Infos zum Arches NP

Why Arches National Park has an overcrowding problem, causing 3-hour closures almost daily

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Arches National Park has a problem. It's too popular.
While that may seem like good news, for many people who came to visit the park in September, it's a major disappointment.
Because of parking lot size, overcrowding and safety concerns, Arches has been forced to turn people away for hours of the day, mostly during weekends.
In September, nearly every weekend — and lately many weekdays — have been met with closures and disappointing turnarounds for visitors in a record-setting month.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Arches National Park was slated to have its busiest year yet after seeing 1.66 million visitors last year. September is the park's busiest month, usually.
And yet, despite the ongoing pandemic, they still saw a 3% increase in closures this year compared to September 2019.

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Price To Explore Fiery Furnace At Arches, Backcountry In Canyonlands Increasing

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Beginning November 10, the cost of Fiery Furnace tickets in Arches National Park as well as backcountry and river permits in Canyonlands National Park will increase to help fund essential maintenance projects and staffing at the parks, the National Park Service said.

Arches:
Self-guided Fiery Furnace tickets will be $10 per person.
Ranger-led Fiery Furnace tickets prices will be $16 per person.

Canyonlands:
Backcountry permits will now require a $5 per person per night fee in addition to the $36 reservation fee.
River permits will require a $25 per person fee (an increase of $5) in addition to the $36 reservation fee.
The previously existing $36 reservation fee, which includes a $6 http://www.recreation.gov fee, will not change.

Ticket and permit fees provide critical funding for backcountry programs, facility maintenance and ranger-led tours. In addition, this funding helps maintain over 150 miles of backcountry roads, more than 100 miles of trails, 67 backcountry campsites, and multiple boats used for river patrols and emergency response, the park said in a release. Fees also support staff who provide information on the backcountry and rivers in-person, online, by email and telephone; engage in preventative search and rescue; monitor backcountry resource conditions; and manage permit reservations to maximize availability of campsites and permits. Together, these efforts help ensure backcountry resources and visitor experiences are protected.

Self-guided Fiery Furnace ticket fees have not increased since 1999, and ranger-led ticket fees have not increased since the early 2000s. Ticket fees go directly toward the cost of providing ranger-led and self-guided Fiery Furnace tours at the park. Backcountry fees in Canyonlands have not increased since 2011. Canyonlands has seen a 34 percent increase in overnight backcountry use and a 60 percent increase in overall park visitation since 2013, which has created the need for additional maintenance work and staffing.
In spring of 2021, the NPS solicited comments on these fee increases during a 30-day public comment period. The comments received demonstrated public support for the change, the park said.
Fiery Furnace permits are currently available seven days in advance on http://www.recreation.gov. Canyonlands backcountry permits for March 10 – June 9, 2022, will be available 8 a.m. MST November 10 and river permits for April 14 – October 15, 2022, will be available 8 a.m. MST December 14 on http://www.recreation.gov.

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Red, White And Green: Winter Colors In Arches Are Awaiting You
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National Park Service to pilot timed entry reservation system at Arches National Park in 2022

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The National Park Service today announced its intention to implement a temporary, timed entry reservation system at the highly visited Arches National Park in 2022.

“By implementing a temporary, timed entry reservation system, our goal is to better spread visitation throughout the day to reduce traffic congestion and visitor crowding. We believe this will create a higher-quality experience while maximizing access for our visitors,” said Arches National Park Superintendent Patricia Trap. “Additionally, we will use data gathered from this pilot to adapt and improve this system throughout the season, as well as to inform our future responses going forward.”

The pilot will run from April 3 to October 3, 2022. Visitors can book reservations first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MST on January 3, 2022. The park will release reservations three months in advance in monthly blocks. On January 3, reservations will open for April 3 through April 30. On February 1, reservations will open for the month of May and any remaining reservations that have not been booked for April. Additional months will continue the same pattern according to following schedule:

April reservations (April 3–30) open January 3.
May reservations (May 1–31) open February 1.
June reservations (June 1–30) open March 1.
July reservations (July 1–31) open April 1.
August reservations (August 1–31) open May 1.
September reservations (September 1–30) open June 1.
October reservations (October 1–3) open July 1.

After booking a reservation, visitors will receive a Timed Entry Ticket. Timed entry tickets will be required to enter the park from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and will allow visitors to enter the park during a one-hour specified window of availability. After entering, visitors may stay in the park as long as they wish for the remainder of the day. Reservation holders may exit and re-enter the park on the same day with a correctly validated ticket.

For those without early reservations, a limited number of additional reservations will be available for purchase at 6 p.m. MDT the day before entry through Recreation.gov. Reservations must be purchased online or by calling Recreation.gov before entering the park and will not be available at the park entrance. Timed entry reservations will not be required for those with camping permits, backcountry permits, Fiery Furnace permits, special use permits, concessions contracts, or commercial use authorizations. All reservations are expected to sell out quickly, and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead.

During 2009 to 2019, visitation to Arches grew over 66%, from 996,312 to 1,659,702. This high level of visitor use creates congestion and crowding that can negatively impact public safety, visitor experiences, and park resources. The National Park Service met with the public in two virtual meetings in September to discuss potential solutions to these challenges and solicited comments about congestion management during a 30-day comment period. Additionally, park leadership has been working to collaborate closely with the local community and other stakeholders in the implementation of this pilot.

After analyzing visitation patterns and considering comments from the public and stakeholders, the National Park Service determined that a temporary timed entry pilot could ease vehicle congestion and visitor crowding by proactively pacing visitation into the park. The park expects timed entry reservations to provide visitors with a more reliable and enjoyable experience while protecting the park’s extraordinary landscape. Additionally, data collected over the duration of the pilot will help determine timed entry’s viability as a component of a longer-term visitor access strategy.

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ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Eintritt nur noch mit Reservierung

Arches National Park Timed EntryArches National Park
Near Moab, Utah
In 2022, Arches National Park will implement a pilot timed entry reservation system.
Each private vehicle entering the park will need a Timed Entry Ticket for each day the vehicle will be in the park between 6 am and 5 pm. The reservation-holder must be in the vehicle with photo identification when you arrive at the park.

Der National Park Service der USA führt nächstes Jahr eine Reservierungs-System für den beliebten Arches National Park in Utah ein. Vom 3. April bis 3. Oktober wird zunächst ein Pilotprojekt laufen. Der Park wird Reservierungen drei Monate im Voraus in monatlichen Blöcken freigeben Ab 3. Januar können über unten stehende Website Reservierungen für den Zeitraum 3. bis 30. April vorgenommen werden. Reservierungen für Besuche im Mai sind ab 1. Februar möglich. Die Reservierungen laufen nach dem Prinzip "First come, first serve".

Ziel der neuen Regelung ist es, die Besucherströme besser über den Tag zu verteilen. Nach der Buchung wird ein Ticket für den Zugang reserviert. Mit dem Ticket kann der Park täglich von 6 bis 17 Uhr in einem bestimmten Zeitfenster innerhalb einer Stunde betreten werden. Nach dem Einlass können die Besucher für den Rest des Tages so lange im Park bleiben, wie sie möchten. Inhaber einer Reservierung können den Park am selben Tag mit einer korrekt entwerteten Eintrittskarte verlassen und wieder betreten.

Quelle

Dunkler Bogen und fernes Feuer
Delicate Arch in Utah vor dem Schein eines Waldbrands

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Auf den ersten Blick scheint dieser steinerne Bogen von der untergehenden Sonne beleuchtet zu werden. Doch das leuchtende Glühen am Horizont kommt von einer irdischen Feuersbrunst: Zu sehen ist der Schein des Pack-Creek-Feuers, das im Juni 2021 mehr als 3.500 Hektar Wald in Utah vernichtete. Der Bogen ist der Delicate Arch, eine der berühmten Steinformationen im Arches -Nationalpark in Utah.

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Utah groups want a more international tourist-friendly national park reservation system

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Nearly 400 tourism industry groups, including several from Utah, sent a letter to the National Park Service asking for changes to park reservation systems to better accommodate international travelers.
The letter states the need for the systems came from record visitation during the pandemic, but for the foreign travel industry to recover, reservation booking times need to be extended to 10 to 12 months out. Currently, Utah’s Arches National Park only allows people to get timed-entry tickets about two months in advance.
Shayne Wittwer, CEO of Wittwer Hospitality, which has hotels throughout southern Utah, said he supports protecting the parks from large crowds like the ones seen in 2021.
However, he also said people want to be sure they can enter a park before they commit to a big trip.
“The majority of people traveling from overseas are going to spend at least or close to a year planning,” he said, including the lengthy time it takes to secure a visa. “On top of that, they're looking at airfare, booking, hotels and where they haven't been before.”
Wittwer thinks a timed-entry system should be the last resort for crowding and that parks should consider other ways to improve visitors' experience, like more parking and shuttles.
At Ruby’s Inn near Bryce Canyon National Park, things are quiet for this time of the year. Hotel general manager Lance Syrett, another signatory of the letter, said making it easier for international travelers to visit could help his business, which heavily relies on them.
Even though Bryce doesn’t require a reservation to enter, he said these kinds of visitors often take a few weeks to travel through the region to several parks. Having some that require reservations a few months out, he said, could discourage people from visiting the area altogether.
“I think it's a no-brainer,” he said. “I mean … why can't they make a reservation that far out it? This makes no sense.”
The Utah Tourism Industry Association signed the letter as well. Natalie Randall, the executive director, said they were able to work with Arches to mitigate issues with international travel. Now, she said the park doesn’t require some large tour bus groups to have a reservation.
“These are complex issues that impact various businesses at the local level,” she said. “So having individual solutions regionally is really what we are supportive of.”
She and other state tourism leaders said they hope the next step is reassessing the pilot timed-entry program at Arches to make adjustments.
In a statement, National Park Service spokesperson Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles said they appreciate the feedback as they, “adjust and improve these management tools, and as we evaluate ways to ensure consistent and clear expectations for visitors planning park trips. We look forward to our continued communication with the travel industry on subjects of mutual interest.”

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Im April standen alle in derselben Schlange , was zu Wartezeiten führte. Nach dem Kassenhäuschen ist ein kleiner Kreisverkehr, wo ein Ranger den Sticker kontrolliert (erhält man am Kassenhäuschen) und Besucher ohne diesen zurückschickt. Sinnvoll ist das System nicht wirklich…

Wir waren im April da und fanden das ganze total problemlos. Wir hatten Zeitfenster ab 8 und 9 Uhr und bei uns gab es nur minimale Schlangen. Alles ging sehr zügig. Man zeigt das Permit vor bekommt eine Karte mit farbigem Sticker und fährt zum Kreisverkehr wo ein Ranger kurz den Sticker anschaut. Das geht praktisch im Vorbeifahren.
An einem Tag hatten wir nen Platten und mussten den Reifen wechseln was dazu führte, dass wir unser Zeitfenster verpasst hatten. Wir sind trotzdem hin gefahren, haben die Rechnung vom Reifen vorgezeigt kurz erklärt was passiert war und durften trotzdem rein fahren. Sie sind also auch flexibel wenn man einen guten Grund hat.
Außerdem konnte man von hinten über die Dirtroad zum Tower Arch rein fahren ohne ein Permit zu haben. Erst als man von da aus in den Park wollte hat ein Ranger überprüft ob man ein Permit für den Tag hat. Er stand an der Kreuzung der Dirtroad mit der eigentlichen geteerten Parkstraße.
Für uns war alle wie gesagt total problemlos und kostet so viel weniger Zeit als wenn man ewig in einer Schlange steht. Bei uns stand auch noch ein Ranger vor dem Kassenhäuschen und hat schon vorkontrolliert und nachgefragt ob die Leute Permits haben. Es haben welche umgedreht von daher gehe ich davon aus das sie kein Permit hatten. Irgendwie muss man der Massen ja Herr werden.

