Arches National Park Fees & Reservations (2026)
Entrance costs, the end of timed entry, and what still needs a reservation in 2026.
Last verified against official NPS sources
Arches entrance fees (2026)
All standard entrance passes are valid for 7 consecutive days.
| Pass type | Price | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $30 | One vehicle and all occupants, 7 days |
| Motorcycle | $25 | Up to 2 motorcycles and 4 passengers, 7 days |
| Per person (foot/bicycle) | $15 | One person age 16+, 7 days; ages 15 and under free |
The entrance station is cashless — bring a credit or debit card. You can also buy your pass in advance on Recreation.gov.
Annual passes
| Pass | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Utah annual pass | $55 | Covers Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges NM, and Hovenweep NM for 12 months. US residents only. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | $80 | All federal recreation sites for 12 months (US residents). $250 for non-US residents. |
| Senior annual pass | $20 | US citizens/permanent residents 62+ |
| Senior lifetime pass | $80 | US citizens/permanent residents 62+ |
| Military, Access & 4th Grade passes | Free | For eligible US service members, people with permanent disabilities, and 4th-grade students |
No timed-entry reservations in 2026
On February 18, 2026, the National Park Service announced that Arches eliminated its timed-entry reservation system for 2026. You can enter the park at any time during operating hours — no booking window, no per-vehicle reservation fee. You still need a standard entrance pass, purchased at the entrance station or on Recreation.gov.
Park managers are instead managing congestion on the ground: when parking at popular spots fills up, staff may temporarily restrict access to specific locations until crowds ease. The park asks visitors not to wait in roadways for a spot to open. Superintendent Lena Pace's advice: arrive early, explore lesser-traveled areas when marquee stops are busy, and stay flexible. Arches is an International Dark Sky Park, and the NPS specifically encourages after-hours visits — sunset and night sky trips avoid the midday crush entirely.
Before you drive in, the park's webcam shows real-time conditions at the entrance.
What still requires a reservation
| Activity | Reservation | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| Devils Garden Campground | Required | Recreation.gov |
| Fiery Furnace — self-guided hike | Required (permit) | Recreation.gov |
| Fiery Furnace — ranger-led hike | Required | Recreation.gov |
Fee-free days in 2026
Entrance fees are waived on these dates (camping, Fiery Furnace permits, and other amenity fees still apply):
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| February 16 | Presidents Day |
| May 25 | Memorial Day |
| June 14 | Flag Day |
| July 3–5 | Independence Day weekend |
| August 25 | National Park Service birthday |
| September 17 | Constitution Day |
| October 27 | Theodore Roosevelt's birthday |
| November 11 | Veterans Day |
Fee-free days are also the busiest — expect temporary access restrictions at popular trailheads by mid-morning.
Common Questions
Do I need a timed-entry reservation for Arches in 2026?
No. The NPS eliminated timed-entry reservations at Arches for 2026 (announced February 18, 2026). You can enter any time during operating hours with a standard entrance pass.
How much does it cost to enter Arches National Park?
$30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle (up to 2 motorcycles and 4 passengers), or $15 per person age 16+ entering on foot or bicycle. All passes are valid for 7 consecutive days. Ages 15 and under enter free.
Does Arches accept cash at the entrance?
No. The entrance station is cashless — credit and debit cards only. You can also buy a pass in advance on Recreation.gov.
What still requires a reservation at Arches?
Devils Garden Campground and Fiery Furnace hikes — both the self-guided permit and the ranger-led tour. All book through Recreation.gov.
What happens when parking lots fill up?
Park staff may temporarily restrict access to specific locations until congestion eases. Don't wait in roadways. Your best moves: arrive before mid-morning, visit lesser-known areas during peak hours, or come in the evening — Arches is an International Dark Sky Park.
Is the Southeast Utah annual pass worth it?
The $55 pass covers Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, and Hovenweep for 12 months (US residents only). If you'll visit more than one of these parks outside a single 7-day window — a common Moab-area pattern — it usually beats paying separate entrance fees.
Sources & Further Reading
- NPS: Arches fees & passes — National Park Service
- NPS news release, Feb 18, 2026: Arches eliminates timed-entry reservations — National Park Service
