>>2737500Can you read? I went to all 5 parks in the state on that trip and thoroughly enjoyed all of them, except Zion. I went to Zion last as an afterthought.
I went to Bryce First, hiked Navajo Loop/Queens Garden. Last time I went was the dead of winter and I had everything to myself, I loved the experience, but this time was more a run and gun type of visit.
Then that same day I went to Capitol Reef via RT-12 (incredible drive holy fuck) and hiked Cassidy Arch/Hickman Natural Bridge. Fucking incredible hikec , Cassidy Arch. Over and over on the trail you hear “wow this may be the most beautiful trail ive ever hiked”. Such an easy and beautiful hike it almost feels sinful. Hickman bridge was not nearly as impressive.
Next day I went to Canyonlands and visited every observation point and overlook (White Rim/Upheval Dome being the highlights). I did Corona Arch and Potash Rd. later that day and camped on Potash Rd. Next day was Arches (Delicate Arch/Devils Garden/Windows) and Castle Valley/Fisher Towers later in the day.
Next day was Canyonlands Needles District/Bears Ears/Monument Valley/Goosenecks/Vermillion Cliffs, mostly driving, but beautiful driving my god.
Last day was Zion. Closed ass Zion. Permit needed to hike Zion. I rode the tram and fucked off. Matter of principle. Regarding Zion, the drive in via RT-9 is much more incredible going East to West rather than the other way around. What a fucking mindblowing drive. Most people dont even drive the 9 when they visit Zion. Its like a third of the park. Incredible walls jesus.
I will say Capitol Reef stunned me the most, what a lovely place. White Rim overlook is better than anything in Arches but overall Arches has a more magical feel to it, to me anyway.
These were all 12-15 hour days where every bit of sunlight was used. I travelled alone and I hiked like a guy on meth. If I do it again im skipping Zion entirely, Bryce too. Capitol Reef/Moab area is where its at.
