I visited Arches & Canyonlands in mid-May. Both were spotless - no graffiti, no trash. Arrived Arches 3pm, woman at gate did say park closed that morning before 10am for 3 hours. They need to wait for 30% of the crowd to leave to reopen. Passed by the entry the next morning at about 9am on the way to Canyonlands. Arches was already closed. It’s a small park. We’ve been to a dozen NPs in the last 5 years. We always go before Memorial Day our after Labor Day. Never crowded.
I always liked Dead Horse Point, across from Arches. First was there way back in 1955. No crowds, no drinking water, no paved roads, no visitor center. Wild!
Last time was in 2013 and 2015. Crowds had picked up. Paved roads, rest rooms, walkways, visitor’s center, banisters to keep fools from falling into the canyon... not like the olden days when,if your car broke down, your bones might still be there. I saw a dead mule there back in 1955.