Mesa Verde National Park has proposed an increase to entrance fees, though the cost to tour locations like Cliff Palace would not change/NPS

Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is taking input on a proposal that both raises entrance fees and extends its summer season, when rates are higher, by nearly three months. Tour fees are not changed in this plan.

Currently, summer season runs from Memorial Day weekend at the end of May through Labor Day weekend at the beginning of September. The proposal extends high season from May 1 to Oct. 31.

Seven-day admission would increase by $5 (from $15 to $20 in summer) for vehicles and $2 (from $8 to $10 in summer) for cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, motorcyclists would be broken into a new category that ranges from $10 (fall/winter/spring) to $15 (summer) per person, as opposed to being charged the same as a cyclist or pedestrian. An annual park pass would increase from $30 to $40.

“We are committed to keeping the park affordable, but we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience,” Superintendent Cliff Spencer said in a release. “The money from entrance fees is used to improve visitor facilities and amenities. The revised fees will help us offset increased costs for construction and rehabilitation that keep these facilities in good condition.”

Comments on the proposal are being accepted through 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at Mesa Verde’s planning website. For locals, the park will hold an open house, including a public comment session, at 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at First National Bank Conference Room, 2258 E. Main Street, Cortez, Colorado. Those who want to attend should call 970-529-4682 by Sept. 12.

The proposed fee changes would start Jan. 1, 2017. There are no changes proposed for commercial or tour fees at this time.

According to the park, entrance fees have funded the purchase and installation of water bottle filling stations and drinking fountains; additional visitor educational opportunities at Wetherill Mesa; construction of new restrooms; and stabilization work at Spruce Tree House and Cliff Palace cliff dwellings. Additional revenue raised by a fee increase would go toward the upcoming rehabilitation of the Morefield Amphitheater, additional stabilization work at archaeological sites throughout the park, maintaining and updating infrastructure, and additional visitor educational opportunities.

To Comment

• Deadline: 5 p.m. Sept. 15, 2016
• In person: Open house, 6 p.m. Sept. 13, First National Bank Conference Room, 2258 E. Main Street, Cortez, Colorado
• Online: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/MEVE66815