Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Announce Winter Visitor Center Hours and Closures

Date: December 14, 2015
Contact: Mary Wilson, 435-719-2140

Arches and Canyonlands national parks are open all year, but the park's visitor center operations change with the arrival of winter.

The Arches National Park Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm this winter, except for Christmas Day when it will be closed. 

The Island in the Sky Visitor Center in Canyonlands National Park will be closed starting December 31, 2015, and reopen on Friday, March 4, 2016. 

The Needles Visitor Center in Canyonlands National Park closed for the winter Sunday, November 29, 2015, and will reopen on Friday, March 4, 2016. 

Law enforcement staff will remain on duty in both areas. 

Permits are required for all overnight backcountry use but are free when visitor centers are closed during the off season. Visitors wishing to stay overnight at the Island in the Sky district backcountry this winter are strongly encouraged to make advance reservations (and receive their permit two days or more before their trip) online at: https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm. Permits may also be obtained by calling the Central Reservation Office (435-259-4351) or in person at park headquarters located at 2282 S. West Resource Blvd. Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm, except federal holidays.

Visitors wishing to stay overnight in the Needles district backcountry must obtain a permit from the self-registration station located on the front porch of the Needles Visitor Center.  

Day-use permits are also required for Elephant Hill Road in the Needles (available at the self-registration station) and only online for the White Rim Road at Island in the Sky. Roads may be closed at any time due to unfavorable conditions.   

Visitor services (lodging, food, water, etc.) are not available in Canyonlands National Park, so visitors to the park need to be well equipped with all necessities. 

Additional information about Arches and Canyonlands national parks can be obtained from their official websites at www.nps.gov/arch and www.nps.gov/cany.