National Parks Could Soon Cost You More

A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park could cost you $70 next year.

I've shared many times my fondness for the National Parks and some of the very best are within a few hours drive of Grand Junction. One of the first investments I made when I arrived was an annual park pass. When it expired a month ago, I didn't think twice about getting it renewed. An annual Rocky Mountian National Park pass currently costs $60. An annual all park pass is $80. I thought it was a good deal a year ago, it made be an excellent investment if the proposed increases become a reality. It's currently $20 per vehicle to access the Rocky Mountain National Park, and $10 for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.

The proposed increased fees wouldn't only impact a visit to Rocky Mountian National Park, the fee increase would be implemented at Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Denali, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Olympic, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion National Parks starting on May 1st of 2018 . Later next year on June 1st Acadia, Mount Rainier, Rocky Mountain, and Shenandoah National Parks will cost you more.  The Joshua Tree National Park fee may be increased later in 2018 as well.

The funds would be utilized to improve facilities, infrastructure, and visitor services. All that's great but will the increased costs prevent some from visiting the National Parks? That would not be good. The parks belong to everyone not only those that can afford the extra cost.

Credit: Denver Fox 31