You are here

Home » Add Saguaro National Park To List Of Sites Proposing A Fee Increase

Add Saguaro National Park To List Of Sites Proposing A Fee Increase

Share

Published Date

July 25, 2016
Along the Cactus Forest Trail/Kurt Repanshek

The cost to visit Saguaro National Park could rise to $15 next year/Kurt Repanshek

Saguaro National Park is taking comments on a proposal to increase its entrance fee from $10 to $15 to help address maintenance projects in the park.

The last time that the Arizona park increased the seven-day vehicle entrance fee was in 2005. Since then, the park's deferred maintenance costs have increased to $16 million, the park said. Projects planned for 2017 include repairing Cactus Forest, Douglas Springs, and Heartbreak Ridge trails, as well as improving the auditorium of the Red Hills Visitor Center in the park’s west district. User fees also support projects to engage youth throughout the park.

“100 percent of the fees collected at Saguaro National Park remain in the park to support visitor facilities and services,” park Superintendent Darla Sidles said in a release. “This fee increase would enable the park to reduce the backlog in our deferred maintenance.”

From entrance to Death Valley National Park to camping at Great Smoky Mountains National Park to tours at Gettysburg National Military Park, sites across the country have proposed fee increases this year.

If approved, the increase will go into effect Jan. 1, 2017. It would help bring the park into alignment with the entry costs for other similar parks, a phased process that began in 2015. An annual pass will remain $35.

To comment

  • Deadline: Aug. 22, 2016
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: Superintendent; Saguaro National Park; 3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730

Related Stories:

A Day In The Park: Saguaro National Park
Nearly 50 Acres Added To Saguaro National Park

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by SmokiesBackpacker on July 25, 2016 - 11:33am.

The good ole "Deferred Maintenance Mantra".  I can see Jarvis sitting around the moustache club meetings, cigar in hand, saying,"Well, we can't cry about our budgets anymore because they have been steadily increasing, so let's push this.  If we say it enough, it will outshout anyone who takes a hard look at all this stuff."  To his credit, they have made up an arbitrary billions of dollars number and the public has bought it, hook line and sinker.    National FEEE Service


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.