News Release Proposed Fee Increase

Date: January 12, 2015
Contact: Andy L. Fisher, [phone]

Tucson, AZ - Saguaro National Park is seeking public comments regarding a proposed fee increase for backcountry camping permits and for the Saguaro National Park Annual Pass.

The proposed fee increase would go into effect on June 1, 2015 and would raise the park's annual pass from $25 to $35, providing year round access to Saguaro National Park. Backcountry camping fees would increase from $6 to $8 per night. Regular entrance fees and all other recreation fees and passes will remain unchanged, including the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Annual, Senior, Access and Military Passes. Those who are 15 years and younger are not charged entrance fees.

All entrance and user fees collected in Saguaro National Park stay in the park and are used to improve visitor services, maintain and repair trails, update exhibits and provide upgrades to visitor facilities. A two-year construction project to update and install a new permanent exhibit collection in the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center is nearing completion, thanks to park user fees.

A 30-day public comment period opens on Monday, January 12, 2015 and will remain open through Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Comments received during the 30 day public comment period will help guide the agency's decision on implementing the proposed fee increase.

The public is encouraged to visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/SNPfees to comment, or send comments directly to:

Superintendent Darla Sidles
Attention: Proposed Fee Increase
Saguaro National Park
3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730

If you have questions about the proposed fee increase, please contact Shawn Hall, Saguaro Fee Supervisor, at [phone].