The Arches National Park timed entry program for 2025 has been announced. If you are planning a trip to the park in 2025, reading this post can save you a huge hassle!
Aches is a hugely popular destination in the spring and fall. To reduce overcrowding during peak times, the park has implemented a timed entry system for 2025.
In this post, we’ve summarized the information you’ll need to determine if or when you’ll need a timed entry ticket and how to get one. Check out the park’s timed entry webpage for more information.
When are timed entry reservations needed?
From April 1 through July 6 (2025), vehicles entering the park between 7 am and 4 pm must have a timed entry ticket as well as an entrance pass. Visitors without an entry pass can pay an entry fee or purchase a pass at the park’s entrance station.
The same requirements will be in place from August 28 through October 31 (2025) for vehicles entering the park between 7 am and 4 pm.
The park will not sell timed entry tickets at the entrance station or visitor center; you will need to purchase those in advance.
Go early or late to avoid needing a timed entry ticket
No timed entry ticket is required before 7 am or after 4 pm. Going into the park after 4 pm is a great idea for those who want to avoid the crowds. When visiting the park, we often eat an early dinner and then go back later in the day to watch the sunset. By then, many of the day-trippers have left and the park is much less crowded, even during peak season.
From July 7 through August 27 (2025), vehicles will not be required to have timed entry tickets. Yet, visitors still must have an entrance pass or pay an entrance fee. Check the park’s website for entrance pass and fee information.
The park may close temporarily due to overcrowding
Management may temporarily halt traffic going into the park during days when timed entry tickets are not required if the park becomes too crowded. We have seen this happen, and in these cases, you’ll have to wait until the park reopens or come back another time to enter the park.
When can I make a time entry reservation?
From the park’s website: The park will release tickets first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov up to six (6) months in advance starting on January 2, 2025, according to the following 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
Starting March 31st, an additional batch of tickets will be released at 7 pm MDT for park visits the next day. Any unbooked tickets will remain available for same-day visits. Morning time slots sell out the quickest, so we encourage visitors to plan ahead.
Timed entry tickets must be purchased for a specific day and time slot.
Tickets are non-transferable, and the park does not allow tickets to be resold or auctioned.
Have your ticket with you at the entrance station
You must show your timed entry ticket at the entrance station. Be sure to print a copy of your timed entry ticket (or have a screenshot of it on your device) and have it with you when entering the park. Don’t rely on a cell connection or wifi to access your ticket at the entrance station.
How do I purchase a timed entry ticket?
From the park’s website: Reservations will be available online through Recreation.gov (make a Recreation.gov account first) or by:
- using the Recreation.gov mobile app (iOS/Android)
- calling the Reservation Line: 877-444-6777
- Reservation International Line: 606-515-6777
- Reservation Line (TDD): 877-833-6777
Timed entry tickets are free, but recreation.gov will charge a non-refundable $2 reservation processing fee.
Upon completing your transaction, you will receive an email confirmation with an attached timed entry ticket.
