Infos zum Arches NP

Arches announces another pilot vehicle reservation system using timed entry in 2025

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Arches National Park will implement another pilot vehicle reservation system using timed entry in 2025, beginning April 1. Program parameters will be mostly the same as the 2024 pilot, except the park will not require reservations from July 7 to August 27, 2025 (after July 4th weekend until just before Labor Day weekend) when visitation traditionally slows down.

“We continue to hear positive comments from people who enjoyed the guaranteed arrival time and reduced congestion they experienced during these pilots,” said Arches National Park Superintendent Lena Pace. “We’ve opted to continue the interim action next year while we further examine long-term solutions so that people can start making their 2025 travel plans knowing what to expect.”

Timed entry tickets will be required for visitors arriving between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily when the program is in effect (unless they have camping, tour, or special use permits; concessions contracts; commercial use authorizations; or academic or volunteer fee waivers). Visitors arriving before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. will not need a timed entry ticket.

Visitors can reserve their tickets on a first-come first-served basis through Recreation.gov, online or over the phone, beginning at 8 a.m. MST on January 2, 2025. Reservations will be released three months in advance in monthly blocks. For example, on January 2, reservations will open for the month of April. On February 1, reservations will open for the month of May and unreserved times in April will remain open. Additional months will continue the same pattern according to the following schedule:

April reservations (April 1–30) open January 2.

May reservations (May 1–31) open February 1.

June reservations (June 1–30) open March 1.

July reservations (July 1–6) open April 1.

August reservations (August 27–31) open May 27.

September reservations (September 1–30) open June 1.

October reservations (October 1–31) open July 1.

Starting March 31, additional tickets will be released at 7 p.m. MT each day for park visits the following day. Any unreserved tickets remain available for same-day booking.

Timed entry tickets will allow visitors to enter during a one-hour specified window between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. 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.

Tickets must be booked online or by calling Recreation.gov before entering the park and will not be available at the park entrance. Advance tickets book up quickly, especially for morning arrival times, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead.

Visitation to Arches National Park grew 73 percent between 2011 and 2021, nearing 2 million people annually. This increase was concentrated during certain hours, causing congestion at key park destinations, reduced visitor enjoyment, and increased resource damage. During times of peak congestion prior to implementing the vehicle reservation pilots, the park had to temporarily close its gates until crowding lessened, resulting in many visitors being unable to enter the park at their preferred time or at all. The vehicle reservation pilots in 2022, 2023, and 2024 were successful in reducing congestion, improving visitor experiences, providing reliable access, and distributing visitation throughout the day. Visitors arriving with the appropriate vehicle reservation and park pass were guaranteed entry to the park during the pilots.

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Arches will offer earlier advance timed entry reservations in 2025

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Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, starting January 2

In response to feedback from stakeholders and the general public, Arches National Park is changing its 2025 pilot timed entry reservation system to accept reservations up to six months in advance—twice as long as previously announced.

According to recent surveys, 15-26% of Arches’ visitors plan their trip six months or more in advance. “Enabling earlier reservations gives people more flexibility in planning their visit to Arches,” said Arches National Park Superintendent Lena Pace. “To accommodate all travel styles, we will also continue to release next-day tickets, which often remain open for same-day booking.”

The previously-announced decision to not require reservations from July 7 to August 27, 2025, (after July 4th weekend until just before Labor Day weekend) is also an adaptation based on feedback from past pilots. Visitation traditionally slows down during peak summer months when daytime temperatures are hottest, reducing the need to manage crowding in the park.

All other program parameters will remain the same. Visitors arriving between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the program is in effect will need to have booked a timed entry ticket in order to enter the park (unless they have camping, tour, or special use permits; concessions contracts; commercial use authorizations; academic or volunteer fee waivers; or are from an associated Tribal Nation). Visitors arriving before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m., or between July 7 and August 7, 2025, will not need a timed entry ticket.

Tickets must be obtained before entering the park and will not be available at the park entrance. Visitors can reserve their tickets through Recreation.gov, either online or over the phone (1-877-444-6777), beginning at 8 a.m. MST on January 2, 2025. Reservations will be released up to six months in advance in blocks. On January 2, reservations will open for all dates in April, May, and June. On February 1, reservations will open for the month of July and unreserved times for April, May, and June will remain open. The full release schedule is as follows:

April–June reservations (April 1–June 30) open January 2.

