Arhes, canyonlands and capitol reef National Parks-hiking trails
 

I will be spending 2 days each at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and 1/2 day at Capital Reef National Park in early October. Which hiking trails should not be missed in each park?

I second Delicate Arch hike at Arches. It is a popular hike and not too strenuous but the landscape is gorgeous and being able to stand under the arch is an amazing experience!

Topping this for you.

My favorite is the Devil's Garden hike returning via the Primitive Trail. You'll pass about 10 different arches, amazing views and a really fun trail. We also enjoyed the Tower Arch hike. Both much less crowded than Delicate Arch, although in Oct it should be pretty quiet. Arches is so scenic; just amazing. Fiery Furnace is only available led by a park ranger. I haven't done that one yet. At Canyonlands Islands in the Sky district, the short hike to Mesa Arch is a must and the Grand View Pt hike has some great views. In Capitol Reef, we really enjoyed Chimney Rock. It's an awesome trip - you'll love it.
Here are some pics if you're interested - http://www.pbase.com/peterb/utah04

Thanks for the answers; Utahtea, do you have any favorites?

Just one last check if any one else had any favorite hikes in these parks.

Bayridge

Unfortunately, I haven't made it to Arches or Canyonlands yet, but I have a suggestion for Capital Reef, which we also visited in October.

Since I imagine you'll see many arches in the other two parks, I think Grandwash may offer some diversity, We walked about 5 miles, but you can make it longer. Some places the 600' walls are only about 20' wide, so it gives you a different perpective.

Hi,

Delicate Arch is my favorite in Arches. I also like the Park Avenue hike, the hike to Landscape arch and if you don't mind doing 5 miles round trip...keep going to Double O arch, walk on fins and make it all the way to Dark Angel and back. Even though these are short little hikes don't miss Double Arch and the Windows.

Mesa Arch is not to be missed in Canyonlands, Island in the Sky district. I also really like the Grandview hike. This isn't a hike, but make sure you make it to the Green River Overlook!

In Capitol Reef my favorite hike is Grand Wash. I also like Capitol Gorge, Colob Canyon early in the day and the Fremont Trail in the evening. Make sure you do the short Petroglyph walk.

Utahtea

At Capitol Reef, Grand Wash is ok, but the trail to Hickman Bridge is also interesting.

Grand Wash with the Cassiday Arch extension is also a good hike.

At the end of the scenic drive, there is a trail to The Tanks, which are pockets in the sandstone which store water, hence the name Waterpocket Fold.

Delicate Arch is a winner of a hike, as well.

Just a word of thanks for all who sent me their thoughts on hikes in these three national parks. My wife and I were so blown away last year by Zion and Bryce that we just had to come back to Utah this year.