Brandon and Carly planned an incredible Utah trip and managed to hit just about every National Park on the way — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. After their deep dive into red rock country, they made their way up to Salt Lake City to see what the mountains looked like up here (spoiler: very different, also very beautiful).

Brandon had skied Snowbird before, but hadn’t really explored the canyon in other seasons. Little Cottonwood is one of those places that catches people off guard — the mountains rise straight up from the road and it feels a little bit like stepping into a postcard. He asked me for recommendations for a spot with an epic view, so I sent him options throughout the canyon. Out of everything, he fell in love with Alta Peruvian Lodge. It has that classic ski-lodge charm with huge mountains right behind it and an atmosphere that feels cozy even in the summer.

Helping plan proposals is always an honor, but this one felt especially fun given how much thought Brandon put into the entire trip. After trekking through half the state, ending with a quiet moment in the mountains where the air is cool and the peaks are right there felt just right. And Carly’s reaction made it even sweeter — the perfect finale to a pretty unforgettable Utah adventure.

If you’re planning a proposal in/around Salt Lake City, you can see more location ideas and inspiration here. I also wrote a blog with tips for getting great proposal photos here — super helpful if you’re planning one.