July reservations (July 1–6) open February 1.

August reservations (August 28–31) open March 1.

September reservations (September 1–30) open April 1.

October reservations (October 1–31) open May 1.

Starting March 31, additional tickets will be released at 7 p.m. MT nightly for park visits the following day. Any unreserved tickets remain available for same-day booking.

After booking a reservation, visitors will receive a timed entry ticket that allows them to enter during a one-hour specified window. 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.

Arches’ pilot timed entry program is an effort to improve visitors’ experiences through managed access. Visitation to Arches National Park grew 73 percent between 2011 and 2021, nearing 2 million people annually. This increase was concentrated during certain hours, causing congestion at key park destinations, reduced visitor enjoyment, and increased resource damage. During times of peak congestion prior to implementing these pilots, the park had to temporarily close its gate until crowding lessened, resulting in many visitors being unable to enter the park at their preferred time or at all. The vehicle reservation pilots in 2022, 2023, and 2024 were successful in reducing congestion, improving visitor experiences, providing reliable access, and distributing visitation throughout the day. Visitors arriving with the appropriate timed entry ticket and park pass were guaranteed entry to the park during the pilots.

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One of Utah's most beloved national park hikes is closed indefinitely

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Park officials said the Fiery Furnace closure, announced on Sunday, is due to staff shortages

The repercussions of President Donald Trump’s hiring freeze, hundreds of rescinded job offers and firings of National Park Service employees — many of which are still in legal limbo — are emerging across America’s national park system. On Sunday, Arches National Park announced the closure of one of the most coveted hikes in the country: Fiery Furnace.

The natural labyrinth of red rocks in Utah is filled with narrow passages, tight spaces and towering arches, and in the ’90s, it was so overrun by hikers that a permitting system was installed to allow just over 100 hikers per day in springtime through the fall. A rash of park rescues in the spring of ’94, coupled with the severe resource degradation of Fiery Furnace’s delicate sandstone due to “unregulated and uneducated users,” led the park to take action and install the permitting system.

Now, permits for both ranger-led tours and self-guided hikes are both discontinued until further notice.

The reason? The seasonal employees necessary to supervise the area and activity were erroneously lumped in with a hiring freeze enacted by the Trump administration in January.

“We were told that we were safe from this, that our jobs still existed and we would continue to be hired,” a seasonal worker told SFGATE after having their job offer rescinded. “I plan my year around NPS seasons, including renting apartments, putting in notices at my off-season jobs, and making hotel arrangements for travel. I don’t know where I’m going at this point.”

About two weeks ago, two U.S. District Court judges mandated that all fired “probationary” workers — referring to employees who are new hires in their first one or two years of employment or longer-term employees who recently transitioned to a new position — be reinstated. But seasonal employees are now delayed. The Associated Press reported in late February that “following an uproar over an aggressive plan to downsize the agency,” a park service memo said it will hire up to 7,700 seasonal positions this year — up from the three-year average of 6,350. Seasonal workers take months to hire during normal circumstances. But now, as the parks are also scrambling to reinstate hundreds of fired employees, many parks — including Arches — have had to suspend access to beloved places like Fiery Furnace.

“Once seasonal employees arrive, we look forward to resuming normal spring operations,” Arches National Park’s notice reads.

A park spokesperson told Axios on Monday that a “firm date” when full staffing was expected couldn’t be provided “because of how hiring happened this year” and that the “start dates are a bit stretched out.”

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Deutscher Tourist (77) stirbt beim Wandern

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Die traumhafte Wanderung endet in einer Tragödie. Beim Wandern im Arches National Park im US-Bundesstaat Utah verliert ein deutscher Urlauber plötzlich den Halt, stürzt zu Boden. Trotz sofort eingeleiteter Wiederbelebungsmaßnahmen mehrerer Augenzeugen verliert der Mann sein Leben.

