News Release

Muir Woods National Monument Fee Increase Effective January 1

Family walks through an old growth redwood forest on a windy boardwalk at Muir Woods National Monument.

NPS/Kirke Wrench

News Release Date: November 14, 2018

Contact: GGNRA Public Affairs, 415-561-4730

In April 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that Muir Woods National Monument (MUWO) would be one of the 115 fee-charging national parks to modestly increase entrance fees. Effective January 1, 2019, the entrance fees to the park will be $15 per person (an increase from $10) and an annual park pass will cost $45. These changes come in response to public comments on a fee proposal released in October 2017.

Superintendent Laura E. Joss stated “In recent years the National Park Service has seen an impressive jump in visitation. The additional funds from entrance fees will provide much needed upgrades to Muir Woods and other parks across the country, as we welcome visitors from around the world and from our local communities.”

National parks have experienced record breaking visitation, with more than 1.5 billion visitors in the last five years. Throughout the country, the combination of an aging infrastructure and increased visitation have put a strain on park roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and other visitor services. The increased entrance fees will raise additional revenue to address the $11.6 billion in maintenance backlog across the system of 418 parks, historic and cultural sites, and monuments.

All of the entrance fees collected will remain with the NPS. At least 80 percent of the revenue is designated for Muir Woods and the remaining 20 percent will be returned to a national fee revenue sharing program for use by parks that do not collect entrance fees.

Entrance fee funds will be utilized to update park water treatment systems, rehabilitate the visitor center, and upgrade trails and bridges through the iconic old growth redwood grove. The revenue from entrance fees will remain within the NPS and helps ensure a quality experience for all visitors. The NPS estimates that once fully implemented, the new fee structure will increase annual entrance fee revenue by about $60 million.

The price of the annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass and Lifetime Senior Pass will remain $80. Entrance fees are not charged to visitors under 16 years of age or holders of Senior, Military, Access, Volunteer, or Every Kid in a Park passes.