New charges implemented for Colorado national park visitation | Lifestyle

[ad_1]
New fees are set to be implemented at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado. Permits for wilderness access and increased charges at group campsites are part of the changes, with permits for South Rim wilderness routes requiring advance reservations and a fee of $6 plus $4 per person. Reservations for trips between May and October can be made starting in April, while trips from November to April will be on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Black Canyon Visitor Center. Group camping fees at East Elk Creek and Red Creek in Curecanti National Recreation Area will also be increased. Nightly charges will be $120 at East Elk Creek for groups of nine to 50 people and $60 at Red Creek for groups of nine to 20. The new fees aim to align both parks with comparable wilderness permits and group campgrounds, with 80% of collected fees going towards funding projects such as trail rehabilitation, campground upgrades, and system improvements. The remaining 20% will be distributed across the National Park Service. The changes are seen as a way to ensure sustainability and preservation of the parks for current and future visitors.

Source
Photo credit gazette.com