Visiting our national parks is an American family pastime. But that tradition may become financially out of reach for many in the near future because Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is proposing a national park entry fee increase to $70 at many national parks. That includes four in Utah.
Because of a backlog of improvement projects that will cost upwards of $11.3 billion, Zinke says this proposal will help ensure that parks are protected and preserved by renovating aging infrastructure.
As a result, peak-season entrance fees would cost $70 per carload at 17 national parks. Motorcycles will increase to $50. Cyclists and pedestrians will pay $30. Therefore, this increase is more than double current entrance fees. The peak season for each park is defined as its busiest contiguous five-month period of visitation.
Utah national parks that would be affected include:
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Zion National Park
According to the National Park Service, these four parks combined need $167 million in maintenance. Zion alone is in need of $70 million.
This cost increase will certainly help national parks break ground on much needed improvements, and also cut down of overcrowding. But critics say the cost is out of reach for the average family. They also point to President Trump slashing the Park Service’s budget soon after he came into office. As a result, this entrance fee increase is placing the burden of the Park Service’s budget shortfall on the backs of those who wish to enjoy our national parks.
The Interior Department is collecting public comment through Nov. 23 on the agency’s website.