Yellowstone Insider Your Complete Guide to America's First National Park
The public comment period regarding potential Yellowstone fee hikes has been extended through December 20, as proposed changes for 2015 are still under consideration.
Yellowstone Park Service officials are proposing several changes to park entrance fees, which have remained the same since 2006. The park is proposing to offer a three-day Yellowstone only pass for $30. A 7-day pass good for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks would be available for $50. An annual pass to Yellowstone only will be $60. Those entering the park by motorcycle or snowmobile are currently charged $20 for a 7-day pass honored at both parks. The proposal is to offer a 3-day Yellowstone only pass valid for $25 and a 7-day pass for $40 honored at both parks. Individuals who enter the park on foot, bicycle, skis, or as snowcoach passengers currently pay $12 for a 7-day pass. That would be increased to $15 for 1-3 days in Yellowstone, or $25 for 7 days at both parks.
Additionally, the park is proposing to institute a fee for overnight backcountry permits to help recover costs associated with operating the park’s backcountry program.
The original deadline for public comments was Dec. 5, but that deadline is now being extended to midnight MST on December 20, 2014.
In response to public requests, the park will also open up the opportunity for interested individuals to submit comments online.
The park recently held public open houses in Cody, Jackson, and Bozeman help individuals learn more about the proposed fee changes.
More information on the fee proposals and an electronic form to submit comments on the proposal are available on the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website.
Comments may also be hand-delivered during normal business hours to the mailroom in the park’s Administration Building in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, or mailed to: Management Assistant Office, Attn: Entrance Fee Proposal, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY, 82190.
Comments will not be accepted by fax, e-mail, or in any other way than those specified above.
