In an “I’m surprised it took them this long” move, the U.S. Forest Service has proposed vehicle entry fees for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. The possible fee structure would mean people would have to pay $6 for a three-day pass, or $45 for an annual pass to recreate in both of the Cottonwood Canyons. If approved the proposal will take effect in June, 2017.
According to the Forest Service, the fee is needed to upkeep amenities at popular trails, which they say sees 5-6 million visitors every year (more than many national parks.) The money would go to maintain trails, trailheads, picnic sites, bathrooms, and parking areas. As such, the proposed fee would only be required for sites that have Forest Service amenities. These include Mill D/Cardiff Fork, Mill B South Fork, Silver Lake, Spruces, Guardsman Pass trailhead and Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon. In Little Cottonwood Canyon, White Pine, Temple Quarry, Catherine’s Pass, and Cecret Lake trailheads would be affected.
The $45 annual pass would be reciprocal with two other popular Forest Service recreation areas: American Fork Canyon and the Mirror Lake Highway. In addition, the federal Interagency pass, which includes the national parks, would allow entry into the Cottonwood Canyons.
Places that will not require a pass include trailheads with no Forest Service amenities, and the ski resorts.
The public has until Sept. 9 to submit comments. Send your emails to malane@fs.fed.us.
So what do you think of having to pay a fee to recreate from certain trailheads in the Cottonwood Canyons? Sound off below.