Entrance fees at Mesa Verde National Park are increasing in the new year, reflecting input from a 2017 publicly-reviewed fee proposal period.
The fees will increase by $5 across the board, with the exception of a $3 increase for “per person" passes. Private vehicles, for example, will pay $20 each in off-peak months and $30 in peak months.
The entrance fee revenue generally gets split about 80-20. 80 percent stays in the park for maintenance, improvements and visitor education. The other 20 percent is shared within the national parks system.
In a statement, public information officer Cristy Brown said fees have supported stabilization work at Spruce Tree House and Cliff Palace, in addition to visitor experience improvements like installing water bottle filling stations. Future projects will include work at the Morefield Amphitheater and the stabilization of archaeological sites.
The seven-day period each entrance is valid for is not affected by the changes. Fees will continue to not be charged to those under 16 years old or holders of America the Beautiful National Parks pass, the Federal Recreational Lands Pass, and senior, access, military, volunteer or annual fourth grade passes.