So this was bound to happen. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks have been on the same fee system for quite a while. Visitors have been able to access both parks for $25 for 1 to 7 days or get a yearly pass for $50. This will change starting June 1st, 2015 when the fees increase.
Fee increases are as follows:
Yellowstone National Park: 1-7 days
Car: $30
Motorcycle:$25
Walk/Bike/Ski up: $15 per person
Annual Pass: $60
Grand Teton National Park: 1-7 days
Car: $30
Motorcycle: $25
Walk/Bike/Ski up: $15 per person
Annual Pass: $60
Both Parks:1-7 days
Car: $50
Motorcycle: $40
Walk/Bike/Ski up $20 per person
Interagency Pass (All national parks): $80
If you purchase your Yellowstone/Grand Teton annual pass before June 1st it will be good for both parks until the end of May 2016 and still $50.
The best deal after this fee increase is the Interagency Annual Pass. This gives access to ALL national parks for a full year from the month purchased. The price for this pass will remain at $80. There are also passes available to United States senior citizens over 62 years old ($10 for the rest of your life), active military (with valid identification) and permanently disabled US citizens (with paperwork).
The great thing about these increases is that 80% of fees stay in the parks that they were collected at. The other 20% will be used to fund programs and parks that do not collect fees.
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| Don't be mad at the nice people that work at the gates the decisions for increased fees came from WAY above them. |
These fees will be used to maintain the operations in each park. There are many costs associated with operating a place such as Yellowstone. There are 5 entrances, 9 visitor centers, museums and other contact stations that must be staffed.
It's not that fun when this type of things happen but inevitable. I remember when you could get a candy bar for .25, Pringles for $1 and even .01 gumballs at the post office. Things change so there is no use in getting mad. Just be glad that these wonderful places are here for us to enjoy and not developed beyond repair. If you live in the area and frequent these parks make sure to get the Yellowstone/Grand Teton All Access Pass for $50 before June 1st!!! Happy trails!
I have taken most information from:
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