In dem für seine Sandsteinbögen bekannten Nationalpark bricht der Tourist am Dienstag (6. Mai) zu einer Wanderung auf. An einer herausfordernden Stelle des Window Loop Trails stürzt er plötzlich, berichten andere Wanderer nach Angaben des Parks, auf die sich die Nachrichtenagentur BNO beruft.

Die Zeugen hätten sofort Wiederbelebungsmaßnahmen eingeleitet, auch die Ranger seien schnell vor Ort gewesen. Doch für den 77-Jährigen kommt jede Hilfe zu spät.

Bei dem verunglückten Wanderer soll es sich um einen Mann aus Nordrhein-Westfalen handeln. Die Einsatzkräfte erklärten den 77-Jährigen noch an der Unfallstelle für tot.

Die Mitarbeiter des Parks nehmen gemeinsam mit Beamten des Grand County Sheriff’s Office die Ermittlungen zu dem tödlichen Unfall auf, berichtet Fox News. Wieso der Mann so plötzlich die Balance verlor, ist bislang unklar.

Den tragischen Vorfall nutzt der Parkdienst, um die Besucher an die Gefahren des unebenen Geländes zu erinnern. Gesundheitliche Einschränkungen und sich ändernde Wetterbedingungen könnten das Risiko von Verletzungen oder tödlichen Unfällen in abgelegeneren Teilen des Arches National Parks erhöhen.

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Arches and Canyonlands anticipate busy Fourth of July weekend

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Reservations required at Arches through holiday weekend; program to pause July 7 through August 27

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 http://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.

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Hi,

Die Infos sind wirklich super.

Frage an die Gerüchteküche?

Müssen wir demnächst auch in anderen NP's mit time slots rechnen?

Danke, Gruß

Raben

Graffiti, Possibly New, Spotted In Arches National Park

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What appears to be recently painted graffiti has been spotted in Arches National Park in Utah, although when it first appeared hasn't been determined.

The word "Grug" was spotted in a number of locations in the Devils Garden area of the park by a member of the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks. Photos of the graffiti were shared with media Thursday.

Also spotted were visitors walking their dog along one of the trails, which is against park regulations.

Some park advocates have worried that vandalism would occur in the parks during the government shutdown, when most National Park Service employees were sent home.

Outside of reports of base jumpers and squatters in Yosemite National Park, there haven't been any significant reports of vandalism or misbehavior since the government shut down on October 1.

Graffiti has been a problem in national parks through the years. There is a surprising number of 21st century individuals who think it’s perfectly appropriate to carve their names, initials, and other signs and symbols into national park landscapes.

Perhaps the most infamous case in recent years was that of a New York City woman who went through at least seven Western national parks in 2014 and, using acrylic paints and markers, painted and drew images on rocks and cliff faces. Casey Nocket, who promoted her “work” on Instagram, eventually was tracked down, charged, and pleaded guilty to defacing government property. She was sentenced to two years’ probation and 200 hours of community service.

And she was banned from all lands administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Army Corps of Engineers during her probation period.

Nocket isn’t alone when it comes to defacing the parks. In recent years problems with graffiti have surfaced at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, and Colorado National Monument, among other sites.

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Dramatische Rettung in US-Nationalpark: Wanderer steckt in Treibsand fest.

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Im Archers Nationalpark in Utah gerät ein 33-jähriger Amerikaner in Treibsand – und in Lebensgefahr. Stundenlang muss er bei eiskalten Temperaturen ausharren, erst dann kann ein Rettungs-Team ihn befreien.

Austin Dirks ist ein erfahrener Wanderer. Oft ist er in der Wildnis Nordamerikas unterwegs, er ist vorsichtig und gut ausgerüstet. Am vergangenen Wochenende gerät der 33-Jährige im berühmten Archers Nationalpark im US-Bundesstaat Utah in Lebensgefahr.

