Yellowstone, Yellowstone, Yellowstone, Yellowstone. And as long as you're in Yellowstone, exit through the south gate and hit Grand Teton NP. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful - I never get tired of looking at my Tetons. And, as long as you're in Teton, you may as well stop for the evening gunfight at Jackson Hole and grab dinner at Snake River Brewing. If you're not feeling the mountain vibe, Arches NP is completely surreal and absolutely beautiful. Zion is a nice cross between Grand Teton's beautiful mountains and streams and Arches' red sculpted sandstone landscape...and more camp-able than Arches.
Opelmanta: I was told pretty much the same by a lady who lives easy driving distance from Grand Canyon. Said it was just a big hole in the ground that you had to pay big $$$ to get close enough to see decently. I'd go with Arches or Yellowstone - the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is mindblowing and you can hike right up to the rim.
Personally, my next NP pilgrimage will be Arches and Mesa Verde. Been through one and past the other - want to spend more time and really explore both.
DaQueenBeez wrote: