Arches National Park’s response to peak season congestion, limited parking, poor user experience, and damage to the delicate desert ecosystem has been to implement a timed entry reservation system. It’s been in place since 2021 and has seen positive results.

What is a timed entry reservation?

Timed entry reservations are permits that you reserve to enter Arches National Park during peak season at peak hours (April to October).

With a timed entry reservation, you’ll have a one-hour time window to enter the park. If you’re in line and your hour passes, you’ll still be allowed to enter the park, however, if you arrive before or after your reservation window you won’t be let into the park. Once you’re inside the park, there is no time limit for your stay for the day.

Timed entry rules

Timed entry reservations are good for one vehicle and valid for one day. Visitors are allowed one-timed entry reservation per person, per day. If your group has more than one vehicle planning to enter the park, you’ll need a second person to secure another timed entry reservation.

Parking

Timed entry reservations do not guarantee parking. Be patient finding parking and be flexible with your plans.

Bicyclists and pedestrians

Bicyclists do not need timed entry reservations.

Motorcycles

Up to two motorcycles arriving together may enter the park using one timed entry reservation.

Cancellations

If you’re not planning on using a timed entry reservation you have purchased, please cancel it so others may have the chance to visit. Timed entry reservations may not be sold, transferred, or refunded the $2 cost of purchase.

When do you need a timed entry reservation?

April 1 to October 31

7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When can you purchase a timed entry reservation?

Timed entry reservations can be purchased up to three months in advance. Reserve your timed entry reservations for $2 here. Reservations will not be available at park entrance station or park offices.

Reservations go on sale at 8 a.m. MT according to this schedule:

January 2nd for reservations between April 1-30

February 1st for reservations between May 1-31

March 1st for reservations between 1-30

April 1st for reservations between July 1-30

May 1st for reservations between August 1-31

June 1st for reservations between September 1-30

July 1st for reservations between October 1-31

Reservations sell out quickly. We recommend creating a login on recreation.gov in advance and attempting to make your purchase as soon as they go on sale at 8 a.m.

Next day reservations

A portion of timed entry reservations will be available for purchase one day in advance at 7 p.m. MT.

Park entrance fees

The timed entry reservation DOES NOT cover your entrance fee to get into Arches National Park. You will still need to pay the entrance fee to enter the park. It’s fastest to pay the entrance fee in advance online. If you’re visiting more than one national park (which is likely during your visit to Moab), consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass to cover all national park entrance fees for one year from the date of purchase.

Will you still have to wait in line to enter the park?

Yes, it’s likely that you’ll still have to wait in line to enter the park. Expect to wait 30 to 60 minutes in line, so plan accordingly. If you’re in line and your timed entry window closes, you’ll still be allowed to enter the park.

What to do if you didn’t get a timed entry reservation

Make a service reservation within the park

Reservations will not be required for those with Arches camping permits, backcountry permits, special use permits, or Fiery Furnace permits. You must show your permit for entry into the park.

Campground reservations grant you entry after 1:00 pm on the day of your reservation. Visitors with wilderness permits or special use permits can use these in place of entry reservations, but timed access varies.

Go in before or after permitted hours

Timed entries go from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; however, the park is open 24/7. Get past the entrance before or after these times to visit without a timed entry reservation, which has always been our preference (even before this reservation system was in place).

Visit an unregulated area

Arches National Park is the only park with timed entry reservations near Moab. Visiting Canyonlands National Park or Dead Horse State Park is a great alternative way to spend time in the area. Check out our Moab itinerary for ideas.

Visit in the off-season

Visiting Moab between October and May isn’t as popular, but it’s a great place to visit year-round! Find more details on seasons here.

Is Arches National Park worth visiting without a timed entry reservation?

Yes! If you don’t have a timed entry reservation, plan on early mornings (getting to the park entrance before 7:30 a.m.) and having the day to explore. This ensures you’ll have an easy time finding parking and can benefit from the morning's cooler temperatures.

What should we do at Arches National Park?

We have a 2–5-day itinerary for Moab’s surrounding parks outlined in this blog. We recommend spending at least one day in Arches National Park and at least one day in Canyonlands National Park while you’re in the area. If you have more time, try hiking one of the area’s best trails.