Is Nairobi National Park worth a visit?

Are Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park worth a visit if you're stopping by Salt Lake City?

• Answer:

  If it were me, I'd skip Salt Lake City entirely and only go to Arches and Canyonlands. They are well worth the effort of getting to. SLC has the Mormon attractions which are okay as rarities. I've seen them twice (with two different girlfriends who were into religious structures) but wouldn't do it again and didn't want to the second time. The heavy security done FBI style and businesslike atmosphere of the Mormon grounds is very off-putting, especially compared to Europe's many welcoming cathedrals. The tabernacle was the most interesting, but it pretends to be something it is not; even the "superior acoustics" demonstration smacked of deception. The rest of SLC is either full-blown slums or close to it. On the other hand, the national parks are the genuine thing: wondrous, colorful, diverse, serene, and uncrowded, especially if one walks a few minutes from the attractions. As someone else suggests, try to see Bryce Canyon N.P., Zion N.P., and the north rim of Grand Canyon N.P. are all unique and diverse that you won't get weary of Road Runner-like geography. If you have time, also go over to Aztec Ruins N.P. in NE New Mexico. See this map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=national+parks&hl=en&ll=38.505191,-110.945435&spn=3.954502,8.453979&sll=38.556757,-110.945435&sspn=3.844189,8.453979&t=h&z=8