Dirks macht sich am Samstag auf, um rund 30 Kilometer durch den Nationalpark zu wandern. Er übernachtet im Zelt und setzt Sonntagfrüh noch vor Sonnenaufgang seine Wanderung fort. In einem Canyon will er einen kleinen Fluss durchqueren, so, wie er es schon einige Male auf dieser Tour gemacht hat. Doch dieses Mal ist es anders. „Der Untergrund fühlte sich fest an“, sagte Dirks in einem Interview mit der „Washington Post“. Doch dann sinkt der Wanderer plötzlich bis zum Knie ein. Er ist in Treibsand geraten. Das linke Bein kann er befreien, sein rechtes Bein aber, das nun bis zum Oberschenkel eingesunken ist, nicht mehr. „Es fühlte sich an, als würde mein Bein in Beton stecken“, so der Amerikaner.

Eine halbe Stunde lang versucht er immer verzweifelter sich zu befreien. Die Temperaturen liegen an diesem Morgen noch im Minus-Bereich, Schlamm und Wasser sind eiskalt. Dirks merkt, wie ihm schnell ihm die Kräfte schwinden. Er setzt über sein Navigationsgerät einen automatisierten Notruf ab. Als die Retter einige Minuten später zurückfragen, um welche Art von Notfall es sich handelt, braucht der Wanderer mehrere Minuten, um die Antwort zu tippen. Seine Finger sind mittlerweile fast gefroren. „Sitze fest, Treibsand, Wanderer“, lautet seine Antwort. Ein paar Minuten später erreicht ihn die Nachricht, dass die Retter unterwegs sind, genauer gesagt das Team der Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (GCSAR).

Auch im Team braucht es einen Moment, um die Treibsand-Situation einzuschätzen. „Man fast sich kurz an den Kopf und fragt sich. Was, habe ich richtig gehört?“, erzählt John Marshall, der zum Rettungsteam gehört. Die Retter machen sich auf den Weg, dank des automatisierten Notrufs wissen sie, wo sich Austin Dirks befindet.

Das Team ist vorsichtig und nähert sich nur langsam. Marshall setzt eine Drohne ein, um besser einschätzen zu können, wie sie den Wanderer aus seiner gefährlichen Lage befreien können. Der Versuch eines Park-Rangers, Dirks mit einer Schaufel zu befreien, schlägt fehl. Sobald der Wanderer den Treibsand um sein Bein wegschaufelt, fließt dieser nach. Also bauen ihm die GCSAR-Helfer mittels einer Leiter und Brettern einen Rettungsweg und machen sich dann daran, sein im Treibsand festsitzendes Bein zu befreien, was ihnen schließlich gelingt. Er habe in dem Bein kein Gefühl mehr gehabt, erzählt Dirks später. Noch vor Ort wird er medizinisch versorgt, ins Krankenhaus muss er aber nicht.

Dem Wander ist die große Gefahr, in der er sich befand, bewusst. Anders als in Hollywood-Filmen sinkt man in Treibsand nicht komplett ein, sondern nur maximal bis zur Hüfte. Der menschliche Körper habe im Treibsand Auftrieb, betont Marshall. Lebensgefährlich ist die Situation deshalb, weil man sich aus Treibsand meist nicht mehr selbstständig befreien kann. Die großen Gefahren sind deshalb Unterkühlung, Erschöpfung und Dehydrierung. „Zu dem Zeitpunkt meiner Rettung“, schreibt Dirks in der „Washington Post“, „war ich vom stundenlangen Kampf gegen den Treibsand komplett erschöpft.“ Früher oder später wäre er an Unterkühlung gestorben, ist sich der Wanderer sicher.

Es ist nicht das erste Mal, dass in dem Nationalpark in Utah ein Wanderer in Treibsand-Not gerät. 2014 steckte eine 78-jährige Frau rund 13 Stunden im Treibsand fest. Auch diese Frau wurde rechtzeitig gefunden.

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Arches National Park Lifts Entry Reservation Requirement for 2026

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Arches National Park today announced it will not require advanced timed-entry reservations this year. Visitors may enter the park at any time during operating hours.

As visitation increases during peak seasons, guests should plan ahead for possible entrance lines and limited parking at popular destinations, particularly on weekends and holidays.

“Arches offers extraordinary experiences at every hour of the day,” said Superintendent Lena Pace. “We encourage visitors to arrive early, explore lesser-traveled areas if certain locations are busy, and be flexible when enjoying the park. Arches is an International Dark Sky Park, and visiting after hours is highly encouraged. We look forward to working closely with local and state partners as we implement these adjustments and refine our approach to serve visitors while protecting park resources.”

