Hello from Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
We are continuing to increase
visitor access to the parks
in a phased approach.
Currently park roads,
hiking trails, and viewing areas
are open.
Visitor Center operations
are located outside of the Visitor Center
on the patios.
Canyonlands Natural History Association
bookstores are also open.
Campgrounds will remain closed.
At Arches,
backcountry camping
and Fiery Furnace access
will also be unavailable.
At Canyonlands,
backcountry and river permits
will only be available online.
So please reserve and print your permit
before you arrive.
Getting outside
and exploring nature
is one of the most therapeutic things you can do
for your body and soul,
especially in these difficult times.
There are numerous ways we can recreate
safely and responsibly.
Our priority is the safety of our visitors,
employees, volunteers, and partners.
Together, we can do this.
Your visit starts at home.
You can check the website and social media outlets for alerts and updates.
These tools can also help you
plan your activities to your interests and ability levels.
Rangers may not be available
to provide information once you arrive.
So know before you go.
If you are sick
or have been in contact with someone diagnosed
with COVID-19,
please delay your visit to the parks.
According to the CDC,
symptoms of COVID-19 include: cough,
shortness of breath,
fever,
chills,
muscle pain,
sore throat,
and a loss of taste or smell.
The small hospital
in Moab is limited in supplies,
ventilators, and beds.
If you begin to feel sick
during your visit,
please consider ending your trip to the park.
Please engage in low risk activities
like short hikes,
scenic drives, and visiting overlooks.
This is especially true
when it’s really hot
or if you’re not acclimated to the area.
Preventable injuries
strain medical resources
and put first responders in harm’s way.
When out and about in the park,
please practice physical distancing,
avoid crowded areas,
and try to visit early in the day.
Please maintain 6 feet of separation at all times,
do not gather in crowded areas, and
consider visiting the park
with members of your household only.
CDC recommends
wearing cloth face coverings in public settings
when other social distancing
measures are difficult to maintain.
Thank you for your cooperation.
[footsteps on gravel]
While on the trail,
please be courteous,
allow plenty of space
and communicate with other hikers.
Please avoid the trails if they seem busy.
A good indicator of this
is how full the parking lot is when you arrive.
Bring plenty of food,
drinking water,
and wear proper footwear with you on your hike.
Practice “Leaving No Trace” when you visit the park
by packing everything out that you bring in.
This will help park staff and wildlife.
Remember when planning your visit
that many park facilities, including visitor centers,
will probably be closed.
So bring anything you think you might need with you.
Drinking water, for instance, may or may not be available.
Other protective equipment,
like sunscreen or hand sanitizer,
may also be on short supply.
So just remember,
bring it with you and keep it with you when you visit.
If parking lots are full,
please leave and return at a different time
or consider going to a less
populated location in the park.
For your safety,
we may need to temporarily restrict
access to the trails or parking lots
if they reach capacity.
Please park in only designated parking areas.
Not on the shoulders, or off the road.
Make sure to follow
the directions of park staff in the parking lots.
Restrooms are located at most of
the popular locations in the parks and also indicated on park maps.
Please practice proper hygiene,
wash your hands,
and use hand sanitizer before and after use.
If there is a line for the restrooms,
practice social distancing
and allow 6 feet of space between you
and the person in front and behind you.
National Parks exist to protect special places
for visitor enjoyment.
We share the responsibility
for the health and well being of our beautiful parks
and each other.
Together we can do this.
Plan ahead,
stay safe,
and we hope you enjoy your visit
to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.