PTO until 1/22–give me suggestions for parks in CA, UT, AZ

I’m big on hiking easy trails in national parks 🏞️ and forests🌳. I live in Los Angeles and have PTO until 1/22. I was originally thinking the Eastern Sierra, but (1) it’s peak season for snowboarding, (2) hotels are expensive (like $180+ per night), (3) Sierra Nevada thru roads are closed. Considering Alabama Hills, but that’s all I can think of.

My next second thought was why not go to NV (Valley of Fire) and UT (Zion, Bryce, Glen Canyon, Capitol Reef). Pros: things are closer together, fairly easy walks

Third option: I was blown away by Flagstaff, AZ, Kaibib National Forest, and the Grand Canyon when I drove past. Should I try Sagaro? Petrified Forest? Sedona? Monument Valley? Everything seems so spread out so it may be hard to get around. Pros: diversity and easy walking, but everything is further apart and is pushing past 9 hrs

Conditions:

1. I have knee injury that I’m getting PT for so I’m looking to drive, walk a little, take photos, and leave.

2. Must be within a 9 hour drive.

3. Cheap 3 star hotels in the area at less than $100 per night.

4. Is a park, ideally scenic.

5. Is not Death Valley, Grand Canyon, or Joshua Tree (already been there).