The National Park Service (NPS) has announced a proposal to increase entrance fees at 17 national parks. Currently, the fee for private vehicles is between $25 and $30, while the fee for motorcycles is $15-25 and $10-15 for pedestrians and bikers. Under the proposal, the fees would increase to $70 (in peak season from May to September) for private vehicles, $50 for motorcycles, and $30 for pedestrians and bikers. The yearly pass will remain the same. According to NPS officials, the fees are needed to improve aging park infrastructure, including roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and other facilities. NPS estimates that deferred maintenance costs across the system total approximately $11.3 billion, though they expect to raise only about $70 million per year with this proposal. While there are 417 national park sites, only 118 charge an entrance fee. Of those, the 17 facing an increase include:
- Arizona – Grand Canyon
- California – Sequoia National, Yosemite, Joshua Tree
- Colorado – Rocky Mountain
- Utah – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Zion
- Wyoming – Grand Teton, Yellowstone
Some groups, including the National Parks Conservation Association, oppose the proposal because it may make these parks unaffordable for visitors. The NPS will accept public comments on the proposal for 30 days.
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