ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah – Entrance fees at Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks are going up. Park superintendents announced the increase last week.
Park administrators say one of the main reasons for the increase is the wear on infrastructure. All three national park areas have seen a steady increase in visitors, which puts added strain on trails, restroom facilities and shuttle services.
“Our deferred maintenance, that amount of maintenance that we’re not able to keep up with, has just been growing,” said Zion National Park spokeswoman Aly Baltrus.
The new entrance fee schedule will go into effect July 1.
At Zion and Bryce Canyon, per vehicle admission will jump from $25 to $30. Per individual admission will go up $3. Motorcycle entrance will also change from $12 per person to $25 per motorcycle.
Click on link for full list of fee increases: Fee increases at national parks
There will also be increases for campground use, which vary depending on the site.
Costs for passes covered under the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program will not be changed. In addition, all Interagency Passes available for admission to federal fee areas as well as senior passes will remain at the current rates.
“This modest increase in fees will allow us to continue to improve facilities and services important to visitors,” said Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “After carefully considering the impact of a fee increase on visitors and community members, we came to the conclusion that this is the right course of action to help us protect, preserve and share these special places with current visitors and future generations.”
By law, entrance fees can only be used for park improvements. Park visitors say it’s never good to hear about costs going up, but understanding the reason behind it makes it little easier to accept.
“I’m OK with it,” said Zion National Park visitor Miles Biggs. “I don’t think the national park service is known for being super wasteful with their money, so I think it’s probably going to a good purpose, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.”
