I have 2 days, maybe 2.5 in Moab UT this spring.

I’m planning on Arches 1 day + a couple hours at Dead Horse. 2nd day I’m going to visit Canyonlands Island in Sky + Needles and debating about this day.

going to start super early at Sunrise and at some point early afternoon head down to the Needles district which is where I’m deliberating.

some say just stop at the Needles overlook and you can see them all with less time and effort while others say there is nothing like going into the district itself for hikes - so worth the extra drive and time spent.

is that worth it for a half day to go all the way down? Given what we’ll see in island district - do you get that much change in scenery down there?What would you do?

I don't claim a full knowledge of the southern area of Canyonlands, but my impression is that the impressive overlook is a 30 minute hike following cairns to the edge of the canyon. I had some problems finding the trail to go back. I think that a drive down to the Needles and a return to Moab is too much if included with Island in the Sky. We camped south of Moab to see Arches and Island in the Sky and then camped in Needles to see that area.

I think that the overlooks from Island in the Sky are sufficient:
compared to the Needles:

I would pair Dead Horse with the visit to Island in the Sky as you go by it on the way and are almost at the NP when you get there. We didn't hike at Dead Horse, so only spent a short time at the overlooks which while wonderful are no more spectacular than those in Island in the Sky.

I like the Needles District and it gives you a very different look at the area as you are down in the canyons rather than on top looking down. It does take about an hour to get there from Moab, but if your travel is from the south on 191 on the day of arrival or to the south on the day you leave, you could plan a quick visit there before or after your stay in Moab.

Do get something for lunch before you head out to Arches or Island in the Sky and bring water/drinks as there is no concession there although the VC does have water.

If you plan on hiking on a minimum: in Arches do Delicate Arch and Devil's Garden at least out to Landscape Arch, in Island in the Sky do Mesa Arch and out along the Grand View area, in Needles do Cowboy Camp/Cave Spring.

I've been to Needles about six times and will be going back in late May focusing primarily in Horse Canyon

There are two overlooks
1) One is named: Anticline & Needles Overlook off the highway to an overlook of Needles Park and about 200 degrees around. From the parking lot, it is about 100 meter hike. Junction is about 35 miles south of Moab's McDonalds.

The other is a hike to an overlook of the spires IN Needles. That is about a 10 km hike from Elephant Hill parking lot. Initial climb of about 100 yards is strenuous. Allow 5 hours round trip. If you an EXPERIENCED 4-WD, drive to the Joint Trail head (aka Chesler TH) via Elephant Hill. It is easier and shorter hike.

Which are you planning?
Vaga

I preferred Needles to Island in the Sky and would hate to see you miss it.