Utah
 

I want to visit Zion National Park, Bryce, and the Arches (Utah 9, US 89, Ut 12 and Ut. 24) by car. We are elderly so we will have to be content with what we can see from pull offs (no hiking). Can I do it in one day?

Yes, but you won't have time for the pull offs. Drive by only!

PS - if you are doing this trip any time other than peak summer, it will be dark by the time you get to Arches. Best plan for a day with a full moon....

You can see a lot from the car in Arches. If you can walk 5 minutes there are 3 or 4 places that you could walk to in Arches. Double Arch, Windows, Balanced Rock are all less than 1/4 mile. You can see them from the car, but it is neat to get up close to them. See Deadhorse Point if you do Arches. Maybe even Goblin Valley. Again, you can walk 2 minutes in Goblin Valley and you are "in it".

You might concentrate on just Zion/Bryce/UT 12. You could eat a meal at the lodges in Bryce or Zion. Zion is a little like driving through Yosemite, if you have been there. You are in a valley/canyon for 5 miles or so. You do have to take the shuttle from about April through October, they don't allow cars in the park at Zion.

I think you have a lot on your plate for one day. The hwy 12 part of your trip is really a 1/2 to full day in itself.

Before I wade in with suggestions and waste everybody's time I have a few questions.

What do you consider elderly and what is your physical condition? Some consider me elderly.

Is there a reason you want to drive across Utah in a day? Unless you live at one end you must be coming from somewhere and going somewhere. This is really a beautiful and interesting part of the country (for a desert) and if you could add a few days you'll see some "once in a lifetime" sights.

There are quite a few things you can see from pullouts and short, easy, fairly level walks.

The answer to these questions may make it easier to respond.

Can't be done

I honestly thought Bustard was joking. :-)