SOUTH COUNTY — Pinnacles National Park is proposing new entrance fee increases in 2018 that will fund services and maintenance to directly benefit park visitors.
According to a news release from the park, the proposed entrance fee increase for Pinnacles is derived from a standard pricing model developed for all parks.
The fee increases are as follows: $25 for single vehicles for seven days, up from $15; motorcyles will be $20 for seven days, also up from $15; individual passes are $12 for seven days, up from $10; and Pinnacles annual passes are $50, up from $25.
The U.S. National Park Service held a public comment period from Aug. 29 to Sept. 28 and sent those comments to the National Park Regional Office.
According to Park Ranger Elizabeth Hudick, the new proposed entrance fee — if approved — would likely go into effect the first of the year.
Entrance fees do not apply to anyone under 16 years old or holders of the “America the Beautiful” parks pass, which is for seniors, military members and volunteers.
The additional revenue that would be generated by the increased fee is said to be used to enhance visitor services by funding such projects as the rehabilitation of the Bear Valley School, the construction of vault toilets to replace portable facilities and the building of a new entrance station at the east side of the park.
