Entrance Fees for National Public Lands Day; Saturday, Sept 24

Date: September 14, 2011
Contact: Dan NG, 435.834.4740

Bryce Canyon Waives Entrance Fees for
National Public Lands Day;
 Saturday, September 24, 2011

Bryce Canyon National Park will offer a Fee Free Day on Saturday, September 24, 2011, in observance of National Public Lands Day. On that day, the National Park Service will join other public lands to waive entrance fees, including commercial tour entrance fees. This fee waiver does not include camping and special permit fees.

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year, 170,000 volunteers worked at over 2,080 sites across the country in all 50 states. Now, eight federal agencies and many state and local land managers and volunteers participate in this annual day of caring for shared lands.

National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect America's natural and cultural heritage.

This annual event:

• Educates Americans about critical cultural and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands.
• Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands.
• Improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.

Bryce Canyon was proclaimed a national monument in 1923 because of its "…unusual scenic beauty and scientific interest and importance." Five years later it was renamed a national park. Today, over 1.2 million visitors come from around the world to marvel at its colorful and delicate rock spires and pinnacles. The park and surrounding forest are home to elk, pronghorn, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion and the Utah prairie dog, a threatened species. Bryce Canyon's high elevation, outstanding air quality and lack of light pollution contribute to spectacular night skies.

The Bryce Canyon Lodge and restaurant, General Store, Visitor Center, North Campground and Sunset Campground are open. In addition, all of the park's hiking trails are open. Ranger-led programs are offered daily. A free shuttle makes stops at the park's most popular viewpoints. With the arrival of shorter days and cooler temperatures, visitors should come prepared for autumn weather.

For more information regarding the Fee Free Day at Bryce Canyon National Park call [phone] or click HERE to e-mail us