Heading to Kolob Canyons:

We had one more day in Zion before heading to Las Vegas in the evening, so we decided to spend it in the lesser traveled section of Kolob Canyons. Kolob Canyons is still part of Zion National Park, but to get there from the main area, you have to exit the park, drive through Springdale and La Verkin, drive north on I-15, and then finally drive back into Zion National Park at the Kolob Canyons entrance. 

As we were heading out of Zion and through Springdale, Nisheet suggested we stop at the outfitters and take a shower. We hadn’t taken a shower in a couple days since Zion doesn’t have any inside the park, and Nisheet insisted on arriving in Vegas clean. Ummmm…. OK. We met back at the car after the shower and Nisheet instantly asked why I hadn’t dried my hair or put on makeup. Uhhh… because we were going on another hike? Guys…they just don’t understand 🙂 I guess Nisheet was super excited about getting to Vegas and looking good! 

Anyways, the next stop was in La Verkin. We were originally supposed to stay in a hotel here before a campsite opened up in Zion. So, I had already done research and found a cute little drive through coffee shop (River Rock Roasting Company) that was supposed to have excellent coffee. It reminded me of the little coffee stands you see in Seattle. And, it was just as good! I had an Almond Joy coffee, and it tasted exactly like an Almond Joy. Yum! 

Kolob Canyons

And then we finally made it to Kolob Canyons! If you want the majestic views of Zion without the crowds, this is definitely the place to come. You have to stop at the Visitor Center to pay or show your pass, and there were only a handful of people there. It was so glorious to be away from the crowds!! 

There is a short scenic drive through the Kolob Canyons with pull-offs and trailheads along the way. However, we were heading to the very end of the scenic drive, to the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. It is a short trail that ends at a beautiful overlook. Just what we were looking for. We wanted a little hike and great views, but we also wanted to get on the road and head to Las Vegas in the early afternoon. 

While we were hiking out, we passed a few people on their way back, and they assured us the views were stunning. Once we got to the end, the views were indeed amazing, and we had the whole overlook to ourselves! Score! Since there was no one around, Nisheet suggested we do one more dance video. 

Background: We had been filming ourselves the entire trips with breathtaking backgrounds so we could put together a funny video when we returned home. 

During the Egyptian Mummy Dance, I turned around, and Nisheet was on one knee. He had managed to hide the ring and a bottle of champagne from me the entire trip. I was completely surprised, and I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful place or a more romantic proposal.

And, now I understood why he wanted to take a shower. Too bad I hadn’t put on any makeup!

Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

As if the proposal hadn’t been enough, Nisheet had a celebration night in Vegas planned out too. You see, I had planned all of Bryce and Zion, so when Nisheet said he would plan the Vegas portion of the trip, I thought nothing of it. I thought he was just trying to help out with the planning. 

I thought we were staying at a hotel off the strip, but Nisheet surprised me with a room at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel because he knew Paris was one of my favorite cities in the entire world. We spent the next couple hours lounging by the pool and sipping on cocktails.

Scarpetta

After a couple hours at the pool, Nisheet told me we had dinner reservations, so we got dressed up and headed out. Turns out he had reservations at Scarpetta for a table overlooking the Bellagio fountains. We had the most delicious lobster pasta and exquisite cocktails with light Italian music in the background and a view to-die-for. I felt like a princess. 

Jean Philippe

Then, we made our way to Jean Philippe and picked out a pistachio and raspberry cake to share. Scrumptious! 

High Roller

At this point, the night was surely over, right? But Nisheet had one more surprise for me. We had tickets for an open bar on the High Roller! The views over the city and our own personal bar tender made for the perfect ending to the perfect day. 

And that is our engagement story. I am truly the luckiest girl in the world.