Can you see Utah national parks without hiking?

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.



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Enjoy a Scenic Drive There are two spectacularly scenic drives at Zion National Park that are available to park-goers year-round. The first is the 25-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which zig-zags east from Canyon Junction and includes a 1.1-mile drive through Mount Carmel Tunnel.

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There are other entrances, but these are considered 'secret entrances' through unpaved roads. Once you reach the park, the road system in Arches National Park comprises paved roads and dirt tracks. You can drive on unpaved roads but we recommend a suitable vehicle, something with 4-wheel drive and good sturdy tires.

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Most people arrive at Arches by car. There is no public transportation inside Arches National Park. You may need to rent a car, ride a bicycle, or take a commercial tour to get around inside the park. The nearest community is Moab, Utah.

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Some of the majestic scenery in Bryce Canyon National Park can be seen by auto touring, no hiking needed. You can enjoy all of the park's major overlooks if you get out of your car and take leisurely strolls out to the edge of the pavement.

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Both of these Parks offer great outdoor activities for all ages. For canyoneering and rappelling, Zion beats Bryce. You'll find world-class hiking in either Park, but in Zion you can find yourself hiking through streams or on sandstone ledges, like Angels Landing – one of the scariest hikes in the world!

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The hiking trails in Zion are longer and more challenging than those of Bryce Canyon, which tend to be more family-friendly and easier to get around. In addition, Zion is known for its canyoneering and rock climbing opportunities, while Bryce is better suited for traditional hiking and nighttime stargazing.

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From March through late November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the Shuttle System is not in operation.

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You do not need a permit or reservation to visit most areas in Zion Canyon. You do not need a permit or reservation to ride a park shuttle. You do not need a permit or reservation to enter the park. You do need to pay the park fee.

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Zion Canyon Self-Guided Tours The Zion Shuttle is available to guests from March to late November. During the off-season, guests are allowed to drive through Zion Canyon to enjoy the majestic scenery from the comfort of their own cars.

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Is Zion or Arches better for a whole day? This one is tougher but it may depend on if you want to just do a couple of longer hikes or do a lot of short hikes. If you want a couple of long hikes, Zion. If you want a lot of shorter hikes with a couple slightly longer, then Arches.

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If you're looking for challenging hikes through narrow canyons and along steep cliffs, Zion may be the better choice. If you're more interested in exploring unique rock formations and stunning arches, Arches may be the better choice.

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Should I Spend More Time in Zion or Bryce Canyon? Chances are, if you're heading to Bryce Canyon, you're probably also wanting to visit Zion National Park at the same time. These parks are only two hours apart, making it easy to see both! Zion definitely needs more time than Bryce Canyon.

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Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are approximately 80 miles apart and one can be reached from the other in under 2 hours by car, about 1 hour and 40 minutes without traffic. The fastest route between the two parks starts on Route 12, takes you south on Interstate 89 and then west on Route 9.

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Bryce Canyon NP Scenic drive runs 18 miles along Highway 63 from Highway 12 until it ends at the south end of Highway 63 in Bryce Canyon National Park. Many of the park's highlights can be seen by the numerous overlooks. Please be aware that several of the side roads may be closed seasonally due to wintery conditions.

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We think one day in Bryce Canyon is just about the right amount of time to see the highlights of the park. It's a relatively small park, so there's really not that much to do and see. Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive – which is the main thoroughfare through the park – is only 19 miles long (one way).

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Yes, the driving distance between Zion National park to Arches National Park is 355 miles. It takes approximately 5h 29m to drive from Zion National park to Arches National Park.

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You cannot sleep in your car at Arches National Park unless you have a reserved campsite at the Devils Garden Campground, which is the only designated campground within the park. Sleeping in your car outside of a designated campsite or parking area is not permitted.

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Yes. A timed entry reservation is required to enter the park even if you have an existing pass. Annual passes cover the payment of entrance fees, so annual or senior pass holders only need to pay the $2 reservation fee.

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