For the past several years, planning a visit to Arches National Park often meant one extra step before your vacation even began—securing a timed-entry reservation. While the system helped manage congestion, it also added stress for travelers trying to coordinate road trips, flights, and changing weather.
The good news? Timed-entry reservations are no longer required to visit Arches National Park in 2026. Visitors can once again enter the park at any time during normal operating hours with a valid park entrance pass. (National Park Service)
That doesn’t mean traffic has disappeared. Arches remains one of America’s most visited national parks, and during spring, summer, and fall, the entrance station can still experience significant delays during the busiest hours.
Fortunately, if you’re renting a Jeep from Canyonlands Jeep Adventures, you have options that most visitors never discover.
The Freedom of Exploring on Your Schedule
One of the biggest advantages of renting your own Jeep is flexibility.
Without timed-entry reservations dictating your day, you can:
- Leave early to catch sunrise.
- Sleep in and explore in the afternoon.
- Change your plans if the weather changes.
- Spend extra time at your favorite overlook.
- Venture beyond the paved scenic drive.
Instead of rushing through the park to meet a reservation window, you can enjoy Moab at your own pace.
Beat the Crowds at the Main Entrance
The primary entrance to Arches National Park is located just five miles north of downtown Moab on Highway 191. It is convenient and well-marked, but it is also where nearly every visitor begins their adventure.
During busy mornings, lines can extend well beyond the entrance station, particularly between 8:00 a.m. and noon. Even without timed entry, congestion can still occur, and the National Park Service may temporarily slow or divert vehicles when parking areas become full. (National Park Service)
The easiest way to avoid those delays is simple:
- Enter before 7:00 a.m.
- Visit after 4:00 p.m.
- Or take one of the park’s lesser-known backcountry entrances.
The Historic Back Door: Willow Springs Road
Long before today’s paved entrance road existed, travelers entered Arches through what is now known as Willow Springs Road.
This historic route begins north of Moab near Utahraptor State Park and travels across open desert before entering Arches National Park near Tower Arch. Today, it remains one of the most scenic ways to access the park—but it is intended only for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. (Trailforks)
For Canyonlands Jeep Adventures guests, this route is one of the biggest advantages of renting a properly equipped Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
Along Willow Springs Road you’ll experience:
- Towering Entrada sandstone cliffs
- Tower Arch
- Dinosaur track areas
- Sandstone fins
- Desert wildlife
- Incredible photography opportunities
Most importantly, you’ll experience a side of Arches that relatively few visitors ever see.
Stop at Eye of the Whale
One of the hidden gems along the Willow Springs route is Eye of the Whale Arch.
Unlike Delicate Arch or Landscape Arch, Eye of the Whale sees only a fraction of the visitors. The short hike leads to one of the park’s most unique formations, where the opening resembles the eye of a massive whale emerging from the sandstone.
It’s quiet, uncrowded, and offers spectacular photography, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
If you enjoy discovering places beyond the typical visitor itinerary, Eye of the Whale should absolutely be on your list.
Visit the Marching Men
Just a short distance from Eye of the Whale are the fascinating rock formations known as the Marching Men.
These towering sandstone fins appear as though a line of giant stone figures is marching across the desert.
Many visitors drive right past this area without realizing it exists.
Because it requires traveling the Willow Springs backcountry route, the Marching Men remain one of Arches’ best-kept secrets.
It’s exactly the kind of destination that makes renting a Jeep worthwhile.
Explore Salt Valley Road
Another overlooked route into Arches is Salt Valley Road.
Located north of the main entrance, Salt Valley Road provides a scenic dirt-road drive through one of the park’s most remote landscapes before connecting with the paved Scenic Drive.
Unlike the busy entrance road, Salt Valley offers:
- Wide-open desert scenery
- Minimal traffic
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Incredible solitude
- Beautiful views of the Klondike Bluffs area
Because the road is unpaved, a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, especially after rain. (Tripadvisor)
Why Rent a Jeep Instead of a Regular Car?
Many of Arches National Park’s hidden treasures simply aren’t accessible—or are not recommended—for standard passenger vehicles.
A Jeep Wrangler Rubicon from Canyonlands Jeep Adventures gives you the confidence to explore roads like:
- Willow Springs Road
- Salt Valley Road
- Gemini Bridges
- Long Canyon
- Hurrah Pass
- Onion Creek
Every Jeep in our fleet is purpose-built for Moab’s terrain with:
- 2-inch Mopar lift
- 35-inch Yokohama tires
- Air conditioning
- Bestop Sunrider roof
- SiriusXM radio
- Complimentary cooler with ice and water
- Trail maps and local recommendations
You’ll have everything you need for a comfortable day exploring both paved roads and designated backcountry routes.
Best Practices for Visiting Arches National Park
Even without timed-entry reservations, planning ahead will make your visit more enjoyable.
Here are a few tips from locals:
- Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Carry more water than you think you’ll need.
- Fuel up before entering the park.
- Download maps before losing cell service.
- Stay on designated roads and trails.
- Never climb on arches or cryptobiotic soil.
- Respect trail closures and weather conditions.
- Watch for temporary parking closures at popular trailheads.
Experience More Than Most Visitors Ever Will
Most visitors to Arches National Park spend a few hours driving the paved Scenic Drive before heading back to town.
With a Jeep rental from Canyonlands Jeep Adventures, your adventure doesn’t have to stop there.
Take the historic Willow Springs Road into the park. Discover Eye of the Whale and the Marching Men. Explore Salt Valley Road. Experience the quieter side of Arches that many travelers never know exists.
Now that timed-entry reservations are no longer required in 2026, there’s never been a better time to experience the park on your own schedule.
Whether you’re visiting for a single day or an entire week, renting a Jeep gives you the freedom to explore beyond the guidebooks and create memories that will last a lifetime.