News Release

Arches and Canyonlands anticipate busy Fourth of July weekend

Summertime visitors enjoy the shade near Sand Dune Arch.

NPS / Andrew Kuhn

News Release Date: June 25, 2025

Contact: SEUG Public Affairs, 435-260-0713

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 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. Those 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.