Superintendent's Compendium

Arches National Park

August 2024

As provided in 16 USC, Section 3, and Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapter I, Parts 1-7, the following Superintendent's Orders are established for Arches National Park. Unless otherwise noted, these orders apply in addition to the regulations contained in Parts 1-7 of Title 36 CFR.

This compendium is organized, with reference to the applicable sections, of Title 36 CFR . For example, (the order entitled 1.5 closures and public use limits), is addressed in section in 1.5 Title 36 CFR.

 
 

36 CFR 1.5 Closures and Public Use Limits

Road closures and restrictions

The following roads and parking areas are closed to all public vehicle traffic except for those on official government business:

  • HQ administrative roads
  • Balanced Rock maintenance area access
  • Devils Garden maintenance area access

Invited guests of employees residing in government housing may access administrative roadways in housing areas.

Four-wheel drive and clearance of at least eight (8) inches is required for West Valley Jeep Road (roadway from Tower Arch Road to Willow Springs Road, also known as “Four-Wheel Drive Road”) and Tower Arch Road (roadway from Salt Valley Road to Tower Arch parking lot).

All park roads are subject to temporary closures as indicated by signs or other meansof notification during periods of adverse weather, natural disaster, emergency, or implementation of management responsibilities.

Definition:
High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Vehicles

A Jeep, sport utility vehicle (SUV), or truck type with at least 15-inch tire rims and at least eight (8) inches of clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential to the ground. Four-wheel-drive vehicles have a driveshaft that can directly power each wheel at the same time and a transfer case that can shift between powering two wheels or four wheels in low or high gear. All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles do not meet this definition.

Use limits, conditions, and restrictions

  • Except for Administrative Activities, the areas identified by Feature or Route Name in the attached Appendix D are closed to all visitor use, as listed or until NPS surveys the associated habitats and confirms them to be unoccupied by nesting raptors and/or lambing bighorn sheep.
  • The area known as the Fiery Furnace (see map, Appendix A, B) is closed to entry except by those who have secured a permit from a uniformed park employee at Arches Visitor Center.
  • Climbing, scrambling or walking upon, wrapping webbing or rope around, or rappelling from any arch with an opening greater than three (3) feet is prohibited in Arches National Park.

Rock Climbing and Canyoneering

The following closures, conditions, and restrictions apply to rock climbing or similar activities such as, but not limited to, technical rock climbing, free climbing and clean aid climbing and canyoneering within Arches National Park:

Closures

  • Balanced Rock: Closed to climbing year-round.
  • The ten (10) acre area near the Moab Canyon Pathway and US 191 (which is marked by signs spaced along the park boundary for approximately 1600 feet) is closed to bouldering, rock climbing, rock scrambling, or any like activity.

Restrictions

Climbing and canyoneering within Arches National Park shall be either free climbing or clean aid climbing, and includes the following conditions:

  • Rock climbing groups are limited to five (5) persons per group.
  • Canyoneering groups in the Fiery Furnace and Lost Spring Canyon canyoneering routes will be limited to six (6) persons per group. Elsewhere canyoneering groups will be limited to ten (10) persons per group.
  • Canyoneerers are required to complete a self-registration process at Arches Visitor Center. Canyoneerers accessing routes in the Fiery Furnace must also secure a Fiery Furnace permit. If navigating the Undercover/MMI routes, canyoneerers must also register at the Lost Springs Trailhead.
  • No new permanent fixed anchors may be installed in any location, except by permit (Special Use Permit). If an existing bolt or other hardware item is unsafe, it may be replaced without a permit. Anchor hardware must be painted the color of the rock surface before installation. The installation and use of pitons are prohibited. Homemade hardware is prohibited.
  • If an existing software item (sling, runner, etc.) is unsafe, it may be replaced. Software (webbing, accessory cords, etc.) that is left in place shall match the rock surface in color.
  • The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.
  • The physical altering of rock faces including, but not limited to, chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, and gluing of new holds is prohibited.
  • The use of motorized power drills is prohibited in areas managed as wilderness. Outside of wilderness, a motorized drill requires a permit (Special Use Permit).
  • The use of white chalk (or chalk substitutes) for climbing is prohibited. Chalk or substitutes must be of a color that blends with the native rock.
  • Fixed ropes may not be left in place for more than 24 hours. Fixed ropes left in place longer than 24 hours shall be considered "abandoned property" and removed.
  • Slacklining or highlining is prohibited.

