As someone who’s visited many parks over the years and witnessed the shifts, like the introduction of permits for hikes that once didn’t require them, I can see how the change to timed entry might be a good thing.

While enjoying Moab during the off-season and taking in the stunning sights, I had an interesting encounter at the Arches National Park entry checkpoint. That morning, I learned about the new timed entry system and struck up a conversation with a park ranger. Naturally, I had a few questions and wanted to learn more about how it works and why it’s been implemented.

I Asked Her to Explain How the New Timed Entry System is Going to Work?

As many people know, entering the parks during peak season can mean waiting in some of the longest lines imaginable. She shared that during the summer, visitors could end up sitting in their cars for hours just to get through the entrance.

She emphasized how this isn’t an ideal experience for parkgoers and I have to agree. Sitting in a car for hours before even beginning your adventure definitely takes away from the magic. If you’re tired of waiting in line, head to Canyonlands! I’ve highlighted some of the best hikes for you to explore here.

How Did all of this Get Started?

The park ranger explained that the long wait times stemmed from the park’s capacity limits. During peak travel months, the park can only accommodate a certain number of vehicles due to its size and the limited number of parking spaces.

She added that the issue extended beyond the park itself. Cars would back up at the entrance, creating a line that stretched down the long access road and onto Highway 191. This led to a dangerous situation with vehicles sitting still in a 55 mph zone. It became clear that something needed to be done to address both the safety concerns and the visitor experience.

I Asked About What the Park Rangers Had Tried Before Timed Entry?

She shared that during the summer, they operate two entry lanes at the checkpoint (compared to just one in the winter). However, with only one exit lane available, managing the flow of cars became tricky.

As one car left the park, the rangers had to decide which of the two entry lanes would get to move next. Trying to keep things fair was a constant challenge, and balancing the flow of vehicles only added to the complexity. Despite their best efforts, the system still led to long delays and frustration for visitors.

Is There Going to be a Better Park Experience With Timed Entry? 

The park ranger emphasized that the new system aims to create a better experience for visitors by eliminating multi-hour entry lines and reducing overcrowding in the park. With fewer cars allowed at any given time, trails and parking areas will be less congested, making for a more enjoyable visit. You can make your reservation here. 

She explained that, previously, the park lacked robust data on visitor patterns. They didn’t have precise information about how many vehicles entered, how long they stayed, or how many people left the park each hour. Without this data, managing visitor flow was inefficient, like tackling a complex problem blindfolded.

Now, with data collected from tools like “hiker counters” or “trail counters”, these are small devices hidden behind informational boards that track foot traffic, the park service has a better understanding of how visitors move within the park. Combining this data with the timed entry system allows them to optimize the number of vehicles allowed per hour, improving the overall experience.

That said, the ranger acknowledged that the new system might create frustration for spontaneous visitors who didn’t secure a timed entry reservation, as they could be turned away during peak times. Her advice? Plan ahead during the busy season to ensure you get to enjoy everything the park has to offer without stress.

Will They Kick You Out of The National Parks? 

No, they won’t kick you out of the park once you’re in. The timed entry system is designed to manage how many vehicles enter the park during peak hours, but once you’re through the gate, you have full access for as long as you’d like. There’s no start or end time to your visit—just enjoy your time exploring the park at your own pace. Whether you stay for an hour or until the park closes, the choice is yours!

Are They Offering Last Minute Timed Entry Slots? 

Yes, last-minute timed entry reservations are available. The park ranger mentioned the specific number allocated, but I forgot the exact amount, it likely varies by park and availability. You can book these last-minute slots starting at 7 PM MDT for visits the following day.

Can You Get in Without a Timed Entry Reservation?

Yes, you can still access the park without a reservation if you enter before 7 AM or after 4 PM during the days the timed entry system is in effect. This timing gives you a great window to enjoy the park, especially in the summer when sunsets extend your exploring hours.

For example, in April, sunsets occur around 7:45 PM, and in June, they stretch to around 8:45 PM, giving you three or more hours to enjoy the park before nightfall in Arches National Park. 

Will Access Pass Holders Get a Discounted Fee for the Timed Entry Reservation Fee?

No, there is no discounted cost for Access Pass holders. The timed entry reservation fee is a non-refundable $2 processing fee for everyone.

What Parks Are Being Affected by Timed Entry? 

• Arches National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Mount Rainier National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Zion National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• Haleakala National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Acadia National Park
• Carlsbad Caverns (8 AM–5 PM)

Should I Visit The National Parks With or Without a Timed Entry Ticket With My Family?

The national parks are truly amazing and offer a unique way to connect with public lands. They provide learning experiences that no textbook can replicate, like seeing ancient petroglyphs firsthand, which gives you a deeper understanding of how Native people used art to communicate their experiences and stories.

While the timed entry system might throw a wrench in your plans if you prefer spontaneous trips (like we often do), there are still plenty of options to make it work. You can arrive early, stay all day, or enter later and enjoy the park until you’re ready to leave.

The parks with timed entry reservations, as mentioned above, are open 24 hours a day—except for Carlsbad Caverns. So with a little planning, you can still soak up the beauty and history these incredible places have to offer. If you have more questions NPS put a very lengthy FAQ together here.