Arches National Park Entrance Fee, Passes and Timed Entry (2026)

Where these numbers come from

Arches is the page most visitors check for timed entry, because the park used a vehicle reservation system in earlier seasons. For 2026 the park says advance timed-entry reservations are not needed, and you can drive in at any point during operating hours. That removes the booking fee and the scramble for release-day slots, but it also means lines at the entrance station can build on busy mornings, especially on weekends.

Reservations have not vanished entirely. Devils Garden Campground and both kinds of Fiery Furnace hike, self-guided and ranger-led, still need one. The park also warns it may divert vehicles away from entrances when parking fills. The agency has not said whether timed entry returns after 2026, so check the park page before a 2027 trip rather than relying on this season's rules.

Reservations and payment: Timed-entry reservations are not required in 2026. Reservations are still required for Devils Garden Campground and Fiery Furnace hikes. Vehicles can be diverted when areas are congested.

Break-even arithmetic for U.S. residents: at $30 per vehicle, the interagency annual pass at $80 beats single passes once you make 3 entries across federal fee sites, since 3 x $30 = $90. The $55 park pass beats single passes from visit 2: 2 x $30 = $60. Use the pass break-even calculator to plug in your own mix of parks, or the entrance fee finder to compare other parks.

Nonresidents pay the listed gate price with no added surcharge at this park, so a visiting family in one car pays $30. The $250 interagency pass is only worth it if the trip includes many fee sites, because it takes 9 vehicle entries at $30 to equal its price. Keep in mind that other parks on the same trip, such as those on the 11-park surcharge list, can cost much more per person.

Fee-free days in 2026 are Feb 16, May 25, Jun 14, Jul 3-5, Aug 25, Sep 17, Oct 27 and Nov 11, but from 2026 they apply only to U.S. citizens and residents. As of 2026-09-30, the remaining dates this year are Oct 27 and Nov 11. Timed entry and reservation fees can still apply on those days. For nearby options on the same road trip, compare this neighboring park page and this second park page.

Sources

• NPS Arches National Park fees
• NPS entrance passes and 2026 free days
• NPS nonresident fees
• NPS Arches plan your visit (2026 entry)
• Moab Times on the end of timed entry for 2026

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.