Definitions:

Technical Rock Climbing is defined as ascending or descending a rock formation utilizing rock climbing equipment.

Free Climbing and Clean Aid Climbing are minimum impact approaches that employ chocks, stoppers, nuts and camming devices, rather than pitons or bolts, for protection or direct support. These are climbing aids that are removable, do not damage or scar the rock, and do not become fixed after ascent.

Aid Climbing is the direct use of a fixed or placed protection (pitons, nuts, bolts, rivets, spring-loaded cams, etc.) to support a climber’s weight and assist in the climber’s ascent. In general, aid techniques are reserved for pitches where free climbing is difficult to impossible, and extremely steep and long routes. Most difficult aid climbs still require pitons or other techniques using a hammer.

Canyoneering is defined as cross country travel involving descending into canyons or major rock formations using a variety of techniques that are associated with technical descents—those that require rappels and rope work, climbing or down-climbing, and/or swims.

Slacklining or Slinglining is defined as walking on a rope or other line that is anchored between rock formations, trees, or any other natural features. Height of the rope above the ground is immaterial.

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Hang Gliders, BASE Jumping, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Arches National Park is closed to the use of hang gliders, paragliders, and parachutes. BASE jumping is prohibited in Arches National Park. 36 CFR 2.17 (a)(3); NPS Management Policies 2006, 8.2.2.7.

Launching, landing, or operating a remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Arches National Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. 36 CFR 1.5

Definition: The term “remotely piloted aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation and commerce.

Off-highway Vehicles

No use of vehicles is allowed off of designated roads. 36 CFR 4.10(a), (b).

All motor vehicles operated within the boundaries of Arches National Park must have a valid state registration as a “motor vehicle,” display a valid state license plate(s), and be operated by someone in possession of a valid state issued operator’s license. Motorcycles that are registered for road use are allowed. 36 CFR 4.2.

All vehicles must be equipped to legally operate on interstate highways. 36 CFR 1.5
Use of off-highway vehicles (OHV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV or UTV), or other motorized conveyance traveling on three or more tires and designed for or capable of recreational non-highway, off-road, or all-terrain travel is prohibited. 36 CFR 1.5

Engine Idling and Generators

Operators are prohibited from running generators in the park, with the following exceptions:

  • In the Devils Garden campground a generator may be operated during the hours of 8:00 am–10:00 am and 4:00 pm–8:00 pm.

Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines, with the following exceptions:

  1. after long uphill grades, engines may be idled for up to 15 minutes in order to cool,
  2. engines may be left running to provide cooling or heating for disabled passengers who have difficulty in disembarking.
  3. engines may be left running while the driver is actively completing a pre-trip vehicle inspection.

Swimming and bathing

The following restrictions apply to all park lands:

  • Swimming, bathing, and immersing human bodies in water sources are prohibited (except in the Colorado River).
  • Only biodegradable soaps may be used in the backcountry. All soap use must be used at least 100 feet away from water sources, with the following exception:
    • Soap use on the Colorado River is encouraged to take place in the river.
  • Rinsing dishes or other equipment directly in water sources is prohibited (except in the Colorado River).
  • A water source may not be emptied or depleted for human and/or saddle/pack animal use.

Artificial Light Sources

The use of artificial light sources for purposes other than personal route-finding or minimum impact camping—that is, to light up landscapes, rock formations, or other park features—is prohibited.

Fixed Lines

The use of fixed lines (any line made from any material which is stretched between two points) is prohibited except for tie downs used in conjunction with tarps or tents affixed to ground stakes. This includes but is not limited to clothes lines, dog runs, hammocks or slack lines, and prohibits attachment to vegetation, natural features, or government property. This regulation does not apply to recreational climbing.

