Arches Nat'l Park/ Western Express?Colorado/Utah

[daveM]

Hi, I need some route info/help from fellow tourers.  The Western Express, going east to west in sw Colorado dips to the south at Montrose.  I would like to go to Arches Nat'l Park in Utah without going as far south as the route goes. After heading south from Montrose would it be possible to go west at Placerville? Does anyone have any idea of the roads and conditions between Placerville going west on rt 145 into rt 90 into Utah on rt 46 by La Sal?  This route would allow a visit to Arches NP and the Needles area of Canyonlands NP before going thru Monticello, Utah on the western express route.  All advice and info would be greatly appreciated