Arches National Park began implementing a pilot timed-entry system in 2022 after a sharp increase in visitation sometimes left visitors waiting for hours at the entrance station.
Park officials at Arches National Park announced that they will reinstate the timed-entry system for the 2025 season, but with one big change.
As in years past, a timed-entry ticket will be required starting on April 1, 2025 and until Oct 31, 2025, but next year there will be a period between July 7 to August 27 when the reservation requirement will be suspended. This accommodates for the traditionally slower visitation period between the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend.
Timed entry tickets will be required for visitors arriving between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis via online purchase at Recreation.gov, online or over the phone.
Tickets for April reservations will become available at 8 a.m. MST on January 2, 2025, setting the pattern for tickets for each summer month to become available three months in advance.
- April reservations (April 1–30) open January 2.
- May reservations (May 1–31) open February 1.
- June reservations (June 1–30) open March 1.
- July reservations (July 1–6) open April 1.
- August reservations (August 27–31) open May 27.
- September reservations (September 1–30) open June 1.
- October reservations (October 1–31) open July 1.
Starting March 31, additional tickets will be released at 7 p.m. MT each day for park visits the following day. Any unreserved tickets remain available for same-day booking.
Arches National Park’s system allow visitors to enter during a one-hour specified window between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. After entering, visitors may stay in the park for the rest of the day.
Advance tickets typically go fast, especially for morning arrival times, so make sure to plan ahead for your visit.
“We continue to hear positive comments from people who enjoyed the guaranteed arrival time and reduced congestion they experienced during these pilots,” Lena Pace, the park’s superintendent, told KSL.
Do you have feedback on the timed-entry system at Arches? They’re currently accepting feedback on their Visitor Access and Experience/Environmental Assessment. Public comments will be accepted through November 23, 2024. More details are available on the project website.
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