You may have heard National Parks are getting crowded. Timed entry or reserving entry passes is becoming more common. Recently Arches National Park announced a Timed Entry Pilot from April 3 through October 3, 2022. If you plan on visiting this park, this is what you need to know. Speaking from experience, planning will help reduce any added stress while on vacation.
As stated, timed entry passes are required for Arches National Park from April 3 through October 3, 2022. What exactly does that mean? First, I encourage you to read through all the details provided on the Arches National Park website. Make sure you understand when tickets are released. From the website, you will read: Starting at 8 AM MST on January 3, 2022, the park will release tickets first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov three (3) months in advance in monthly blocks according to the following schedule. Make sure you read through the schedule provided on their website.
If you plan to visit July 1-31, 2022, you can reserve tickets on April 1 at 8 AM MDT. Keep in mind, and speaking from experience, create your recreation.gov account before April 1. Sign in to your account before 8 AM MDT. Make sure you know what time zone you are in, and the time difference from your current time zone to MDT! Once 8 AM MDT strikes, hit the Add to Cart and complete payment. Your time ticket will be emailed to you once payment is received. Save this for your upcoming trip as you will be required to present this plus a photo ID. The information on the ticket must match the photo ID! Tickets are non-transferable!
As I read through the National Park Service (NPS) website, I am not reading anything about how the time is determined or if you can select a specific time or time range. When we booked our timed entry shuttle for Zion National Park along with our timed entry ticket for Rocky Mountain National Park in 2021, we had to choose from several specific times. Be prepared to select a time window, if provided, as quickly as possible.
You will find additional details regarding the Reservation Requirements and Ticket duration on the recreation.gov website under Need to Know.
If you are not successful in getting a ticket, the website states: A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase one day before entry at 6 PM MDT through Recreation.gov. These are expected to sell out quickly and we encourage visitors to plan ahead. Again, note the date and time these tickets will be released. Log in to your account before the specific time and be ready to click Add to Cart at the exact time tickets are released.
Reservations will not be available at park entrance stations or park offices.
If planning a visit to Arches, be prepared and plan accordingly! For those with camping, backcountry, Fiery Furnace, or special use permits: Timed Entry Tickets will not be required. However, those have their own, specific booking requirements.
We were fortunate enough to stay at Devil’s Garden Campground in 2021, within Arches National Park. This required booking a reservation six months in advance! Be sure you fully understand all booking requirements when making those reservations.
Navigating the new pilot programs and booking reservation requirements within the National Parks can be daunting at times. However, given the increasing number of visitors, limited entry will, and does, make for a better experience.
Before you visit any National Park, be sure to visit their website often and stay up to date on the changing requirements and all relevant information.
In summary, it is never too early to start planning your National Park plan.
If you have any questions regarding the time entry process feel free to leave me a comment below or check out the National Park Website.
Safe travels!
Savvy-Traveler 