MOAB, Utah— Arches and Canyonlands national parks are preparing for another hot and busy July Fourth holiday weekend. Visitors should expect increased traffic, long lines at park entrances, busy trails, and limited parking at both parks.
Through Sunday, July 6, most visitors entering Arches National Park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. will need a timed entry reservation. Reservations can be made online at www.Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Next-day tickets are released at 7 p.m. daily.
Visitors without reservations may enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m., but may experience additional crowding (especially in late afternoon). Reservations cannot be made at Arches’ entrance booths. Timed entry reservations are not required at Canyonlands.
Beginning Monday, July 7, the pilot timed entry reservation system at Arches will pause for seven weeks. Arches’ parking lots and trails can usually accommodate slower mid-summer visitation without needing a reservation system to redistribute crowds. The reservation system will resume on August 28, for the increased visitation expected Labor Day weekend, and end for the year on October 31.
Visiting the high desert in summer requires extra precaution. Plan for your safety by consuming plenty of water and healthy snacks and by avoiding strenuous hikes between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Watch for signs of heat stress, such as dizziness, cramps, fatigue, headache, or irritability. If monsoon rainstorms are forecast, avoid travel on unpaved backcountry roads.
Check the parks’ websites and social media accounts for current road conditions.
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RVT1215b
Great information, thanks for passing it along !
Thank you for passing along the expectation, RV Travel! I guess many would rather be outside at the risk of sitting in ones vehicle for an extended period than stay home and in familiar surroundings. Have a great day and safe travels!