War doppelt sorry.

Arches National Park sees a drop in summer visitors

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Visitation at Arches National Park has dipped about a quarter this summer compared to last. The drop in numbers comes as the park tries out a reservation system to handle tourism.
In 2021, Arches, along with other national parks in Utah, had record visitation and would often stop allowing more cars into the park because of crowding. With demand on the rise, the park implemented a pilot timed-entry system earlier this spring.
Since starting the program in April, there haven’t been any closures, said park spokesperson Kait Thomas, which makes for a better visitor experience. Instead of the unpredictability of whether or not they would be able to enter the park, Thomas said the timed-entry system “gives you peace of mind.”
Records kept by the park show that May, June and July 2022 visitation numbers are some of the lowest in several years, besides the start of the pandemic in 2020. Most of Utah’s national parks had fewer summer tourists this year compared to last – but Arches had the biggest downturn.
“What we've seen is that our tickets actually aren't selling out right now in July and August, and we think a lot of that has to do with the weather,” Thomas said. “But we think that some of that has to do with just that general decrease that we're seeing at other parks across the region.”
Nearly 400 tourism industry groups, including several from Utah, signed a letter in July that asked the National Park Service to better accommodate international travelers. In it, they said parks like Arches with reservation systems make it difficult for people planning big trips months in advance.
Vicki Varela, the managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, said there are a variety of factors that could impact travel and the reservation system is just one of them.
“Gas prices have probably contributed significantly, a lack of local marketing has probably contributed significantly,” she said. “Also, anytime you set up a new system such as timed entry. … Inevitably some people have not been able to visit because they haven't figured out the new system yet.”
This summer was a “perfect storm” of those factors, according to Sharon Kienzle, the retail sales manager for Canyonlands Natural History Association, the nonprofit that runs stores within southeast Utah national parks. Kienzle said it’s definitely quieter for tourism businesses, which some Moab locals are happy about.
“We would like to see them open up a few more reservations available,” she said. “We think the no-show rate is a little higher than they anticipated, people are getting reservations and then just not coming. … It’s a learning curve, but it is better.”
Thomas said the pilot reservation system will end in October. After that park officials will decide if they want to go through the process of making it permanent.

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Arches National Park Will Conclude Timed Entry Pilot on October 4, 2022

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Beginning October 4, 2022, Arches National Park will conclude the temporary, timed entry pilot that has operated since April 3, 2022. Timed entry tickets will no longer be necessary to enter the park after October 3. The purchase of traditional entrance passes will still be required to enter Arches after the end of the pilot. After the close of the program, Visitors should expect increased traffic and the possibility of temporary entrance delays.

“With the conclusion of the timed entry pilot, we would like to extend our gratitude to visitors, local community members, and park partners for their support of this program. The pilot met many of the goals we set out to achieve, including distributing visitation throughout the day and improving visitor experiences, and it provided data that will inform our next steps,” said Arches Superintendent Patricia Trap.

The information gathered during the 2022 pilot will be analyzed to help determine if a future timed entry program will be a viable solution for visitor use management at Arches. The park will hold discussions with partners and stakeholders this Fall and plans to announce a decision on 2023 congestion management strategies in the next few months.

Starting on October 4, visitors to Arches should expect increased traffic and wait times to enter the park. Trails and parking lots may be crowded, and temporary delays lasting 3-5 hours may be implemented at the entrance gate to manage congestion.

Visitors should plan ahead and prepare for crowded conditions and changing weather. Bring plenty of water and snacks, wear sturdy shoes, and don’t forget sun protection. Visitors are encouraged to check the park website or Twitter account for current updates and road conditions prior to driving to the park.

