Scene from Valles Caldera National Preserve. Courtesy/VCNP
NPS News:
JEMEZ SPRINGS — Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) is seeking public input on resuming the collection of park entrance fees. The public comment period runs through Aug. 17, 2024.
To provide comments, visit the Valles Caldera Fee Resumption page on the Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/VALLfees2025). Only comments submitted through PEPC will be accepted.
The park is proposing to resume collecting entrance fees beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The proposed entrance fee would cover seven consecutive days of entrance to the park. Rates are set by the national office at $25 for a vehicle pass, $15 per person or $20 for a motorcycle. The proposal includes the option of a $45 annual pass specific to Valles Caldera and the ability to sell or issue the America the Beautiful annual and lifetime passes.
In addition, the park plans to eliminate separate fees for fishing once the entrance fee program resumes.
Entrance fees were originally suspended in 2017 due to the lack of basic infrastructure and other visitor services beyond the existing entrance station.
In the intervening period:
- Roads have been greatly improved;
- Vehicle access was expanded four miles into the park to the historic cabin district;
- Pedestrian access points were added at seven locations along the park boundary;
- New backcountry vehicle system was implemented;
- Junior ranger program was established; and
- More than 100 in-park programs are offered including winter skiing and snowshoeing programs on 16 miles of groomed trails, fly-fishing clinics, ranger-guided hikes, night sky events and seasonal special events.
Over the next year, the park will begin construction on new parking areas, public EV charging stations, new interpretive trails and signage and a major new exhibit in the park ranger station.
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) allows parks like Valles Caldera National Preserve to retain 100 percent of the fees collected in park for use on projects that directly benefit park visitors.
