The Black Canyon of the Gunnison increasing entry fees this spring.

It was one of the first places I visited when I moved here. It's one of my favorites too. If you notice my Facebook profile pic it's from my last visit to The Black Canyon Of the Gunnison. I was disappointed to hear the news that the park fees were increasing, but I get it. These amazing places must be maintained.

Starting next month, the price of a 1 to 7-day pass for a vehicle will increase from $15 to $20. An individual pass for a cyclist, or if you're on foot, that will increase from $7 to $10. Annual passes will cost you $10 more increasing from $30 to $40. Motorcycle passes and camping fees will remain at last years level.

Last summer Black Canyon Park officials sought the public's input on the proposed fee increases. The response was light with most of those that did respond saying that they were in favor of the fee increases.

In case you're wondering where that money goes, the National Park system keeps 80% of the recreational fee revenue. That mostly goes for park projects and staffing. Future money will go towards road improvements, trail maintenance, control of invasive plants and restoration of park exhibits. Also too, The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park wasn't part of last summer's nationwide proposal to increase entry fees at the nations most visited parks. That proposal, which does include Rocky Mountain National Park, would increase entry fees to address rising maintenance costs nationwide.

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