Arches National Park Reservations Guide
With over 2,000 natural stone arches rising from the red rock desert, Arches National Park is a destination that inspires awe. From the fiery glow of Delicate Arch at sunset to the sweeping span of Landscape Arch and the dramatic Windows Section, these are some of the most iconic views in the American Southwest.
Because of its popularity, Arches National Park now requires timed entry reservations to protect the landscape and enhance the visitor experience. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit and secure a park reservation.
What to Know About Arches National Park Reservations
If you plan to visit during peak season, timed entry reservations are required for vehicles entering Arches between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. from April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31, 2025.
Reservations are available on Recreation.gov and open six months in advance. If you miss the initial window, an additional batch is released each evening at 7 p.m. for next-day visits, and any remaining tickets are available for same-day booking. The park typically accommodates about 2,700 vehicles per day.
Your reservation provides a one-hour entry window. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like and even re-enter the same day with a validated ticket. Each reservation covers one private vehicle and its passengers and includes a $2 processing fee. In addition to your timed entry ticket, you’ll also need an America the Beautiful annual pass or to pay the standard park entrance fee.
How to Reserve an Arches National Park Timed Entry Ticket
You can book an Arches National Park reservation by:
- using the Recreation.gov mobile app or website
- calling the Reservation Line: 877-444-6777
- Reservation International Line: 606-515-6777
- Reservation Line (TDD): 877-833-6777
To reserve your spot, visit Recreation.gov and search for “Arches National Park Timed Entry Ticket.” Select your preferred date, add it to your cart, and complete the $2 payment to secure your entry. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with your timed entry ticket. Be sure to print, download, or screenshot it, as you’ll need to show it at the entrance gate.
Reservations are not available at park entrance stations or park offices, so it’s important to plan ahead – even if it’s the night before you plan to visit.
How to Visit Arches National Park Without a Reservation
If you missed the window to grab an Arches National Park reservation, don’t worry – you still have options.
Arrive Before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
You can enter the park without a reservation before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Arches is open 24/7, making it perfect for early hikes or stargazing in this International DarkSky Park, where the desert night sky is an experience all its own. Just note: if you leave, you can’t re-enter before 4 p.m. without a reservation. Off-season visits also don’t require timed entry.
Access With a Special-Use Permit
Visitors with backcountry or Fiery Furnace permits do not need a reservation. Just show your permit for entry into the park. Park passes or entrance fees still apply.
Walk, Hike, or Bike into the Park
You don’t need a timed entry reservation to enter the park on foot or by bicycle, but you must still show a park pass or pay the park entrance fee at the entrance station or online.
Book a Commercial Tour
Join a guided tour of Arches National Park and skip the need for your own reservation. Choose from scenic driving tours, guided hikes, or a combination of both for a fully immersive experience.
Cant-Miss Moments Inside Arches National Park
Once you’ve secured your reservation, prepare for some of the most awe-inspiring views in the country.
Arches Scenic Drive
This 36-mile round-trip journey through the heart of the park offers numerous pull-offs for panoramic views. Be sure to stop at Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, the Windows Section, and Park Avenue Viewpoint.
Explore more routes in our Moab Scenic Drives guide for more inspiration when planning your Moab itinerary.
Delicate Arch
This iconic landmark – and the symbol of Utah – is breathtaking any time of day, but it truly shines at sunrise and sunset. The 3-mile round-trip hike rewards you with fiery red rock glowing in the changing light, a view you’ll never forget.
Landscape Arch
Stretching an incredible 306 feet, Landscape Arch is one of the longest natural stone arches in the world. Its impossibly thin span makes it a natural wonder, and a must-see along the Devil’s Garden Trail.
Devils Garden
Devils Garden offers some of the best hiking in Arches. The trail winds through towering fins, hidden arches, and dramatic rock formations, making it a favorite for adventure seekers and photographers.
Stargazing
Arches National Park is a designated International DarkSky Park, which means it boasts some of the most pristine night skies in the world. Stick around after sundown for a spectacular starry display.
For more inspiration, check out our Ultimate Arches National Park Itinerary.
Things to Do Outside of Arches National Park
Adventure beyond Arches with nearby gems like Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park, both offering stunning desert views without reservation requirements. Take a scenic drive to Wilson Arch, explore prehistoric wonders at Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, or tackle the world-famous Slickrock Trail on a mountain bike. For a change of pace, raft the Colorado River, unwind by Ken’s Lake, or experience the thrill of a sunset Hummer safari on the Hell’s Revenge Trail.
Where to Stay in Moab
After a day of hiking and exploring, come home to something extraordinary. ULUM Moab offers upscale, safari-style accommodations tucked into a secluded desert setting south of Moab, just steps from Looking Glass Arch. Here, adventure and wellness meet. Wake up to expansive views, unwind by the hot and cool plunge pools, and dine under the stars. Every detail, from spa-style bathrooms to West Elm furnishings, has been thoughtfully designed to immerse you in nature without compromising comfort.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Moab to experience the national parks in comfort and style, this is it.