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36 CFR 1.6 Permits

(c) Permits are required within Arches National Park for the following (36 Code of Federal Regulations) activities:

  • Carry or possess a weapon, with the exception of firearms – 2.4(d)
  • Specimen collection – 2.5
  • Backcountry use permit – 2.10
  • Camping in developed area campgrounds – 2.10
  • Audio disturbance – 2.12
  • Horse and pack animals – 2.16
  • Aircraft and air delivery – 2.17
  • Unattended property – 2.22
  • Fee waiver – 2.23
  • Noncommercial soliciting –2.37
  • Explosives – 2.38
  • Special events – 2.50
  • Public assemblies, meetings – 2.51
  • Sale or distribution of printed material – 2.52
  • Residing on Federal lands – 2.61
  • Memorialization – 2.62
  • Load, weight and size limits – 4.11
  • Business operations – 5.3
  • Commercial photography – 5.5
  • Commercial filmin – 5.5
  • Commercial vehicles – 5.6
  • Construction of buildings or other facilities – 5.7
  • Fiery Furnace Day Use Permit – 1.6
  • Canyoneering – 1.6
  • Rock climbing permits are optional

Permits will be specific in nature to the activity being permitted. In those cases where permit use is frequent, a specific permit form has been designed, i.e. backcountry permit, entrance and campground fee permits, canyoneering, rock climbing, and commercial filming permits. In most other cases a special use permit or letter of authorization will be prepared which will articulate the specific conditions under which the permitted activity is authorized. In all cases a permit or letter of authorization must be in the permittee's possession at all times and must be presented to any authorized person upon request.

Recreational Fee Permits for overnight stays in Devils Garden Campground will be issued as posted. The receipt must be inserted in the box located at the appropriate campsite within 30 minutes of occupying a campsite.

(e) Terms and conditions of the Fiery Furnace permit system are as follows:

  • Walking anywhere except on rocks or in washes is prohibited.
  • Walking (stepping) on vegetation is prohibited.
  • One member from each group must openly display the permit (Form 10-404) while in the Fiery Furnace (i.e., attached to pack or clothing).
  • All members of a group hiking together must be on a single permit. Multiple permitted parties may not join up and hike together.
  • Transfer of the permit is prohibited.
  • The maximum group size is 6 people for private groups and 14 for NPS tour groups.
  • The maximum daily limit is 75 people.

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2.1 Preservation of natural, cultural and archaeological resources

(b) Leaving a trail or walkway to shortcut between portions of the same trail or walkway or to shortcut to an adjacent trail or walkway is prohibited.

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2.2 Wildlife Protection

(d) Wildlife lawfully taken outside of Arches National Park may be transported non-stop through the park using the following roads and in the following directions (outbound from the park only):

  • Cache Valley Road from the east boundary to Delicate Arch Road;
  • Delicate Arch Road between Cache Valley Road and the Main Park Road;
  • Main Park Road from Delicate Arch Road to the main park entrance near Arches Visitor Center.

Vehicles transporting lawfully taken wildlife being transported as outlined above will not be allowed to stop at designated pullouts, road shoulders, or parking lots except in cases of emergency.

Wildlife carcasses will display a valid state game tag. Animals must be covered or out of sight. Persons transporting will have in their possession a valid state hunting license. Wildlife being transported through the park must meet all State of Utah Big Game Proclamation requirements pertaining to tagging and transporting of big game.

Hunters must possess only weapons that meet the definition of “unloaded” during cross-park transport (36 CFR 1.4: “Bows, crossbows, spear guns or any implement capable of discharging a missile or similar device by means of a loading or discharging mechanism, when that loading or discharging mechanism is not charged or drawn.”). Firearms are exempt; state laws apply.

(e) The viewing of wildlife or areas frequented by wildlife using a hand-held light, vehicle headlight, or any other type of mounted light within the park is prohibited.

