New Rules for Visiting U. S. National Parks: What You Need to Know

Starting in January, international tourists will face higher fees to visit popular U.S. national parks, including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. This change follows a recent order aimed at using the additional revenue for park upkeep and conservation. However, the same administration plans to cut the park service budget by over a third in the coming years.

Fee Breakdown

• Annual Pass for Foreign Visitors: $250
• Annual Pass for Americans: $80
• Per-Person Entry Fee (11 Parks): $100

The 11 most visited parks include:

• Everglades
• Yosemite
• Rocky Mountains

Rising Visits, Declining Resources

• 2024 Visits: Over 331 million
• Staffing Shortages: Leading to closures, canceled programs, and delayed emergency responses

The Dilemma

While the new fees may help address some issues, the planned budget cuts raise concerns. How will the parks secure the necessary resources if funding is reduced? This situation impacts everyone who cherishes these natural treasures.