JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Yellowstone and Grand Teton are on the short list of national parks that could see a major increase in gate admission—more than double in most cases.
Under the proposal released yesterday, peak-season entrance fees would be established at 17 national parks. The peak season for each park would be defined as its busiest five-month period, which would be May-September for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
During the peak season, the entrance fee would be $70 per private, non-commercial vehicle—up from $30 for a 1-7-day pass. The rate for motorcycles would increase from $25 to $50, bikers and hikers would be hit with a ten dollar jump to $30.
A park-specific annual pass for any of the 17 parks would be available for $75. The cost of the annual America the Beautiful Pass, which provides entrance to all federal lands for one year, would remain $80. The National Park Service is also proposing entry and permit fee adjustments for commercial tour operators.
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said the rate hikes are needed to address a backlog of some $11 billion in deferred maintenance at parks around the nation.
“The infrastructure of our national parks is aging and in need of renovation and restoration,” Zinke said. “Targeted fee increases at some of our most-visited parks will help ensure that they are protected and preserved in perpetuity and that visitors enjoy a world-class experience that mirrors the amazing destinations they are visiting. We need to have the vision to look at the future of our parks and take action in order to ensure that our grandkids’ grandkids will have the same, if not better, experience than we have today. Shoring up our parks’ aging infrastructure will do that.”
The peak season for each park is defined as the busiest contiguous five-month period and would be as follows:
- May 1-September 30 for Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Denali National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Olympic National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park
- June 1-October 31 for Acadia National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Shenandoah National Park
- January 1-May 31 for Joshua Tree National Park
The public is encouraged to comment about the National Park Service’s proposal to implement peak season entrance fees at 17 national parks. A 30-day public comment period will open on October 24, 2017 and close on November 23, 2017. We invite the public to submit comments electronically via the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website.
To comment use the “Document List” or “Open For Comment” project links in the left side navigation menu. Open the document and use the “Comment Now” button. Comments will also be accepted in writing. To submit written comments, mail comments to National Park Service, Recreation Fee Program, 1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop: 2346 Washington, DC 20240.
