The price of a seven-day pass at Saguaro National Park could jump from $10 to $15.
Park officials are asking for public comment on the proposed rate hike for the private vehicle entrance permit, which would take effect Jan. 1. The proposal is part of a process begun in 2015 to align the park’s fees with similar parks.
Park Superintendent Darla Sidles said in a news release, “100% of the fees collected at Saguaro National Park, remain in the park to support visitor facilities and services. This fee increase would enable the park to reduce the backlog in our deferred maintenance.â€
The park has not raised the seven-day vehicle entrance fee since 2005, the news release said. During that time, deferred maintenance costs rose to $16 million.
The revenue from the rate increase would be used to repair Cactus Forest, Douglas Spring and Heartbreak Ridge trails. The funds also would improve the auditorium at the Red Hills Visitor Center in the park’s west district.
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The price for an annual pass to the park would remain unchanged at $35.
