Add Arches and Canyonlands national parks in Utah to the growing lists of National Park System units seeking to boost their entrance fees.

The two parks are working to bring their fee structure in line with the national pricing schedule for park units offering similar visitor services and experiences. The revenue from the fee increases will be used to provide enhanced visitor services, including repair and maintenance of facilities, capital improvements, enhanced amenities, resource protection, and additional visitor programs and services. Under the fee increase proposal, the cost of entering Arches or Canyonlands national parks would change to:

All entrance receipts are valid for up to seven days at the park where they were purchased. The Southeast Utah National Parks Annual Pass ($50) is valid for one year through the month of purchase and admits one (1) private, non-commercial vehicle or the pass holder to Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age or to holders of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual, Senior, Access or Military passes.

Comments regarding these fee increase proposals may be submitted electronically on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) websites for Arches and Canyonlands.

Comments may also be sent to: National Park Service, Southeast Utah Group, Attn: Planning and Compliance Coordinator, 2282 S. West Resource Blvd, Moab, Utah 84532. Faxed comments may be sent to (435) 719-2300.

Feedback from these comments will determine how, or if, fee increases will be implemented.

Deadline for comments on the proposed fee increase is September 1.