Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Fees Increase Next Year

Above, Anasazi Indian cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those of us 62 years old and older, and who have the Senior Pass to the national parks, this is a non-issue.

Fees for entering Mesa Verde National Park outside of Cortez, Colorado will be going up next year.

According to The Journal:

Entrance fees at Mesa Verde National Park will increase more than 55% next year.
The increase follows a request for public comments on a fee proposal released in October 2017. 

National parks raised entrance fees across the board rather than increase peak-season fees at 17 highly visited national parks, according to a news release from Cristy Brown, management support specialist at the park. 

“Revenue from entrance fees remains in the National Park Service and helps ensure a quality experience for all who visit,” Brown states. “At Mesa Verde National Park, at least 80% of entrance fees stay in the park and are devoted to spending that supports the visitor. We share the other 20% of entry fee income with other national parks for their projects.” 

The new off-peak fees will be in effect from Jan. 1 through April 30 and will resume Nov. 11.

• Fees for a private vehicle will rise from $20 to $30, a 50% increase.

• Fees per person will rise from $10 to $15, a 50% increase.

• Fees for motorcycles will rise from $15 to $25, a 66% increase.

• Cost of an annual park pass will be unchanged, at $55.

The fee increase takes effect Jan. 2. 

Fees are good for entrance to Mesa Verde National Park for up to seven days.

To read more, go here.