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2.4 Weapons, traps and nets

(d)(4) The superintendent may issue a permit to carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net within the park in order to provide access to otherwise inaccessible lands or waters contiguous to the park, when other means of access are impractical or impossible.

(h) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, a person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in accordance with the laws of the state in which the national park area, or that portion thereof, is located, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Federal law.

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2.10 Camping and Food Storage

(a) All overnight use within the boundaries of Arches National Park requires either a campground campsite permit or a Backcountry Use permit.

Devils Garden Campground (including the group sites) is the only designated campground. Camping in the backcountry is subject to terms established by a backcountry permit.

(b)(9) Conditions:

Devils Garden Campground:

  • No person or party, or their equipment, shall occupy the campground for more than seven (7) nights (consecutively or non-consecutively) in any 30 day period or a total of 14 nights per year.
  • Camping fees are to be paid within 30 minutes of occupying a campsite. Sites for which required fees are not paid and/or the registration receipt is not displayed in the campsite post will be considered unoccupied and available for use by other campers.
  • Sites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
  • All motor vehicles (includes all wheeled vehicles, R.V.s, camp trailers. etc.) must be parked within the striped lines at each campsite and on the paved/graveled area of the campsite. Parked vehicles must not extend into the roadway.
  • Occupancy is limited to ten (10) persons per campsite for the individual campsites (children under the age of six years excluded).
  • The 51 individual campsites may be reserved through a national reservation service for nights from March 1 to October 31 inclusive. Any unreserved sites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis each day.
  • Sites may not be held for late arriving parties or individuals.
  • It is prohibited for visitors to go through the campground soliciting campers to allow them to share any campsite.
  • Check-out time is 10 am.
  • The use of generators is restricted to the following hours: between 8 am and 10 am, and between 4 pm and 8 pm.
  • Quiet hours must be adhered to between 10 pm and 8 am. Quiet hours require that no unreasonable noise be created or sustained.
  • Entry and occupancy of developed campgrounds is limited to registered campers and vehicles only between 10 pm and 6 am.
  • Garbage must be disposed of in designated receptacles and may not be left in the campsite in bags or other soft containers. Food must be stored in vehicles or hardened containers (with securing mechanisms in place) except when being transported, prepared, or consumed.

Devils Garden Campground Group Campsites:

  • Two group campsites are available by reservation only for a minimum of 11 persons. The Juniper Basin Site will accommodate a maximum of 55 persons and 10 vehicles. The Canyon Wren Site will accommodate a maximum of 35 persons and 10 vehicles.
  • Camping in group sites is limited to walk-in (tent) camping only. Camping in motorhomes or other similar recreational vehicles is not allowed in the group campsites. (Exceptions can be made at the discretion of NPS staff in order to accommodate the needs of disabled persons.)
  • Group campsites may not be reserved more than two times per year by the same user group. For the purposes of this section, a user group is defined as a "department" as found in colleges and universities.

Backcountry Areas

  • A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays in the park's backcountry.
  • Backcountry permits must be obtained from the NPS Backcountry Permit Office in Moab, UT.
  • Backcountry permits will not be issued within one hour prior to sunset for the current date.
  • The backcountry permit must be in the camper's possession while in the backcountry and must be presented to any authorized NPS personnel upon request.
  • Overnight stays in the backcountry are restricted to three (3) zones, with a total of seven (7) permits per night distributed among the four (4) sites as indicated below.
    • Courthouse Wash Zone
      • Upper (upstream of park bridge): 2 permits/night, designated campsites
      • Lower (downstream of park bridge): 1 permit/night, designated campsite
    • Devils Garden Zone: 1 permit/night, designated campsite
  • Individual permits are limited to a maximum of seven (7) persons.
  • Individual permits are limited to a maximum of three (3) nights per zone. Total trip duration can be extended by moving to a different zone.
  • Individual permits are limited to a maximum of seven (7) nights.
  • Overnight users must have at least one landfill-safe human waste bag per person during their entire trip.
  • Overnight stock use is prohibited.
  • Wood gathering, wood fires, and charcoal fires are prohibited. Gas-fueled stoves are allowed for cooking purposes only.

