jnl81

We are taking a trip to Colorado (staying in a campground between Rico and Telluride) in mid-June, with Canyonlands and Arches as a side day trip. I know one day is not near enough time, but that is probably all we will have. So, my questions! What would you try to see first? Spend a shorter amount of time at Arches first, then spend the rest of the day at Canyonlands? Or should we start out at Canyonlands? Which place has the prettiest sunset? We will not be doing a lot of hiking, but will want to do some short trails, mainly because of the time factor. We also plan to have a picnic in one of the parks. Which park is best for this? Sorry so many questions at once! Hope someone can help!

Utahtea

Dino....watch who you are calling a moron!

I would start in Canyonlands Island in the Sky District & go see the Green River Overlook and the Grandview overlook and then high tail it to Arches. Double Arch and the Windows are two very short hikes. Landscape arch is about one mile and Park Avenue is another good hike. The sunsets in Arches are the best.

I would skip Canyonlands Needle District because the drive in and out is so long.

You are going to kick yourself for not spending more time in the area....remember...I TOLD YOU SO

Utahtea

Ute

In June you won't want to spend "the rest of the day" at either. Select one to spend the morning hours in and get into some shade in the afternoon. Start early while the day is cool. Those red rocks get mighty hot. You might be able to come back to one in the late-afternoon but I wouldn't spend the middle of the day in either.

The prettiest place for a sunset (or a sunrise) in that neck of the woods is Dead Horse Point State Park. It is close to Arches and overlooks Canyonlands National Park. The Feds have been trying for years to get that little corner to wrap it into Canyonlands but the state owns it and won't give it up. What a view!

If I were so time-constrained I would start with sunrise at Dead Horse Point, slip over to Arches and hike to Delicate Arch before it gets hot. Relax during the middle of the day in Moab (or a short drive into Canyonlands in an air-conditioned car might be O.K. as long as you don't go in too far) and then be back at Dead Horse Point for the sunset.

xxx

Dead Horse Point is superb any time of the day!

The Windows part of Arches is great at sunrise. Delicate Arch is superb for sunsets. Delicate Arch is a 15 -20 minute hike. Start back to your car at the trailhead right at sundown so you don't get caught on the trail in the dark.

There is less to see and do in Canyonlands unless you are four-wheeling.

jnl81

Thanks! These all sound like great ideas. We do possibly have another day that will be an "up in the air" (no pun intended) kind of day, so if we feel we didn't get enough, we can go back!

Utahtea

If you have an extra day I suggest you move your camp to the Moab area for two nights.

It's about 150 miles one way from Rico, CO to Moab, Utah and the miles near Rico and Teluride are going to be slow going windy mountain roads.

Utahtea

jnl81

Thanks for the suggestion. But, our main goal is Colorado. We just wanted to get a "taste" of Utah, and hope to go back to that area, and the Grand Canyon on another trip.

J T Kirk

As much as I like Canyonlands, under your time constraints I'd skip it. Focus on Arches and the surrounding area. I think spending a little time in Moab (for lunch) is a good idea because it will be H O T. There really is a lot to do in and around Arches.
To me, Canyonlands deserves a fair amount of time and is really more of a 4WD or overnight hiking destination.

xxx

I agree with Cap'n Kirk. Arches is soooo fantastic, that I would concentrate most of your time there. However, you should be able to go to Arches in the morning, zip back to Moab for brunch/lunch, take a quick drive oooh ahhh at dead horse point, then get back into Arches for sunset (or head on home). It's going to be a looooong and tiring day if you do it as a day trip, especially as June will be very hot. Arches for hikes in the cool morning (but you'll have to leave CO very very early to get to Arches in time to get in a hike before it gets hot...)

Utahtea

Hey you guys he wanted a picnic lunch! There is a shady picnic area in Arches at the end of the scenic drive and before the Devils Campground.

June is not as hot as July! Hope you have some nice weather!

Utahtea

jnl81

Thanks utahtea! After talking it over with my husband last night, I think we have decided to drive into the Island in the Sky District first, then head back to Moab for lunch if it turns out to be way too hot. (We are from South Texas, we LIVE with unbearable heat, but also the humidity!) Then go to Arches in the afternoon, and stick around for that sunset. I went on a Utah site somewhere and it gave sunrise and sunset times and moon phases for that date we plan to be there. It will be the day after a full moon! Thanks for the advice everyone!

Tricia

jnl:
You have plenty of time to make up your mind about your day trip to the Moab area.
You asked for advice here, and the majority of replies suggested you see Arches NP & Dead Horse State Park.
After touring Utah for 2 weeks in June '02, I must agree!
Our first stop was Dead Horse St. Park. The trails there were easy to navigate, the views of the Canyonlands excellent!
Arches was our very favorite part of the Moab area. It truly is not to be missed. Just needed to let you know that you will be kicking yourself in the butt if you don't hike some of the trails in Arches National Park. Also, "xxx" stated the hike to Delicate Arch is 15-20 minutes. That is incorrect. This is a 3 mile roundtrip hike with a 480' change in elevation, up & across slickrock! It took my family, all of us in decent shape, much longer. I'm guessing at least 1/2 hour each way, without rest. We all took a quart of water each and drank it all. Beware of the heat! This hike should be done in the a.m. or after dinner.
There are plenty of other shorter hikes and paths to different arches (Windows is good). Drive through it all!
We had also hired an outfitter to take us through the Canyonlands. We spent time there as well, and it was great. So, for a "taste of Utah", choosing Moab is indeed a good choice. Whatever you decide, have an excellent trip!

xxx

Delicate Arch is the highlight of Arches National Park, IMHO. I think it would take about 30' in and about 15-20' hiking back out.

Texas Jack

Whoa there partner! Be cautious on saying your living in Texas prepares you to handle the heat and altitude of the Colorado Plateau. I've lived in south Texas and in eastern Utah. You can get dehydrated way quicker in Utah than in Texas and the altitude difference on the plateau is a killer. Don't overdo it and prepare to be winded. The temperatures and the altitude are way higher in Utah than in Texas, my friend.

travellyn

I'll second Texas Jack's remarks. South Texas feels hotter, but the desert heat can totally drain you. We carry at least 2 quarts of water per person for a half day walk. Like in South Texas, you'll really need a hat and sunscreen. The great thing about the desert is how cool it can be in the morning. Totally different from the Gulf Coast!

jnl81

I appreciate all the advice about taking enough water. I'm curious though. if everyone is drinking all this water, is there a place to "make water," if you catch my drift? Where do I make wee-wee?

Dayle

The thing about Utah LOW humidity is that you loose water while exercising and don't even realize it because it evaporates off your skin so fast. You need to drink LOTS of water, more than you think you need. Trust me, you won't need to pee very often! But, there are a few scruby trees around - so be quick.

guess

You're so cute aren't you? Don't you have anything better to do? Thanks for the advice from the "legitimate" people

sammy

Me thinks that ol' jnl81 has been out there in the desert already, smoking the peyote.