I'm going for three weeks to the US Southwest soon.

Which National/State Parks should I definitely visit, besides Gran Canyon? (I'm referring to
most impressive views and great hiking).

Which peaks should I definitely climb?

I know it may be a tough question, and I have kind of a list already, but any recommendations are welcome. Am curious for your reply ...

Thanks!

Zion!, Arches! My two favorites, Arches is definately worth the drive.
Camping in Kodachrome basin and Coral Pink Sand Dunes a plus. For the parks, I guess Bryce also.

The hike up the Virgin River Narrows is great! and Angels Landing too.

The Hike to Delicate Arch is a must.

In addition to the wonderful places that were mentioned you may want to check out the following areas:

1/ Monument Valley: http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm
2/ Mesa Verde National Park: http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm
3/ Black Canyon of the Gunnison: http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm

There are many climbing opportunities in the Ouray, Colorado area.

Have a great trip!

The drive from Zion to Capitol Reef is one of the more scenic in the area, and Capitol Reef is, for the most part, just briefly driven through, but contains some of the most striking slots around. In fact, the Grand Staircase is a great supplement on the way as well. Bottomline of my suggestion is that the National Parks are great, but I'd research some other stuff too. A great place with some quick access slots is Goblin Valley State Park (look up Little Wilde Horse, Crack and Chute Canyons). For three weeks drive Grand Canyon, Zion, and the above mentioned places would be a perfect auto and canyon tour.

Thanks for the ideas, I appreciate it! Looks like I will be spending a lot of time in Southern Utah... If only I had more time and money...

Most of the suggestion you've gotten are pretty good. I think the main issue you should ask yourself is what you want to see the most. If it's red rock and Native American culture, you're in the right place. Grand Canyon, Zion, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon. I'd also hit Canyon de Chelly. These are all world class destinations that are really unlike any other place on earth. Also, the cultural history of the area I think makes the area just that much more interesting. If you're in Kayenta, AZ, near the entrance to Monument Valley, stop at the Burger King. A great display about the Navajo code talkers during WWII.

If it's peak bagging, there are probably far better places to go. You're not that far from Durango, where you could hit some 14'ers in the San Juans.

And despite our explicit offers, Peter, I don't believe MoapaPk or myself ever got a phone call/email...

A small consideration: if you are pressed for time, you might consider bundling Zion and other Utah parks with the NORTH rim of the Grand Canyon. It's a long drive around to the south rim. But check closure dates -- depending on weather, the roads to the N Rim may close by mid-October.

I am going to Arches this upcoming weekend. read about the 7-mile hike that hits most of the arches. was wondering about hiking a mountain or highpoint. looking for something that ropes are not needed as I will be by myself.

any other suggestions for the Arches would be most appreciated as I have never been.

Thanks!

The hike out to Dark Angel is my favorite in Arches. We got stormed off of it
on my only attempt.

I'm back home in Mexico since a couple of days now and thought I'd reply to my own post.

This is where I went in 20 days in chronological order (I picked up my rental car in El Paso, Texas), not listing cities (I went backcountry in three NPs, camping overnight):

New Mexico:
- Mount Taylor
- Red Rock SP

Arizona:
- Petrified Forest NP (backcountry)
- Humphrey's Peak
- Grand Canyon NP (backcountry)
- Antelope Canyon
- Glen Canyon NRA

Utah:
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP
- Zion NP (backcountry)
- Bryce Canyon NP
- Goblin Valley SP
- Capital Reef NP
- Arches NP

Colorado:
- Mesa Verde NP

New Mexico:
- Wheeler Peak
- Sandia Crest Peak

(on my last day I drove to Capitan (Smokey the Bear town), Lincoln State Monument (Billy the Kid town) and Roswell (UFO town).

Looking back, I believe I made a good selection out of the broad offer. I hiked several trails in all parks except for Glen Canyon NRA and Capitol Reef. It was a great experience overall!

I hope to be back in the US soon, probably California...

nice circuit, what were your favorites? highlights?

Oh yes. I would consider as highlights the Grand Canyon NP and Zion NP, Humphrey's Peak, Wheelers Peak and Sandia Peak. I guess that's because these were the most intense hikes of this trip. I mean, Antelope Canyon, Bryce NP, etc. are all extraordinary places, but I guess I've gotten to point where I need something more challenging for it to become a highlight

Are you planning to write a trip report? I'd be interested in reading it.

Thanks for the interest! But I never thought of writing a trip report about it... As I kind of expected, it was so easy travelling in the US, driving around, I never got lost! And the National Parks, great! I just showed up and got my backcountry permits. Everything well organised, friendly people, nice camp sites. (well, maybe it just felt even greater after being in central america for nine months now