National Park Service to Increase Entrance Fees in 2019

If you're planning a trip to a national park in 2019, you should plan to pay a little more.

The National Park Service announced a fee increase that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2019. The increase will only affect the 117 parks that already charge entrance fees. The remaining 300 will still be free to enter.

“Visitor entrance fees play an important role in helping the park better serve the public by ensuring national treasures, like Muir Woods, are cared for and can be enjoyed for generations to come,” said General Superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Laura E. Joss in a press release.

“The newly restored Hawk Hill Trail in the Marin Headlands is just one visible example of park entrance fees put to use for public enjoyment,” she wrote.

The fee increases proposed are needed to help address an $11.6 billion maintenance backlog.

An earlier proposal would have upped the car fee to $70 at Yosemite and other popular parks, but widespread opposition lead to a different solution.

So, how will the increase affect local parks?

Maritime National Historical Park

It will cost $5 more for daily entrance to the Maritime Park. Entrance fees are currently $10 per person, so they will go up to $15 in 2019.

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods will also cost $5 more per person. Entrance fees will be $15 per person, but children 15 and younger will still have free admission. Annual passes will also go up $5, to $45. Visitors at Muir Woods would also pay an $8 parking fee.

The extra fees will go toward upgrading and maintaining parking lots, restrooms, trails and more. Recent fixes have included better accessibility at Muir Beach Overlook and a trail crew for Muir Woods.

The majority of the money will go toward maintaining and restoring Muir Woods, Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), Fort Point National Historic Site and Alcatraz. The rest of the revenue would go toward other national parks.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite park entrance fees will increase to $35 per vehicle and $30 per motorcycle. An annual park pass will increase to $70 and per-person admission will be $20. According to the park website, the increase will take place in June 2018.

About 80 percent of the revenue will stay in the park and go toward maintaining it, while the rest will go toward other parks.

For information on increases at all fee-charging parks click here.

Bay City News contributed to this report.