What I thought was just a hike with friends turned into a moment I’ll never forget. Four of us set out for Mount Baldy that morning with our boots laced, snacks packed, and a full day of adventure ahead. The trail was steep and the views were breathtaking. At the summit, love had its own plan….a surprise proposal on a mountaintop! This blog is the story of how a hike turned into the start of forever, surrounded by fresh air, good friends, and a question I never saw coming.
A Mountain, A Ring, and the Best Surprise of My Life
As we reached the summit, I led my partner to one of my favorite viewpoints. Unknowingly, I turned my back for just a second to take it all in and when I turned around, he was on one knee, ring in hand, and asked “Will you marry me?” with the San Gabriel Mountains stretching behind him. I was stunned in the best way possible. Wind in my hair, hands freezing, heart full. I said “Yes” with tears in my eyes and joy in my voice, with the world stretched wide below our feet.
And just when I thought the moment couldn’t be more perfect… My best friend, Alana, and her husband, Nam, pulled out the camera and champagne. They had been in on it the whole time. What a wonderful mountain marriage proposal and engagement celebration on top of Mount Baldy!
Destination Insights
Mount Baldy
Mount Baldy is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains (and the highest point in Los Angeles County). This hike felt like we were climbing into the clouds. Devil’s Backbone ridgeline lived up to its name being narrow, windy, and not for the faint of heart. Together, we all pushed through to the summit and were rewarded. We stood on cloud nine, gazing out over a world that stretched endlessly below. Talk about a proposal spot with stunning views!
Trailhead: Manker Flat up Devil’s Backbone then down Baldy Bowl
Distance: ~11-mile loop
Elevation: 10,064 ft
Gain: ~3,900 ft
Proposal Timeline
If you’re curious how everything came together behind the scenes, here’s how the plan unfolded (from what I now know):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| February | We had “the talk” about next steps. After living together for a year, my partner and I agreed an engagement would come after my June graduation. |
| Mid-March | My partner asked my Dad for his blessing. True to form, my dad joked, “What do you need my permission for?” before giving an enthusiastic yes. |
| Late-March | My partner took a fifth-generation diamond to a jeweler, having the precious stone set in a new engagement band for me. |
| Early-April | My partner started planning with my best friend, Alana. They picked out potential hikes for the proposal. Mount Baldy would be cold, but worth the view! |
| Late-April | The hike happened. The question was asked. The answer was yes. We toasted on the summit. Post hike, we FaceTimed our parents with sore feet and big smiles. |
Wilderness Wisdom
Planning a proposal on a mountain? Here are a few lessons we learned – perfect for any partners out there who are thinking about popping the question in the great outdoors:
- Let the proposal reflect you. Are you outdoorsy? Adventurous? Introverted? Choose a setting that fits your love story.
- Enlist a trusted friend. My best friend, Alana, carried the champagne and snapped every photo without me suspecting a thing. Find someone who knows how to plan and stay chill under pressure.
- Prep for the terrain. Don’t underestimate the hike! Start early, check the forecast, and keep the ring safely tucked away (a zippered pocket or secure case is a must). Bonus points if you practice kneeling in hiking boots.
- Know that altitude changes everything. At 10,000 feet, my hands were so cold and swollen the ring barely slid on. Don’t panic, because a perfect fit can happen at lower elevation and warmer temps.
- Celebrate with your favorite people. A toast on top of the world is a moment you’ll never forget. Plastic glasses, a mini bottle of bubbly, and a few happy tears go a long way toward turning a mountaintop proposal into an unforgettable memory.
Photo Journal
Summary
The surprise proposal on a mountaintop reminded me that love doesn’t need a big stage or polished moment. I wasn’t wearing makeup. My nails weren’t painted. My hair had long given in to the mountain wind. And somehow, that made everything feel even more right. We stood on the summit in hiking boots, wrapped in fresh air and surrounded by the people (and our dog) who know us best. We were grateful to have best friends capturing every second, then with champagne in hand to celebrate our engagement. For anyone dreaming of a love story on a mountaintop, I hope our love story inspires you to celebrate in a way that feels meaningful, personal, and true to your journey.
Have you ever had a moment that changed everything on the trail? Share your love stories in the comments.
Read about our Bachelorette Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, tips for a nature-inspired wedding, and our blogs on lifestyle!
