Grand Canyon National Park Asks for Your Opinion on a Potential Permit Fee Increase

Grand Canyon National Park has proposed increasing the backcountry permit fee for visitors. Before making a decision, they are asking for public opinion on the matter.

Maria Aldrich | Sep 17, 2024

The Colorado River as seen from Desert View, Grand Canyon National Park, on Oct. 25, 2022. Colorado River 9213329002 / Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The National Park Service (NPS) released a statement relaying information that Grand Canyon National Park may potentially increase their backcountry permit fees after a proposal was shared on Friday.

Grand Canyon National Park sees millions of visitors each year with 2023 hosting approximately 4,733,705 people. As one of the most visited national parks in the United States, regular maintenance and upkeep comes with a large price.

"The National Park Service last adjusted these fees in April 2024 to better cover the costs of operating the Backcountry Information Center. Funds from this proposed increase will allow the park to fund backcountry activities and park projects that enhance the visitor experience," the NPS stated on September 13.

While the current application fee of $10 would remain the same, the nightly per-person fees would increase. In April 2024, the nightly below-rim price was $15. With this proposal, the cost would increase to $24 per person for each night they stay. Above-rim fees would rise from $4 to $6 per person.

In an attempt to gather public input, the NPS has opened a comment section for public members who would like to contribute to the discussion. The section can be found on the Grand Canyon National Park website and is open for input between September 13 and October 12. Users will be asked to state their names, along with their residential addresses and their comments. The NPS welcomes insight from all individuals who are interested in the matter.

While this plan will not impact day hikers at the park, as backcountry permits are not required for non-commercial day hikes, it will impact overnight campers. For more information on the permit system and regulations, visit Backcountry Permits - Grand Canyon National Park.

If this proposal goes into action, the fee increases will begin on May 1, 2025.

Published Sep 17, 2024

MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.