During the summer season, from May to October, the fee is now $20 per vehicle, up from $15. Per-person fees during the high season have increased from $8 to $10, motorcycle fees went up from $8 to $15, and an annual park pass was increased from $30 to $40.
During the winter, from November to April, the price is $15 per vehicle. The per-person winter fee is $7, and motorcycles are $10.
“We are committed to keeping the park affordable, but we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience,” Mesa Verde National Park Superintendent Cliff Spencer said in the release. “The money from entrance fees is used to improve visitor facilities and amenities.”
The fee increase does not apply to park pass-holders, and entrance fees are not charged to youths under 16.
Revenue from a fees increase will support various projects at the park, such as repairs to Spruce Tree House. The cliff dwelling has been closed to the public since February 2016 because of falling rock above the structure. Other projects the fee increase will support include infrastructure improvements, a new trail and rehabilitation of the Morefield Campground Amphitheater.
Entrance fees have previously allowed for purchasing and installing water bottle filling stations and drinking fountains, providing additional visitor educational opportunities at Wetherill Mesa and construction of new restrooms.
Park staff members held a public forum in September 2016 and accepted public comment in August and September regarding the fee increase.
A total of about 20 comments were submitted, according to Mesa Verde Public Information Officer Cristy Brown. The majority of the responses were supportive of the increase, according to the release.
