Grand Canyon fees to double or more

Friday, Jan. 10, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

New fees taking effect Wednesday include $20 for a private vehicle, up from the current $10, and $10 for individuals who arrive by public transportation or bicycle or who use the Colorado River, up from $4.

Additionally, the current $15 annual pass will rise to $40 and the Golden Eagle Passport now costing $25 will cost $50.

The $10 Golden Age Passport fee remains unchanged, and the Golden Access Passport remains free.

However, backcountry permits that now are free will cost $20, and those who want to overnight in the park - also free now - will be charged $4.

Fees for bus tours are to be announced later and will become effective next Jan. 1.

"Recent federal budget limitations and cutbacks have severely restricted the ability of the park to provide for adequate visitor and resource protection," the National Park Service said in a statement Thursday. "The majority of the increased revenue generated during this three-year (demonstration) period will be returned directly to the park."

That's expected to total about $20 million.

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