(d) Backpackers/cyclists/motorcyclists must store food and other scented items in such a way as to prevent access by wildlife.

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2.11 Picnicking

Picnicking shall be allowed in all areas except:

  • Within the Devils Garden Campground as posted
  • When the activity would interfere with normal agency functions or visitor use activities already in progress

Garbage must be disposed of in designated receptacles and may not be left in bags or other soft containers. Food must be stored in vehicles or hardened containers (with securing mechanisms in place) except when being prepared or consumed.

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2.13 Fires

Except during fire restrictions:
(a)(1) On-the-ground wood or charcoal fires are prohibited park-wide, except that fires may be kindled in fire pits provided within Devils Garden Campground and designated picnic areas within the park.

The collection of firewood and tinder (including dead fall) from the park is prohibited.

The use of the fire pit at Devils Garden Amphitheater is restricted to NPS personnel only. Any other use of this fire pit must be approved in advance by the superintendent.

The use of portable stoves, including charcoal burners, is permitted in the picnic areas and campground.

Fires may not be kindled in backcountry areas; only portable, self-contained stoves are allowed.

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2.14 Sanitation and Refuse

(c) Solid human waste and toilet paper must be carried out of the backcountry by permitted overnight backcountry users. Toilet systems must be of the type that uses dry chemical/enzymes to render solid human waste into nonhazardous products, approved for disposal in landfills. Toilet systems must be disposed of in designated trash receptacles. Disposal of these systems in park toilet facilities is prohibited. Burning toilet paper is prohibited.

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2.15 Pets

(a)(1) Dogs (except certified service dogs), cats, and other pets are prohibited on any park land or trail (including buildings) except in those locations identified below:

  • All park roads open for public vehicular use, parking areas, established picnic areas, and Devils Garden Campground.

Service dogs and service horses that are trained to perform a specific task to support a person with a disability are allowed. Therapy dogs/animals, companion dogs, comfort dogs, and the like,are not service dogs. Owners of service dogs and service horses must comply with pet waste and restraint regulations, unless restraint specifically interferes with the task the dog/horse istrained to perform..

Pets may not be led by leash from a bicycle or vehicle within Arches National Park.

(a)(3) Leaving a pet unattended is prohibited, except in the following circumstances:

  • Pet is secured at a location where it will not interfere with wildlife or normal travel by other visitors, and
  • Pet does not bark excessively or exhibit aggressive behavior, and
  • Temperatures or conditions do not pose the risk of endangering the pet’s health, and
  • The pet is not being left unattended overnight, and
  • The pet is secured such that no resource damage occurs.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in the nearest trash receptacle.

(e) Pets kept by park residents will be maintained consistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with provisions established by the Superintendent’s Housing Directive. The Directive is hereby adopted and made part of these orders.

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2.16 Horses and Pack Animals

(a) Animals designated as pack animals shall be limited to the following:

  • Horses
  • Burros
  • Mules

(b) The use of saddle and pack animals in road-less areas is prohibited except as follows:

  • Salt Wash upstream from Delicate Arch Road, Courthouse Wash, and Seven Mile Canyon
  • All travel in roadless areas is confined to the wash bottoms. Leaving wash bottoms to avoid quicksand when it is present is an exception to this regulation.

The use of saddle and pack animals on park roads is prohibited except as follows:

  • Use is permitted on all designated four-wheel-drive roads within the park, whichinclude: Willow Springs Road, West Valley Jeep Road (roadway from Tower Arch Road to Willow Springs Road, also known as “Four-Wheel Drive Road”) and Tower Arch Road (roadway from Salt Valley Road to Tower Arch parking lot) and CacheValley Road.
  • Use is permitted on the following non-paved roads:
    • Salt Valley road from the Main Park Road to the park's west boundary, and Klondike Bluffs Road.

