Utah National Parks for non- hiker
 

We are attending a wedding in Phoenix in April, plan to spend some time in Sedona afterwards, and also a couple of days in one of Utah's National Parks (have already seen the Grand Canyon on a previous trip). We are not interested in hiking, as I am still recovering from hip replacement surgery, though we do enjoy scenic walks that are not too strenuous. Of Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, and Moab, I wonder which of these areas might offer the most options to experience the scenic beauty of the area, as well as sights of interest, things to do, etc. for the non hiker. Would love to hear your thoughts on this....
Thanks!

I think Arches is your best bet. You can see the balancing rock walking less than 200 yards. The walk out to Landscape Arch is relatively flat and not too long.
I carried a folding golf stool all the way out to Delicate Arch in case my wife needed to sit for a few minutes.
It really is worth the walk out to Delicate Arch instead of viewing from a distance.
We took 2 short walks of less than 15 minutes in the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands.
Another place I took a short walk was in Goblin Valley SP.
The hoodoos are amazing.

Arches offers easy walks to some of the arches.

Canyonland's Island in the Sky also offers easy walks to vistas overlooking the canyon landscape.

In that regard, Moab is a good location as it offers day access to two very different national parks.

If you are recovering from hip replacement, do not try to hike to Delicate Arch in Arches NP. DH and I did it recently, with no health problems other than being over 70 and we both found it a challenge. We made it, up and over the slick rock, but with lots of stops to breathe. I think it has a 450 foot vertical and starts at over 4000 ft.

There are lots of fantastic arches to be seen with much easier walks. The Windows and Turret arch are just a small walk from the parking lot and can be seen from there. Sand dune Arch is a pretty easy walk from parking Landscape arch is a bit farther, but not really very hard.

In Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, there is lots to see just a few steps from the parking pull offs. If you want to hike a bit it is easy to go as far as you want to see the view from a different angle and a shortish hike out to Mesa Arch gives a fantastic view through the arch.

I too have had a hip replacement. After four months I spent eight hours walking at Disney. Prior to the surgery I couldn't walk five minutes.

Since the surgery about 7 years ago I have been on numerous hiking trips.

Depending upon how long ago your was and your general conditioning, the hike to Delicate Arch might be a bit much.

But there are quite a few others that you can walk to that are a short distance and not difficult.

Overall, agree that Arches/Canyonlands parks in Moab area offer plenty of scenery not far from the car. You can also take a scenic drive along the Colorado River. Bryce is also easily seen a short walk from the parking lots, which can get crowded. Zion is beautiful, and there are a few short hikes accessible from the shuttle bus stops, but many of the more spectacular hikes involve heading up toward the rim of Zion Canyon or through the waters of the Narrows, which might be problematic for you.

What a good choice to have - you can't go wrong as all of the listed parks are stunning. I think the best park for not hiking at all is probably Bryce. My husband and I are really into hiking but at Bryce, our favorite thing to do is just sit on a bench along the rim and stare out at the canyon. It really is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. In Zion, you could drive through the Eastern part of the park and take the shuttle to all of the various stops. There is still a lot you can see without hiking or with taking only very short walks.

Otherwise, I do agree with the other posters that Arches has a lot you can see without much hiking. While there, Canyonlands has some stunning overlooks you can get to by your car. Deadhorse point state park is not to be missed when in Moab either and it wouldn't require any walking besides from your car to the overlook.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all of your replies! There definitely seems to be a consensus - Moab, here we come! Sounds like the perfect choice for us; with two National Parks to choose from, we will have many opportunities to experience and appreciate this beautiful area! Thanks again for taking the time to help out - so appreciate it❣

Moab has a lot to offer in addition to Arches & Canyonlands national parks and Dead Horse State Park.

A drive down the paved section of the Potash Road (Hwy 279) goes west along the Colorado River on one side and a canyon wall on the other. You can watch for petroglyphs along the canyon wall. Just before you reach the unpaved section keep your eye open for Jug Handle Arch.

On the opposite side of the river is the Kane Creek Canyon road that also has petroglyphs to find.

Hwy 128 is a very scenic road that follows the Colorado River going east out past the Fisher Towers to the Dewey Bridge. Turn around and drive back to Moab once you reach the old Dewey Bridge.

If it's hot, you might enjoy a drive to the Las Sal Mountains.

What I love about Moab is that Arches is only 5 miles away from town and we love to go back in the evening to watch the sunsets.

Utahtea

You might check out Moab's event calendar:
http://www.discovermoab.com/calendar.htm

We were there once during the car show; it was a lot of fun. Depending on your dates, be sure to book soon. Moab does tend to fill up fast.

Also, note the free park entrance dates for National Parks week.