Physical drawback? & UTAH
 

Searching for opinions/information... Unfortunately, before I made it to Utah (always on my list) I was diagnosed with a lung disease. I am not on oxygen (yet) but my lung capacity is about 50%. It seems all of the national parks in Utah pretty much require a hike to the views. I can only do about 1/2 mile at best. Do you think I should hang up the idea of Utah national parks? :( Thanks people for any advice/information.

If you are able to breathe comfortably while seated in your car, you can see some awesome scenery in Arches and Canyonlands and Bryce right outside the window. If you can do very short walks to the edge of the parking lot you can get some photos too.

It would probably be a good idea to go in the cooler weather, spring or fall as long as there have been no big fires to degrade the air quality.

Are you coming from sea level? Most of the parks are at around 5,000 feet. So check elevation levels to make sure you are comfortable even in your car.

good point ... I actually had not thought of that Tk u will talk w/doc re: altitude
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You can enjoy views of the scenery whether you do hiking or not. Lots of people do that who don't or can't hike. There aren't too many national parks you can only enjoy if you do hiking, seems to me. I suggest you do it and enjoy it for what it is.

Here are some driving route tips.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/article...arks-road-trip

This article says most of Arches scenic sites are close to the paved roads.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/article...-national-park

You do need to check with your pulmonologist as flying alone is like high altitude. They say the cabin air pressure makes it like 5-8K feet. Unless you planned to drive there, anyway.

YOu should probably avoid Bryce at it is very high altitude. Arches not so much. It's only 4K feet at the visitor center. Zion also is only 4K feet at lowest point. You can research this on the NPS website for each peark.

It's already been mentioned and I'm glad you'll check on that with your MD. For your health situation. I was worried about you being at such high altitude, regardless of the activity or even just being in a car. Best wishes...

thank you!