GCNP Fee increases start June 1st, 2015

[hikeaz]

Grand Canyon, Ariz. –
Effective June 1, 2015, Grand Canyon National Park will increase park entrance fees and the cost of overnight backcountry permits. The current park entrance fees have been in place since 2006. Grand Canyon began charging for overnight backcountry permits in 1997 and last modified backcountry fees in 2000.

The single vehicle entrance fee will change from $25 to $30 for a seven day pass. The motorcycle entrance fee will increase to $25 for a seven day pass. The current rate of $12 per person entering the park via Grand Canyon Railway, the park shuttle bus, private rafting trip, by walking or riding a bicycle will increase to $15. Grand Canyon National Park's annual pass will increase from $50 to $60. This increase does not affect commercial entrance fees.

The cost recovery charge for overnight backcountry permits will increase June 1, 2015 for permits issued starting on or after October 1, 2015. The new charge will be $10 per backcountry permit (same as present), plus a nightly charge of $8 per person (up from $5) or stock animal camping below the rim and each group camping above the rim in designated backcountry camping areas. This increase does not affect camping fees at Mather, Desert View, or the North Rim campgrounds.

[big_load]

They should collect the fees at parking areas, and charge by proximity to air-conditioned buildings, and three times as much for proximity to restaurant food.

[azbackpackr]

Got my Senior Pass in March--just in time!

[rcorfman]

Just enter the park late, after they stop manning the entry booth. No cost then.

Interesting that they're ending the frequent hiker program. I would imagine that the percentage of frequent hikers is very low and this won't have much of an impact on the revenue stream.

Additionally, Grand Canyon National Park will end its Frequent Hiker Membership program effective June 1, 2015. As part of terminating this program, all existing members who have not already experienced $25 in savings through their memberships will be provided with hiker credit for the difference (up to $25).

[hippiepunkpirate]

So I'm confused on the part about the recovery charge....does that mean if you cancel your trip, you be charged an additional $8 per person per night on top of the $10 flat rate recovery charge? That's what it seems to be implying but it's a bit confusing....

[rcorfman]

Here's the link to the announcement: http://www.nps.gov/grc...

[rcorfman]

So I'm confused on the part about the recovery charge....does that mean if you cancel your trip, you be charged an additional $8 per person per night on top of the $10 flat rate recovery charge? That's what it seems to be implying but it's a bit confusing....

This has nothing to do with cancelling. When you apply for a backcountry permit, there is a $10 recovery charge. That is not refundable. If you cancel, then the camping fees ($8 per night per hiker) is reimbursed as hiker credit and can be used to apply for another permit up to a year after the hiker credits are issued.

[Dave1]

So for one night in the backcountry for two people it'll be $26. Add in the entry fee and that brings it to $56. Seems kind of pricey for one night.

Also there's a self-pay kiosk at the entrance now for after hours entry.

[joebartels]

@Dave1 does not affect you

Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age

[Jim]

Any word on increases for an annual Federal Lands Pass?

[whereveriroam]

Rowe Well Road which parallels the GC Railway bypasses the troll collectors at the Park Entrances. I've always been surprised that the cost of 1 night backpacking in the GC was only $5, it should be free!!! Hopefully with the extra $3 they'll implement an on-line reservation system.

[joebartels]

A KJZZ ( leading source of news ) article today says wait times are up to an hour to enter the park.

[hikeaz]

A KJZZ ( leading source of news ) article today says wait times are up to an hour to enter the park.

There is often a dedicated line for park passes (far left) - problem is, when it is that backed up you cannot even get close enough to peel off into that lane.

Optionally, FR 328 to Rowe Well Road - it'll dump you out by the kennels, behind Maswick.

[azbackpackr]

I go into the park at least 3 times a week. I have never waited more than 15 minutes. Since I am working for a commercial business I don't use dedicated left lane.

So far everything I have seen you guys post from that KJZZ has had errors in it, IMO.

[joebartels]

Since you are there so often please ask Emily Davis, a Park Service spokeswoman if she is aware KJZZ is quoting her incorrect.
http://kjzz.org/content/159878/tourism- ... ional-park

[Al_HikesAZ]

Liz - I remember BITD when on a Sunday at noon the lines were long. I can imagine at different times during the week that the lines are different lengths. And the PreSstitutes are trying to sell sensationalism so they will exaggerate.

[joebartels]

And the PreSstitutes are trying to sell sensationalism so they will exaggerate.

or justify their rate increase :STP:

[hippiepunkpirate]

I go into the park at least 3 times a week. I have never waited more than 15 minutes.

You know D&D set the tour start time to coincide with the slowest part of the morning in terms of park entrance traffic. While giving tours I never had to wait more than 15 minutes either, but would be driving out of the park at other times and see much longer lines. Not saying that it would necessarily take 1 hour (which does seem exaggerated), but when you're entering at 9 to 9:30am every time, it's not much of a cross-sample.

[azbackpackr]

I suppose. On Memorial Day weekend I had to be about half an hour late crossing in with the guests, and it did take longer--maybe 20 minutes.