Heads up, Arizona explorers! Arizona State Parks and Trails fees are increasing starting Tuesday.
The increase will impact entrance, camping, and tour tickets at more than 30 parks.
Starting Feb. 25, 2025, the new rates will be in effect and available online.
For example, an Alamo Lake State Park cabin fee was $70 and will increase to $85; Buckskin Mountain State Park’s daily individual/bicycle entrance fee was $3 and will increase to $5; Lake Havasu State Park entrance per vehicle was $15-20 and will increase to $20-25; and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park youth daily entrance was $4 and will increase to $5.
Additionally, instead of the current choice between the standard annual pass with restrictions for $75 or a premium pass for $200, one pass will be available for $200 which includes all parks with no restrictions. This will provide entry for up to four adults in a single vehicle into all parks for one year.
“Because the agency does not rely on taxpayer dollars to operate the parks, this increase will help fund future park improvements, staffing, and amenities,” Arizona State Parks said in a news release on Thursday. “Additional parks opening, amenities added, and park visitation increasing – along with inflation – means that the agency has not been able to increase the number of rangers in parks or tackle deferred maintenance projects – non-emergency work that maintains the infrastructure in the parks.”
Revenue from the increased fees will help the parks improve visitor experience through projects involving ramadas, campground upgrades, guided hikes and walks, restrooms/showers, more operating hours, and more.
