Help!!! From Italy on August for vacation (Moab, Junction: attorney, disposal)

[FromMilanoItaly]

Dear friends, excuse for my poor English!
My name is Alessandro and I'm an Italian attorney.
On August I will be travelling through Colorado and my intention is to visit one of Utah's famous parks next to the border.
In your opinion, would it be better to visit Arches or Canyonlands?
Is it going to be too hot? Can you confirm that the best hours to visit the parks are early in the morning or in the sunset?
I will have only one day at my disposal and probably I will lodge in Grand Junction (I won't be able to lodge in Moab). I will travel by a rented car (not a 4X4).
I know that this is a forum used mostly by people who leave and work in USA and I hope my post does not sound not unfair.
Many thanks.

[dreameyes]

Hello,

I hope you enjoy your visit to Utah. It is a beautiful state. I have never been to Arches but I have seen many pictures and my husband has told me a lot about it. You have to walk upwards quite a longways to get to it. I have been to Canyonlands and that would get my vote. It is absolutely spectacular (not that arches isn't ). The red rocks are an amazing site. Both early morning and sunset would be a great time to go because yes it is quite hot midday. Actually in August it is extremely hot! My mom is from Canada and we were down there once in the summer and I think she almost fainted from the heat...lol Enjoy your stay!

[motormaker]

Your English is fine. Canyonlands will be a great but hot place to visit. Take plenty of water and don't try to over exert yourself.

Too bad you don't have more time to visit.

[drwnorth]

Definitely early or late in day way best!

As for which destination to visit, I'd pick the one which logistically is MOST feasible, due to your limited time. The States are a big country, nothing like Europe for getting around.

Yes HOT so brace yourself for that.

[Badland wonder]

One day is not a lot of time, however there are good option for plenty of activity. Driving to Moab from Grand Junction, exit off Interstate 70 at Cisco (Hwy 128). It is a fun two lane highway that goes along the Colorado River. There is a place called Fisher Towers that is worthy of exploration. The turn off is on the left hand side of the road. (brown signs). That would be a good introduction to the rest of your visit. Drive on down to Moab and maybe have lunch and pick up some local maps. After lunch you could go to Arches National Park.It is just north right outside of Moab. Stay and see as much as you like. After Arches, go a little farther to the north and take the turn to Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point. It is a section of Canyonlands. From there you can see almost all of Canyonlands and some amazing geological wonders. It would be a great vantage point for sunset. It would then be an easy jaunt north to the Interstate and back to Grand Junction. There is also the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction that is quite astounding with red rocks. Regardless of your choice, enjoy all of it!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I am handicapped and can't walk far. I felt like I saw a lot of Canyonlands from the car, in air conditioned comfort. Going to Arches would require walking, which in August is a bad idea for someone not used to the heat. Although the humidity is very low, one can easily get over-heated. Good luck!