JEMEZ SPRINGS (KRQE) – Valles Caldera National Preserve is seeking public input on resuming the collection of park entrance fees. The park is proposing to resume collecting entrance fees beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
The proposed entrance fee would cover seven consecutive days of entrance to the park. Rates are set by the national office at $25 for a vehicle pass, $15 per person, or $20 for a motorcycle. The proposal includes the option of a $45 annual pass specific to Valles Caldera and the ability to sell or issue the America the Beautiful annual and lifetime passes. In addition, the park plans to eliminate separate fees for fishing once the entrance fee program resumes.
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“This is a critical step in the development of new visitor-centered infrastructure and experiences in the park,” said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos in a news release. “With key long-range planning efforts concluding in 2025, the addition of recreation use fees will allow us to begin implementing these plans more quickly to further enhance visitor access and recreational opportunities in the park.”
Entrance fees were originally suspended in 2017 due to the lack of basic infrastructure and other visitor services beyond the existing entrance station.
The fees collected by the park support new projects and maintenance of facilities. Over the next year, the park will begin construction on new parking areas, public electric vehicle charging stations, new interpretive trails and signage, and a major new exhibit in the park ranger station.
To provide comments, visit the Valles Caldera Fee Resumption page on the Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website. The public comment period runs through Aug. 17, 2024.
