Arches National Park draws over 1.5 million visitors each year. Since 2022, the park has implemented an entry permit system to reduce the crowding in the park to account for limited parking and to protect the environment from overcrowding.

During the busy periods from April 1 – June 6 and August 29 – October 31, timed entry permit reservations are required to enter Arches National Park. You must book these reservations in advance. Use this guide to learn tips and how to reserve your Arches National Park reservation in 2025.

Why are reservations required to enter Arches National Park?

Arches National Park has seen a drastic jump in visitors over the years. From 2011 to 2021, there was a 73% increase in visitors from 1 million to 1.8 million.

Due to the increase in visitors, roadway congestion and safety are among the primary concerns. There is limited parking, and as people park in unofficial parking spots, the fragile environment is eroded, pedestrian safety concerns are increased, and overall visitor experience was negatively impacted.

In 2022, to improve the park experience, the first reservation plan was set up and modified over the past few years. Feedback has shown that limiting the number of visitors during peak periods has improved visitor experience and parking access and decreased park entry wait lines.

Going into the 2025 season, the NPS continues monitoring and adjusting the reservation program to benefit visitors and the natural environment.

When are reservations required to enter Arches National Park?

Timed entry tickets are required to enter Arches National Park from 7 am to 4 pm during the peak periods from April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31.

How do I reserve my ticket?

Reserve your timed entry ticket at recreation.gov before you arrive at Arches National Park.

When do reservations open?

Timed entry permits are released up to 6 months in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations open at 8 am MST. This is the reservation schedule:

• April, May, and June reservations (April 1–June 30) open January 2 at 8 am MST
• July reservations (July 1–6) open February 1 at 8 am MST
• August reservations (August 28–31) open March 1 at 8 am MST
• September reservations (September 1–30) open April 1 at 8 am MDT
• October reservations (October 1–31) open May 1 at 8 am MDT

Additional entry permits

An additional batch of tickets will be released the day before entry. Starting March 31 at 7 pm MST, visitors can book the remaining slots beginning the evening before. Any canceled slots will open up at this time, too. Therefore, acquiring an unbooked ticket on the same day is possible.

What do I need to bring with me?

When you enter the park during your reservation period, you must bring your:

• Timed entry ticket: Bring a digital or paper copy of your timed entry ticket.
• Park entrance fee: Pay upon arrival or present a valid park pass.
• Photo ID: Must belong to the ticket holder, who must be present in the vehicle.

Can I reserve a ticket at the last minute?

While it is possible to reserve last-minute entry permits, which are released the evening before, it’s not guaranteed. Many permits book up early during the high season in spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable. Weekends and holidays are the first to book up.

Every once in a while, some last-minute cancellations or slots remain open. So, it’s worth checking online to see if they are available for your trip!

Can I enter Arches National Park outside the reservation period?

Yes! If you can’t snag a ticket at the last minute, you can always enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm or in the season when Arches reservations are not required.

Are there exceptions to the permit?

If you hold a Devil’s Garden Campground permit, a backcountry camping permit, a special use permit, or a Fiery Furnace permit, you do not need a timed entry ticket. These permits count as your entrance reservation for the park.

Are there buses to Arches National Park?

There is no public transportation to Arches National Park, but commercial tours based in Moab take visitors to the park. A tour is a great way to get around the permit, and you won’t have to worry about the stress of parking!

Arches National Park Reservation Tips

• Reservations must be made in advance. You may not reserve a spot at the park.
• Arches National Park is a 10-minute drive from Moab. If you make last-minute plans to visit the park and tickets are still available, reserve a ticket before arriving.
• Reservations open up to 6 months in advance. It’s best to reserve your tickets as far in advance as possible, as slots book up quickly.
• You must enter the park within your designated one-hour reservation window. Exceptions will be made if there is traffic at the entrance but you have been waiting on the road.
• Entrance lines into Arches can take 30 – 60 minutes, depending on the season and time of day.
• Morning entry slots book up first.
• If you are visiting the park for multiple days, you must make a reservation for each day.
• Timed entry permits are free, but there is a $2 reservation fee on recreation.gov.
• You will still have to pay the Arches National Park entrance fee, in addition to the $2 reservation fee.
• A private vehicle costs $30, and a motorcycle costs $25. The annual Arches National Park Pass is $55. An America the Beautiful National Park Pass, which allows access to all national parks and federal lands, is $80 a year and grants you access to the park. (This is a great option if you’re visiting multiple parks within the next year!)
• Ticket entries cannot be transferred or resold. The purchaser must be in the vehicle and present ID to enter the park.
• There are no refunds if you cancel your reservation. If you book a new reservation, you will have to pay the $2 reservation fee again.
• If you don’t plan to use your reservation, cancel it in advance to allow others to access the park.
• You can show your ticket via screenshot, download on your phone, or a printed copy.
• Cyclists and walkers do not need a timed entry permit. Bikes are permitted on any roads open to vehicles and paved and dirt roads, except where posted signs prohibit them. It is illegal to ride off roads, trails, or slick rock.
• Tribal members do not require park reservations.
• Just because you have a timed entry reservation does not guarantee you parking at any specific park location.
• There is no limit to how long you can stay in the park after entering.

Now start exploring!

Enjoy your trip! Arches National Park has many wonders, from sandstone arches to desert flora and fauna. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or a scenic drive, all visitors are sure to enjoy their trip.

If you’re looking for the most convenient way to explore the region, then make sure you book an Escape Camper Van! Explore from your home on wheels while taking in the wonders of Utah, and if you have the chance, check out all 5 of Utah’s National Parks!