New Fee Schedule for Our National Parks (Effective January 2026)

There’s been a lot of conflicting information floating around online about the new National Park Pass pricing, so let’s clear things up. As of January 2026, updated fees are now in effect and while the changes mostly impact international visitors, the details matter. Let’s break it down in simple terms and look at a few real-life scenarios.

Annual Pass for U.S. Residents

The Resident Annual Pass for U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) remains unchanged at $80. The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase and provides day-use access to thousands of federal recreation areas, including all U.S. national parks. Camping fees or special permits (for example Angel's Landing) are not included in the annual park pass.

Annual Pass for Non-U.S. Residents

As of January 2026, non-U.S. residents (international visitors) now pay $250 for the America the Beautiful Pass. Like the resident pass, it’s valid for one year from the purchase date and grants day-use access to national parks and other federal recreation areas across the country.

Visiting Without an Annual Pass

If a non-U.S. resident chooses not to purchase the annual pass, standard park entrance fees apply, except at 11 high-traffic national parks. At these parks, international visitors must pay:

• the regular park entrance fee (different at every park)

• an additional $100 per person (ages 16 and older)

The 11 high-traffic national parks are: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks.

Pictures below: hiking at Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: A Family Road Trip

You’re a family of four from Spain road-tripping through the western United States. Utah’s Mighty Five*, along with Grand Teton and Yellowstone, have been on your bucket list for years. You purchase a $250 America the Beautiful Pass at the Zion National Park entrance. With that one pass, you can visit all of these parks without paying any additional entrance fees. Road trip dreams unlocked — enjoy!

Scenario 2: Honeymoon Day Trips

You’re a couple from Australia honeymooning in Las Vegas and plan day trips to Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks. You decide not to buy the $250 annual pass. Since both parks are on the high-traffic list, here’s how it breaks down:

• Grand Canyon: $35 vehicle entrance fee + $100 per person

• Zion: $35 vehicle entrance fee + $100 per person

By the end of both day trips, your total cost comes to $470, significantly more than the annual pass would have been.

Scenario 3: One Park, One Visit

You’re attending a conference in Salt Lake City and decide to treat yourself to a post-conference trip to Capitol Reef National Park. You only have time to visit one park. Since Capitol Reef is not on the high-traffic list, the most economical option is the standard $20 vehicle entrance fee, valid for seven days. No additional charges apply.

Pictures below: bison and geysers at Yellowstone National Park

The Bottom Line (and a Few Things to Know)

Yes, the cost for international visitors has increased significantly. That said, if you plan to visit any of the 11 high-traffic parks, the $250 annual pass is usually the most economical option.

When you purchase an America the Beautiful Pass in person at a park entrance, 80% or more of the revenue stays directly with that park. Those funds support maintenance projects, visitor services, and overall park improvements. It's a meaningful way to give back to the places you’re enjoying.

A few final notes:

• Timed-entry reservations are still required at some parks (such as Arches and Glacier for example) and are separate from entrance fees. Timed-entry reservations and digital national park passes can be purchased through Recreation.gov.

• There are eight free entrance days each year tied to federal holidays, but these apply only to U.S. citizens and residents.

• For up-to-date information on all national parks, including weather and traffic, go to the National Park Service website.

• What’s still unclear is how enforcement will work. Will park rangers actually check everyone's passports at entrance gates? If so, longer wait times could become an issue.

Whatever option you choose, take the time to enjoy these incredible landscapes — and please remember to leave no trace so future visitors can enjoy them too.

Are these new park fees impacting your travel plans? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment on my socials or reach out anytime.

*Utah’s Mighty Five include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.