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Windows Section to Temporarily Close for Necessary Maintenance October 4-6, 2022

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The Windows section and road in Arches National Park will close Tuesday, October 4 through Thursday, October 6, 2022, for necessary construction and maintenance. During the project, the park will regrade recently constructed gravel parking areas, install asphalt, and formalize 10 new paved parking spaces at the lower Windows parking area. The road will be closed at the Balanced Rock junction starting at 4 a.m. on October 4 and will remain closed until the evening of October 6.

The Windows parking lot, trails, the Garden of Eden, and other areas along the Windows road will be inaccessible during this time. Expect increased traffic, congestion, and a higher probability of temporary entrance delays throughout the closure.

This project will improve visitor safety by lengthening parking spaces to prevent large vehicles from blocking the existing roadway. Additionally, a new ADA-accessible space will be installed.

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Arches Will Implement Updated Pilot Timed Entry System in 2023
Reservations for April 1 through October 31, 2023 will be available online starting January 10

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Arches National Park will implement an updated timed entry system pilot in 2023. Based on feedback received from the public, stakeholders, and local community members, visitors to Arches in 2023 will have additional flexibilities to enter the park, including the ability to purchase entrance fees or annual passes in advance and to access the park without a reservation during extended hours.

“During the 2022 pilot at Arches, timed entry tickets helped pace visitation into the park, lessen congestion, and enhance visitor experiences. This year, Arches will use another timed entry pilot to test operational improvements, which should provide more opportunities for access while protecting Arches’ extraordinary landscape,” said Arches National Park Superintendent Patricia Trap.

From April 1 to October 31, 2023, visitors will need to secure a timed entry reservation in advance to enter the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visitors can book reservations on a first-come first-served basis on Recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MST on January 10, 2023. Reservations will be released three months in advance in monthly blocks. For example, on January 10, reservations will open for April 1 through April 30. On February 1, reservations will open for the month of May and any remaining reservations that have not been booked for April. Additional months will continue the same pattern according to the following schedule:

April reservations (April 1–30) open January 10.
May reservations (May 1–31) open February 1.
June reservations (June 1–30) open March 1.
July reservations (July 1–31) open April 1.
August reservations (August 1–31) open May 1.
September reservations (September 1–30) open June 1.
October reservations (October 1–31) open July 1.
After booking a reservation, visitors will receive a timed entry ticket. Timed entry tickets will be required to enter the park from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and will allow visitors to enter during a one-hour specified window of availability. After entering, visitors may stay in the park for the remainder of the day. Ticket holders may exit and re-enter the park on the same day with a correctly validated ticket. The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

For those without early reservations, a limited number of additional tickets will be available starting at 6 p.m. MDT on the day before entry through Recreation.gov. Tickets must be booked online or by calling Recreation.gov before entering the park and will not be available at the park entrance. Timed entry tickets will not be required for those with camping permits, backcountry permits, Fiery Furnace permits, special use permits, concessions contracts, or commercial use authorizations. Ticket availability may run out quickly, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead.

Between 2011 and 2021, visitation to Arches National Park grew over 73 percent, from just over 1 million to over 1.8 million visitors per year. This increase in visitor use creates congestion and crowding that can negatively impact public safety, visitor experiences, and park resources. During times of peak congestion, the park has had to temporarily close its gates until crowding has lessened. With timed entry, however, temporary closures are not typically required. Managed access systems like timed entry help distribute visitation throughout the day and season to provide reliable access while protecting the park.

After the conclusion of the 2022 timed entry pilot, Arches staff reviewed comments from members of the public, stakeholders, and elected officials. Using the feedback received, the NPS determined that implementing a pilot for a second year could continue to reduce congestion as the park begins a longer-term public planning process to consider alternatives for the best ways to manage high visitation while protecting the park and improving safety. This planning effort will consider a variety of congestion management strategies in addition to timed entry and will engage the public and local community throughout the process.

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