Arches and Canyonlands national parks are preparing for a busy Memorial Day weekend, and are advising visitors to expect heavy traffic, crowded trails and limited parking.
Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend is the busiest weekend of the year for both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Park officials warn that visitors arriving mid-morning should expect to wait over an hour in the entrance line and be prepared for very crowded parking lots inside the parks.
If the parking lots fill over capacity, it is likely that visitors may be turned around at the entrance gate and asked to come back later in the day when space is available.
The entrance to Arches National Park will have a change in traffic control off of U.S. Hwy. 191 for the weekend. Starting Friday, May 25, only northbound vehicles will be permitted to turn onto the park entrance road. There will be no left turn lane into Arches National Park for southbound traffic.
Vehicles traveling south will pass the Arches entrance road, follow signs indicating where to turn around, and approach the park from the south. Visitors are encouraged to check the parks’ websites for current information and road conditions prior to leaving for their visit and plan accordingly.
Follow @Archesnps on Twitter for weekend updates to traffic restrictions due to road and parking lot congestion.
Parks brace for surge of visitors