Real-time entrance conditions are available through the park’s webcam at go.nps.gov/archeswebcam. Visitors are encouraged to check conditions before departing for the park.

A valid entrance pass remains required and may be purchased online at Recreation.gov or at the entrance station. Reservations continue to be required for Devils Garden Campground and self-guided and ranger-led Fiery Furnace hikes.

To help maintain safe traffic flow, visitors are asked not to wait in roadways for parking spaces. When parking areas reach capacity, staff may temporarily restrict access to specific locations to reduce congestion and protect visitor safety. Additional scenic viewpoints and trailheads throughout the park offer outstanding alternatives during peak periods.

Nearby public lands including Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Utahraptor State Park also provide additional opportunities to explore the region.

Spring conditions in southeast Utah can change quickly. Visitors should carry adequate water, wear sturdy footwear, dress in layers, and monitor official park channels for updates.

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Arches and Canyonlands urge visitors to take precautions during extreme heat

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As high temperatures continue, Arches and Canyonlands national parks urge visitors to prepare for extreme heat during summer visits. So far in 2026, park rangers have responded to 23 heat-related search and rescue incidents — 11 at Arches and 12 at Canyonlands — many of which could have been prevented.

Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F/38°C. Combined with intense sunlight, low humidity, high elevation and limited shade, these conditions can quickly lead to dehydration and heat-related illness, even on short hikes. Visitors should plan activities during the cooler morning or evening hours, avoid strenuous activity between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and adjust their plans based on weather conditions, personal fitness and the needs of everyone in their group.

To stay safe and make the most of their visit, park rangers strongly encourage visitors to:

Carry two to three liters of water per person for front-country hikes and at least four liters per person for backcountry travel. In Arches, drinking water is available at the visitor center and Devils Garden Campground. In Canyonlands, drinking water is available at Island in the Sky Visitor Center, The Needles Visitor Center, and The Needles Campground.

Drink regularly and turn around when half of the group’s water supply is gone.

Eat salty snacks to replace calories and electrolytes lost through sweating.

Wear sun protection, including lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and a hat.

Choose shorter hikes, scenic drives, ranger programs, or a visit to the visitor center when temperatures are high.

Rest frequently in shaded areas and avoid overexertion.

Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.

Visitors should watch for signs of heat-related illness; including dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion or excessive sweating. Anyone experiencing symptoms should stop activity, move to a cooler location, drink water and seek help. Call 911 if symptoms are severe or worsen.

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Der Arches NP hat jetzt auch ein Shuttle bzw. zwei. Das ein geht von Moab zum Visitor Center und das zweite dann vom Visitor Center zum Windows- und Delicate Arch Parkplatz. Hier gibt es die Infos dazu. KLICK

Noch ein paar Infos zu dem neuen Shuttle Service Moab – Arches NP

Moab, Utah launches free shuttle to Arches National Park

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Moab, Utah, has introduced a complimentary shuttle service to Arches National Park, offering a convenient alternative to driving for visitors eager to explore the park's renowned hiking trails. The service, which commenced today, will operate as a pilot programme until 31 October 2026 and will resume from 1 March to 30 June 2027.

The shuttle features two distinct routes: an intrapark route linking the Arches Visitor Centre with The Windows and Delicate Arch, and a downtown route connecting the Visitor Centre with four stops in Moab, including the Transit Hub and Moab Information Centre. Visitors can park in downtown Moab or at Lions Park and access the shuttle from these points. Alternatively, they can drive to the Arches Visitor Centre to connect to the intrapark route.

Operating daily from 8:00 am, the shuttles run at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes. The last shuttle departs from the Delicate Arch Trailhead at 4:05 pm, with the final return from the Arches Visitor Centre to town at 5:10 pm. Although the shuttle is free, visitors must purchase a National Park pass in advance, which will be checked by the driver at pickup locations.

The Moab Office of Tourism, responsible for this initiative, aims to ease congestion and enhance visitor experience in the park, which attracts approximately 2.5 million visitors annually.

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