This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks remain open in the winter, but visitors centers at the two southeastern Utah parks change during the slow season.

The Arches National Park Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Christmas Day when it will be closed.

The Island in the Sky Visitor Center in Canyonlands National Park closes December 31 and will reopen on March 4. The Needles Visitor Center closed in late November and will reopen on March 4 as well.

Law enforcement staff will remain on duty in both areas.

Park officials remind visitors that permits are required for all overnight backcountry use but are free when visitor centers are closed during the off season.

Visitors wishing to stay overnight in the Island in the Sky backcountry this winter should make advance reservations and receive their permit two days or more before their trip by going to http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm. Permits may also be obtained by calling the Central Reservation Office at 435-259-4351 or in person at park headquarters located at 2282 S. West Resource Blvd., in Moab, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except federal holidays.

Visitors wishing to stay overnight in the Needles district backcountry must obtain a permit from the self-registration station located on the front porch of the Needles Visitor Center.

Day-use permits are also required for Elephant Hill in the Needles, available at the self-registration station, and only online for the White Rim Road at Island in the Sky. Roads may be closed at any time due to unfavorable conditions.

Visitor services are not available in Canyonlands National Park, so visitors to the park need to be well equipped with all necessities.

Additional information about Arches and Canyonlands can be obtained from their official websites at www.nps./gov/arch and http://www.nps.gov/cany.