Less than a month after a new superintendent took over at Joshua Tree National Park, the Park proposes to substantially increase its user fees, in some cases more than doubling them. The proposed fees for a 7-day pass for vehicles would increase from $15 to $25; hikers and bicyclers would increase from $5 to $12; and motorcycles from $5 to $20. The proposed increase for an annual pass would increase to $50, from the current $30, and Keys Ranch tours would double to $10. Camping fees would increase by $5 to $10, per site, per night. In a statement, Park officials said it uses fees to support visitor services such as campground improvements, trails, and visitor centers. Last year, 1.3 million people visited Joshua Tree National Park; one estimate is that the visitors bring about $62 million a year into the surrounding communities. Park officials will hold a town hall meeting 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, November 6, in the Bell Center at Copper Mountain College to discuss the possible fee increases. Questions and comments on the proposed fee increases may be submitted to the Park through November 21. For a complete list of current and proposed fee increases, and how to contact the Park, see this story at z1077fm.com.
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FEE CURRENT PROPOSED
Single vehicle entrance fee
(7-day pass), per vehicle $15 $25
Individual entrance fee
(Hikers/bicycles) 7-day pass
Per person $5 $12
Motorcycle Entrance Fee
(7-day pass) per person $5 $20 per vehicle
Joshua Tree Annual Pass $30 $50
Per vehicle
Camping (Hidden Valley, Ryan
Jumbo Rocks Belle, White Rock
White Tank) per site, per night $10 $15
Camping (Black Rock, Indian Cove
Cottonwood) per site, per night $15 $20
Equestrian Camping (Black Rock)
Per site, per night $15 $20
Group Camping (Indian Cove,
Sheep Pass, Cottonwood) per site,
Per night $25-$40 $35-$50
Backcountry camping
Per site, per night $0 $8
Keys Ranch Tours, per person $5 $10
