Join Date: May 2012
Location: DCA, lived MCI, SEA/PDX,BUF (born/raised)
Programs: Marriott (Silver/Gold), IHG, Carlson, Best Western, Choice( Gold), AS (MVP), WN, UA
Posts: 8,725
A few things...
Arches will be open on Friday and Saturday nights after 7pm. Other days everyone out by 7pm. target days there.
Flying into Montrose is not the best idea.
Look instead at GJT(Grand junction) or DRO (Durango). look at what gives you the best flight+ rental options. this will mean also looking at SLC, DEN., and PHX.
As for planning this summer you are late so unsure what hotels in Moab will be available.
For a visit for Arches and Canyonlands you want to use Moab as a base. Its the only town for 50+ miles--the next closest options are Green River and Monticello both 50 miles away.
for a visit you want to plan on 3 days.... 1 day for each park then 1 day for doing some other activity.
If this is for July/August look at doing this:
day 1 sunrise-11am Arches, 11-3 Moab, 3pm-sunset Canyonlands island in the sky east view points, Mesa Arch, and dead horse point SP
day 2 activity, Arches
day 3 sunrise-11am canyonlands/island in the sky west facing viewpoints, 11am-3pm Moab, 3pm-sunset Arches
add another day if you want to do Needles district of canyonlands or a white water rafting trip
As part of this trip you should also look at including Mesa Verde, US 550 (Durango to Ouray) if you are looking at flying in and out of western Colorado.