From April 1 to October 31, 2023, Arches National Park will be testing a Timed Entry Reservation System as a way to improve access to the park and enhance the visitor experience. This system will be in place during the peak season, when previously there was no guarantee of being able to enter the park. By planning ahead and reserving a spot in advance, visitors can have a more enjoyable and stress-free visit to this stunning national park.
During the period from April 1 to October 31, 2023, reservations will be necessary for a vehicle to enter Arches National Park between the hours of 7:00 am and 4:00 pm. These reservations will be valid for a one-hour window, so a reservation for 7:00 am will allow entry between 7:00 am and 7:59 am. Visitors are welcome to stay in the park for as long as they wish after entering, and can also leave and re-enter the park on the same day once their Timed Entry Ticket has been validated.
How far ahead can I schedule my reservation Arches National Park?
- 3 Months in Advance – Reservations can be made 3 months in advance of your visit:
- April reservations (April 1-30) open January 10.
- May reservations (May 1-31) open February 1.
- June reservations (June 1-30) open March 1.
- July reservations (July 1-31) open April 1.
- August reservations (August 1-31) open May 1.
- September reservations (September 1-30) open June 1.
- October reservations (October 1-31) open July 1.
Arches National Park sees more than 1.8 million visitors annually, and this number is on the rise
For the best experience, plan to visit the park either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid long lines at the entrance and crowded parking. Late afternoon and evening visits can be particularly enjoyable, as the lighting is ideal for photography and viewing the park’s features, temperatures are cooler, and the trails and parking areas are less crowded.”
Why are the motivations for national parks to establish a timed entry system?
National parks often implement a timed entry system in order to manage the number of visitors to the park and to ensure a high-quality visitor experience. With a timed entry system, visitors are required to make a reservation in advance for a specific time window, which helps the park manage the flow of visitors and reduce overcrowding. This can help to reduce the negative impacts of high visitor numbers, such as damage to park resources and facilities, and can also help to improve the overall visitor experience by providing a more peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere. Timed entry systems can also help to ensure that park staff have sufficient time to clean and maintain facilities, which can improve the quality of the visitor experience.
More information on the 2023 Arches Timed Entry Reservation System
From April 1 through October 31, 2023, visitors entering the park in a vehicle will need two things:
- Timed Entry Ticket
- Park Entrance Fee OR valid Park Pass (includes Annual, Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade, or Volunteer passes).
Ticketed entry will run from 7 am to 4 pm daily. Those without a ticket may enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm. The park is open 24/7.
