Visitors heading to southern Utah’s national parks for Memorial Day weekend should prepare for substantial crowds, long waits, and high temperatures, according to park officials.
Arches and Canyonlands national parks are anticipating one of their busiest periods of the year, with full parking lots, traffic congestion, and extended entrance lines likely. The National Park Service has issued several advisories aimed at helping visitors navigate the holiday weekend safely and efficiently.
Timed entry reservations will be required for Arches National Park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., with exceptions made for those holding camping permits or commercial tour bookings. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov, with a limited number of next-day tickets released nightly at 7 p.m.
“Timed entry tickets have really helped alleviate congestion once you’re inside Arches,” said Lena Pace, Superintendent of the Southeast Utah Group. “However, we expect many Memorial Day visitors to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, which could increase parking lot traffic and lengthen wait times at both parks.”
While Canyonlands National Park does not require timed entry, officials caution that visitors to the popular Island in the Sky district may face wait times of up to two hours during peak periods.
Park officials are encouraging travelers to bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and remain flexible with their plans. “Memorial Day weekend is typically our busiest weekend of the year,” Pace said. “If visitors come prepared with extra water, extra patience, and some flexibility in their plans, that can really help them have an enjoyable holiday.”
To expedite entry, visitors are urged to have payment methods, photo identification, and reservation QR codes ready when arriving at entrance stations. Credit cards are preferred, and officials noted that there are no restroom facilities or drinking water stations available along the entrance roads.
Additionally, the National Park Service reminds visitors to park only in designated areas to help preserve fragile desert vegetation and soils.
With temperatures forecasted to reach the 90s across southern Utah, park rangers are stressing the importance of heat safety, advising all visitors to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
