Arches National Park Implements Reservation System

In an effort to alleviate crowding and offer visitors a better experience, Utah’s Arches National Park will join the growing number of national parks in the United States that now require a timed entry reservation.

Starting April 3, 2022, the park will pilot a new, seasonal reservation system for all visits between 6am and 5pm. Visitors will need to show this reservation (which can be made for a nominal $2), a photo ID, as well as a park pass to enter the park.

Located just outside Moab, Arches National Park has grown in popularity in the last decade, now averaging more than 1.6 million visitors a year.

Overcoming the Overcrowding of National Parks

The Arches National Park’s reservation system is one of many new programs being implemented as the National Parks face record demand. For example, Glacier National Park initiated a reservation system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road during the 2021 summer season. Similarly, Rocky Mountain and Yosemite also instituted reservation systems to effectively manage crowds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, Zion National Park recently announced it would adopt a permitting system for its iconic Angels Landing hike, while Shenandoah National Park plans to implement a permitting system for hiking Old Rag in March 2022.

Timing of Reservations for Arches National Park

The easiest method to obtain a reservation is via recreation.gov or the recreation.gov app. Additionally, visitors can call the reservation line at 877-444-6777 if they are within the United States or 606-515-6777 for international calls.

Reservations are only necessary for visits between April 3 and October 3, 2022, during the hours of 6am and 5pm. Those visiting outside these hours or holding reservations for camping, backcountry, Fiery Furnace, or other special use permits do not require a reservation.

Key Dates for Making Reservations

Each month, a new batch of reservations will open at 8am Mountain Time. The following schedule outlines the reservation dates:

• January 3: April reservations (April 3–30)
• February 1: May reservations (May 1–31)
• March 1: June reservations (June 1–30)
• April 1: July reservations (July 1–31)
• May 1: August reservations (August 1–31)
• June 1: September reservations (September 1–30)
• July 1: October reservations (October 1–3)

If a visitor misses the reservation date, the park will offer a limited number of reservations at 6pm Mountain Time, one day before the planned visit.

Cost of Reservations for Arches National Park

It costs a nominal $2 for the timed entry, in addition to the park entrance fee. Visitors must present the reservation, show their park pass or pay the entrance fee, and display photo identification to access the park at the scheduled time.