Rocky Mountain National Park Visits Could Cost More

DENVER (CBS4) - Each year more than 3 million people visit Rocky Mountain National Park but it may soon cost more to get in.

For the first time in 9 years there's a proposal to have park visitors pay $20 for a 1-day pass or $30 for a 7-day pass.

Currently $20 will get visitors seven consecutive days at the park.

"The roads used to be in terrible shape, 20 years ago, you couldn't get around the parks," said park visitor Brooks Roseman.

(credit: CBS)

Fees help improve trails and have helped add a shuttle bus system to keep the number of vehicles and traffic jams to a minimum. The cost of maintaining those features is rising.

"A lot changes in nine years, inflation, increased costs, a new contract with our shuttle bus company, when you enter into any of those, your costs increase," said Rocky Mountain National Park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson.

Park managers haven't raised most rates in nine years. The increase comes as the National Park Service asks all of its parks to consider raising fees.

Rocky Mountain National Park wants public input first, acknowledging that an increase could keep some visitors away.

"I don't think it will be a deterrent, no, not for me at least," said park visitor Rory Stillson.

The proposed changes could go into effect sometime next year.

The park is also looking at increasing the annual park pass from $40 to $50 and charging $26 a night for camping instead of $20. If approved the annual park pass increase would take effect next year and increase to $60/year in 2017.

The increase in camping would take effect in 2016.

EMail Feedback: Romo_information@nps.gov