Judith

I am interested in visiting the National Parks in southern Utah in the fall for a month, driving, am 69 with bad knees, but am dying to see that gorgeous country. Is it possible to see enough to make it worthwhile without hiking? Maybe stay in one or two places and go from there. Anyone taken guided tours? I usually poke around northern AZ and NM and the "rez" but now want the big stuff.

Caitlin

Judith, I don't know how much walking you can do at all, but if you can do short, flat walks, you should be able to see a lot. I haven't been to the parks, but my father and stepmother went to Bryce and Zion last year, and she can not hike because of knee problems. She said there were plenty of paved or well-groomed, fairly flat trails that she could take for shortish walks and still see the major highlights. They stayed in the park lodges, and she said that put them really close to what they wanted to see without stress on her knees.

Bob Brown

I think you can see quite a bit, particularly if you have a good pair of binoculars. In Arches NP, some of the arches might be too far away to see well, but Delicate Arch can be viewed from the parking lot. It is fairly distant, but a good pair of binoculars can bring it much closer.
Bryce can be viewed from parking areas near the rim. There is a shuttle bus system now in place at Bryce that starts, if I recall correctly, in June.
Zion is now using a shuttle bus sytem, and the major sandstone formations such as the Great While Throne can be viewed from the roadside or the tram.
I think a ride on the boat at Lake Powell up to Rainbow Bridge is beautiful. You can sit on the boat and watch the scenery go by.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is quite reachable by car. The shuttle bus that takes visitors out on the West Rim drive stops at every overlook going out.
It is not a long walk from the bus stop to the viewing area. The walks are generally level without many steps at all.
I would not recommend Mesa Verde because to see the most interesting part, walking, even ladder climbing is required.
Canyonlands NP in the northern section can be viewed quite well from overlooks.
Yellowstone is a little different because a little walking is required to get to the viewing area for the geysers and the falls. But Great Fountain Geyser and Old Faithful are near parking lots and it is a flat walk to the viewing area. Also, a paved walk leads from the Old Faithful Visitor Center to Castle Geyser. I have seen quite a few people being rolled down there in wheel chairs so they could enjoy the view of the oldest geyser in the park. For any of the geysers, you must be prepared to wait a while for the eruption.
The most predictable geyser is of course Old Faithful. And that is the one that draws the biggest crowds. (I know Old Faithful is not in Utah, but I thought I would throw that in because it is such a treat to visit there.)
The Tetons of course can be viewed from the roadside without even getting out of the car. I really think you could enjoy yourself very much just be being there.

RB

Definitely go to North Rim of Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Parks. If you stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge at North Rim, you get an incredible vista from its veranda or just eating in the dining room- also the lodges at Bryce and Zion give you best access to many pretty views. There are walks at both Bryce and Zion that should be navigable for you from the car to the overlooks. Use the shuttles at the park- they're great for giving you a break from behind the wheel. Since you're driving, highly recommend this book: Scenic Driving Utah by Joe Bensen, published by Falcon Publishing. Very good tips on scenic drives, etc. The topography of this land is so outstanding, I think you'll be blessed if you just view it from the car window. Lastly, have you considered one of those walking sticks that has a fold-up tri-legged seat in it? That would allow you to take frequent rests. Or how about Leki hiking poles? Do whatever you have to so you can enjoy this spectacular country. Enjoy!

Donna Mannino

I spent 19 days in that area last Fall - I'm not a hiker either. In Zion, they have shuttle bus that will give you a wonderful tour - no need to walk if you don't/can't. Also be sure to take the "most beautiful automobile drive on Highway 12 ( Bicentennial Highway along the southern end of UTAH. It will take your breath away. I didn't take any guided tours! But we mapped our our own driving roads.

Judith

Many thanks for the suggestions. I already have done Grand Canyon, south rim, which has great rim bus rides. Also loved Monument Valley and the all-day tour at Goulding's, and Canyon de Chelly tour. Now have to decide whether to start at Mon. Valley, to Zion, Escalante, etc. up to Moab or the reverse. I am glad I will not have to hike my life away in the barren, gorgeous parks! Will get the Bensen book, drive Highway 12. Thanks!