Arches NP
While I realize that you can never see "everything" in a lifetime, what's a reasonable amount of time to see the Arches, we do take short, relatively easy to moderate hikes, but not "avid" hikers. but are more interested in the sites.
Forum Discussion
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- Plan on being in the area for at least 4 days. And that wont be enough time.
If you are a photographer or just like to take beautiful photos, pick up the brochure at the Visitors center that gives the time of day and details about taking pictures of the different rock formations. - It depends on if you also plan on seeing nearby
Canyonlands NP
Dead Horse Point SP
Natural Bridges NM
Capital Reef NP
Zion NP
Bryce Canyon NP
Grand Staircase Escalante NP
If none of the above, then 3-4 days. I would at LEAST check out Canyonlands and Dead Horse because they are close by. Canyonland has some breathtaking viewpoints that aren't a long hike.
My favorite was Capital Reef, but thats because we ARE avid hikers. Great hiking there.
Also, if you can get there by driving on Rte 12, do it, and plan lots of extra time for pulling over to oooh and aaaah over the views.
Sue - Be sure to stay on the major trails. Stay off what they label "primitive " trails as they contain lots of ev elevation changes and slippery rocks
- the most impressive arch I saw was Mesa arch, across the highway from the Arches in the canyonlands. I took one photo thru the arch and later saw a virtually identical picture in a Nikon ad. it is a short hike around to get to it.
bumpy - For Arches itself you could do the drives and some easy hikes in 2-3 days. However, there is so much more to do in the immediate area that keeping busy for a longer period would be no problem.
