Ashton’s relationship is beautiful and unique. The way they laugh, look into eachother’s eyes, sit on cliff edges, the history they share and so much more, create a unique story. When I say every relationship is unique, I mean it.
Once the sun set, and we were ready to head back, we packed our backpacks up and hit the trail again.
Hiking back in the pitch black darkness, is honestly, amazing! There are a few spots on the trails where the trees open up and, if you turn your headlamps off, you can see the milky way! It’s incredibly peaceful to hike back in the dark. Without being able to see the landscape, you’re forced to take it in through the sounds and the way the ground feels.
Anytime I’m in Zion, I make my way to this trail and head out on this adventure for my absolute favorite view!
