Monument Valley is spectacular! It is just so impressive. Standing on the terrace at The View Hotel, looking over 'The Mittens' is seriously one of the coolest places I've ever been. The cars driving below on the dirt road look like little Matchbox cars. If you are just passing through really quickly, it is worth the quick detour to stop and see this view. Take it all in and enjoy the beautiful views from the hotel (free). If you have time though, spend a few dollars to enter the park and a couple of hours driving along the 17 mile (I think) drive that will take you up close and personal to many of the amazing formations along the way. Though it is a bit 'bumpy', it is worth the time. My kids thought it was hilarious and even attempted to videotape our drive while we bumped along the dirt road. A definite must-see if you are in the area.
I have to say, this is one of my favorite places on earth. There is something incredibly special about Arches National Park. Even though I live in Cincinnati and am a mother to 4 boys, I've managed to get to Arches 4 times since 2007 when I first visited. I love that it is compact but there is so much to see and do. I love that in one day, you can see so many amazing sites.
My advice to anyone visiting for only one day: get there early and go straight to the Delicate Arch parking lot and hike up to this unbelievable arch. Once you arrive, spend time up there! Don't just get there, take a few pictures, and go on to the next spot. Sit down, have a snack, explore all of the different angles of the arch. Take some fun photos underneath the arch (ours usually involved some sort of crazy jumping photos, or even a handstand). Take in the beauty as long as it takes (at least an hour). When you've gotten your fill, work your way back down to your car and go back out to the main road and go right to where the hike for Landscape Arch is. Landscape is another special arch. Enjoy it and if you have time, explore that area. Once back at your car, work your way to the Windows section. Climb all around them and visit Turret Arch while you are there. See the Windows from there. Don't miss a quick visit to Double Arch on the other side of the parking lot. It is a cool one. Lastly, stop by Balanced Rock. Don't just view it from afar but park in the lot and walk around the entire rock. It is spectacular.
There is so much more to Arches but if you only have one day, that is what I'd do. It is a special park and a "don't you dare miss" spot if you are anywhere near Moab.
This is truly one of the most beautiful spots in America. I think most travelers drive right by it without even knowing it is there. The parking lot for Horseshoe Bend is on the west side of the highway and there is a tiny sign pointing the way. No matter what you do, pull off and do this fairly easy hike. Even if it is tough for you to get up that initial hill, the rest of the hike is an easy downhill hike to the lookout point. BRING YOUR CAMERA as you will want to take dozens of pictures--it is just that beautiful!
Don't let the hike scare you--you can see the hardest part from the parking lot--just an uphill hike but it is on a very sandy pathway so it is quite slippery. I don't think you'd be able to take a wheelchair and a stroller would be very difficult as well. Definitely keep your little ones close by--do not let them run ahead! I'm not usually afraid of heights but being on that edge is quite scary and if I was there with my kids, I'd be quite nervous. That being said, this is easily one of the most beautiful places in America and should be put on the top of your list if you are in the area around the Grand Canyon and Page. WELL worth the side trip!
This is an awesome hike. I found it to be quite challenging but very fun at the same time. When I hiked it last, there was a part where you pretty much had to pull yourself up with a rope chain but that may have been redone since then. I believe the hike up is about 1.25 miles and that last .25 miles feels like 3. Beautiful views from the top and serene even though there were probably 20 people up there. All in all, a great hike if you are fairly fit!