No Timed Entry Ticket? No Problem! – Arches National Park

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5 days ago
3 min read

Landscapes along the Colorado River Scenic Byway

Summer is here, and that means national parks are going to get busy. To help manage crowds, some U.S. parks have introduced a timed entry system. For now, Arches National Park is the only park in Utah requiring a timed entry reservation.

Between 7 am and 4 pm, from April 1 through July 6 and again from August 28 through October 31, you’ll need to reserve a time slot online in advance. Reservations cost $2.00 per vehicle.

Why Timed Entry?

Arches National Park introduced timed entry to help manage rising visitor numbers and reduce impacts like traffic congestion, overcrowded facilities, and safety risks. It helps spread out visitors, ease pressure on the park, and improve the overall experience, while protecting its natural beauty.

Did you know over 1.8 million people visit this magnificent park each year?

How to Avoid Timed Entry

Since the park is open 24/7, early birds and night owls can skip the reservation by entering before 7 am or after 4 pm.

A sunrise hike to Delicate Arch is an unforgettable experience and a photographer’s dream!

Coming after 4 pm lets you enjoy the magical red glow of the rocks and a stunning sunset. Stay after dark as Arches National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing.

Not in the park, but just as amazing

Want to skip the timed entry altogether or sleep in? The Moab area is a natural playground, full of scenic beauty beyond Arches NP.

Here are a few standout options:

Fisher Towers

This free hike offers phenomenal panoramic views of steep rock towers. The Titan is one of these towers and the largest, free-standing natural tower in the US.

Turn left on the Colorado River Scenic Byway (State Road 128) as you head north out of Moab. You’ll see a sign for Fisher Towers near mile marker 25. Take the dirt road and continue for about 2 miles where you’ll see parking and the trailhead. The 5.2-mile (8.4 km) roundtrip trail has a 650 ft elevation gain and is rated moderate on AllTrails. More info is available on Visit Utah's website.

Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks

Ancient rock art can be found along Potash Road near Moab. Head north out of town, turn left onto Potash Road, and drive along the Colorado river until you see the sign. The tall rock walls are covered in petroglyphs left behind by the Archaic and Fremont cultures. Drive a bit further and a short but steep hike will take you to real dinosaur tracks. All this is free of charge!

Dead Horse Point State Park

This is a personal favorite, especially at sunset. At the overlook it feels like you're standing at a mini Grand Canyon, with views of the Colorado and Green Rivers merging far below.

Try the East Rim Trail, a mostly flat trail that starts just south of the visitor center. Combine it with the West Rim Trail for a 5-mile loop. State park entrance fees apply. The entrance to Dead Horse Point State Park is just a 34-minute drive north of Moab.

Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky District

One of the most iconic hikes is the Mesa Arch loop. It’s short (0.6 miles / 1 km), easy, and offers breathtaking views through the arch into the canyon beyond.

No timed entry is required for Canyonlands NP, however national park entrance fees apply. The Island in the Sky entrance is about 30 minutes north of Moab.

As always, when hiking:

💧 Bring plenty of water

🥾 Wear sturdy shoes

🧴 Use sun protection

🌤 Check the weather

🌱 And please, leave no trace