Colorado Parks and Wildlife modified the state parks entrance fees as of Jan. 1, 2019. This is the first increase to park entry fees since 2010. Based on visitor feedback, CPW begins offering a hangtag park pass option that is tied to an individual instead of a vehicle, allowing an individual to use the hangtag when he or she is present in any vehicle of their choice.
The revised fee structure approved by the Parks and Wildlife Commission allows the agency to address increased operating costs, provide adequate staffing, and fulfill property maintenance needs to continue providing quality programs and services while managing an increasing number of park users. Ten key goals have been identified for the agency as a result of this increased funding.
“The additional fees enhance all aspects of the visitor experience in Colorado’s 41 state parks,” said Margaret Taylor, CPW assistant director for capital, parks and trails. “We are committed to providing a fun, safe and rewarding experience for every visitor. ”
“The additional fees enhance all aspects of the visitor experience in Colorado’s 41 state parks,” said Margaret Taylor, CPW assistant director for capital, parks and trails. “We are committed to providing a fun, safe and rewarding experience for every visitor. ”
This is a great option for multi-car families or those who use different vehicles for different activities,” said Taylor. “We’ve also added 13 parks to our Individual Daily Pass, or ‘walk-in’ pass, program to help us engage more of our visitors into funding and conservation efforts.”
All annual passes, including the hangtag pass, now include a separate product panel that qualifies as an individual daily pass for certain parks. Park visitors purchasing the hangtag pass online receive their printed pass, and are able to pick up the hangtag on their first visit to any state park.
“Individual daily passes are a great option for a visitor who may be entering a recreation site without the use of a motorized vehicle,” explained Rob White, manager at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA). “For half the cost of a pass for vehicles, people that bike, hike, horseback ride or boat into our sites can use the facilities and enjoy the river and the spectacular scenery found within the AHRA.
For more information to plan your next visit to one of Colorado’s 41 state parks, visit cpw.state.co.us.
image credit: Mark Land “Sunrise at Roxborough State Park, Denver Colorado”