(g) The following conditions are established for use of horses or pack animals:

  • Backcountry overnight use with stock is prohibited.
  • Where possible, horses will be watered downstream from the source. Manure must be removed immediately if dropped in or near any spring or non-flowing water source. If not dropped in these areas, manure will be scattered and covered with mineral soil. Soil containing plants matter or cryptobiotic crust will not be used to cover manure.
  • Pack and stock animals may not be left unattended. They must be staked away from water sources(at least 300 feet) and away from vegetation where possible, and may not be unstaked 12 and hobbled. Animals must be picketed in locations which least damage the vegetation. Animals may not be directly tied to trees and other vegetation except tamarisk (salt cedar). Animals may be tied directly to this exotic species.
  • Grazing, or loose herding of pack and saddle stock, is not allowed in the park; grazing of park vegetation is not permitted.
  • All pack and saddle animals must be fed certified weed-free pellets or forage (hay, straw, and mulch) for 48 hours in advance of a trip. Proof of certification tags required. Forage may not be taken beyond trailheads. Use only pelletized feed, hay cubes, and grain products in the backcountry. Feed may not be left on the ground; a feedbag, tarp, or similar must be used. All unused food will be packed out.
  • At trailheads and other loading areas, any manure spilled from the trailering unit, fresh excrement, or feed MUST be picked up prior to departing.
  • Pack and saddle stock may not be ridden or kept overnight in any established roadside campground.
  • Any commercially guided horse or pack stock trip must be provided by an outfitter authorized to operate under the commercial use procedures within Arches National Park.

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2.21 Smoking

(a) Smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices is prohibited in all public use and administrative buildings and facilities, and in all government-owned or -leased vehicles.

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2.22 Property

(a)(2) Park visitors may leave their vehicles unattended in excess of 24 hours for the period of time specified on their backcountry camping permit.

Traditional geocaches are prohibited. Geocaching is defined as the placement of a cache within the park boundaries and distributing the coordinates, or other clues to the coordinates, for the purpose of locating the cache at a later date.

Virtual caches or waymarks are permitted in areas open to the public.

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2.35 Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances

(a)(3)(i) All public use buildings of the park are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages except during officially sanctioned activities when the building is closed to the general public.

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2.51 Public assemblies, meetings

Locations designated as “First Amendment” areas—that is, available for demonstrations, the sale or distribution of printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items—are shown on the “First Amendment” maps in Appendix C.

Alternative locations may be approved by the superintendent on a case-by-case basis, and will be reviewed to ensure that the activity(ies) will not cause injury or damage to park resources; unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative zones; unreasonably interfere with interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the National Park Service; substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or services of National Park Service concessioners, holders of commercial use authorizations, or contractors; present a clear and present danger to the public health and safety; or be incompatible with the nature and traditional use of the particular park area involved.

Note: Gathering for the purpose of expressing views and making statements such as is protected under the First Amendment does not require a permit as long as the activity takes place in one of the designated “First Amendment” areas indicated in this document and the involved group is less than 25 people. Groups larger than 25 people need a Special Use Permit. Printed matter used as part of a “First Amendment” activity may beallowed in the “First Amendment” area (see Appendix C) without a permit for groups less than 25 people.

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2.52 Sale or distribution of printed matter

Printed matter is limited to message-bearing textual printed material such as books, pamphlets, magazines, and leaflets, provided that it is not solely commercial advertising.

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2.62 Memorialization

All undeveloped areas are open to the scattering of human ashes from cremation, pursuant to conditions of a Special Use Permit issued by the superintendent, with the exception of archeological sites and water sources described below

Human ashes may not be scattered in any standing pools of water, potholes, or side streams and creeks.

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4.21 Speed Limits

(b) The speed limit on backcountry roads within the park is 15 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. Speed limits on paved roads within the park are as posted.

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4.30 Bicycles

(i)(1) Bicycles and electric bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are open to motor vehicle use by the public.

(i)(7) Bicycles and Class-1-only electric bicycles are allowed on the following paved trails:

  • 0.26-mile-long visitor center connector trail
  • two short sections of the Moab Canyon Pathway that fall within the Park boundary along Highway 191.

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Appendices

 
a topographic map showing a portion of Arches National Park, A red line encompasses an area labeled as Fiery Furnace.

Appendix A: Fiery Furnace

A map of the Fiery Furnace area. View a larger version of this map.

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A satellite image of a red desert landscape. The center of the image contains dozens of rocky fins running parallel to one another. A red line is drawn around the area containing the rocky fins.

Appendix B: Fiery Furnace

A satellite image of the Fiery Furnace area. View a larger version of this image.

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A satellite image showing a building, a parking lot, and a road. Two areas next to the building are outlined in green.

Appendix C: First Amendment Areas

A view of Arches Visitor Center with designated First Amendment areas.
View a larger version of this image.

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Appendix D: Area Closures for Wildlife Protection

AREA PROTECTION - Wildlife

February 4, 2021

Wildlife Closures

  • Except for Administrative Activities, the areas identified in the below table entitled Climbing Area Closures for Wildlife Protection are closed to all visitor use.

Climbing Area Closures for Wildlife Protection

Closures to climbing routes will remain in effect through the end of the termination date specified below, or until surveys determine the associated habitats to be unoccupied by nesting raptors and/or lambing bighorn sheep.

Area Feature Name Route Name(s) Termination Date Closure Dates Justification
Arches Entrance The Pickle The Pickle 1 Apr 31 Aug Proximity to bighorn sheep lambing habitat
Arches Switchbacks The Three Penguins All routes on this feature 1 Mar 15 Aug Proximity to raptor nest
Devils Garden Devil Dog Spire Industrial Disease 1 Dec 30 Sep Proximity to raptor nest
Garden of Eden Ham Rock Harkonnen Castle (Dune) 1 Mar 15 Aug Proximity to raptor nest
Highway 191
N/A Canyonlands by Night

El Secondo

The Coup
1 Mar 31 Aug Proximity to raptor nest and bighorn sheep lambing habitat
Crohn's Wall Crohn's Odyssey

Left Route

Project One

Project Two
1 Mar 31 Aug Proximity to raptor nest
Klondike Bluffs
N/A Klondike Bluffs Crack 1 Mar 31 Aug Proximity to raptor nest
The Bouquet Route One

Route Two
1 Mar 31 Aug Proximity to raptor nest
The Marching Men Cuddle Bunny Tower

False Start

North Marcher

Sand Hearse

Unknown Marching Men
1 Mar 31 Aug Proximity to raptor nest
Highway 128
(River Road)
Goose Island Fun Ramp

The Hyena

Trail of the Navajo
1 Mar 31 Aug Proximity to raptor nest and bighorn sheep lambing habitat
Milano Tower Pop Tarts 1 Mar 31 Aug Proximity to raptor nest and bighorn sheep lambing habitat
N/A Escape Route 1 Mar 31 Aug Proximity to raptor nest and bighorn sheep lambing habitat
Windows Tonka Tower Tonka Tower 1 Mar 15 Aug Proximity to raptor nest


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2022 COMPENDIUM AMENDMENT: MASK-WEARING REQUIREMENTS

Authority

54 U.S.C. Section 10075 l(a) and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations§ 1.5(a)(2) gives authority to Park Superintendents to impose restrictions on activities within park areas for the maintenance of public health and safety.

Mask-Wearing Requirements

When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.

Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.

Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities.

Accordingly, the National Park Service determines publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register is unwarranted under 36 CFR § 1.5.

Public Notice Strategy

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.7 notice of this temporary and partial closure and public use limitation will be made through the following means:

  • Signs posted at conspicuous locations along the affected trails.

  • Electronic media.

This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until rescinded. The effectiveness of this order will be assessed on an ongoing basis and will be modified or rescinded when conditions warrant.

Approved: /s/ Patricia S. Trap, Superintendent
March 9, 2022

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Last updated: August 28, 2024

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