DENVER — Beginning Friday, visitors to six Colorado state parks will have to pay $1 more for a daily vehicle pass.
This increase in fees, which Colorado Parks and Wildlife is calling a "high-use fee," applies to Lake Pueblo State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Staunton State Park, Castlewood Canyon State Park, Roxborough State Park and Highline State Park.
This $1 increase was needed to mitigate extra expenses and resource strains after the parks welcomed a high level of visitors, CPW said. The six parks all saw a "huge" increase in visitation numbers, CPW explained.
Many of the state parks are in need of maintenance funds after a year of record park visitation, record drownings and increased protocols for COVID-19, CPW said.
While the efforts from volunteers have helped, increased financial support is needed, CPW said.
The additional revenue will help with the following responsibilities:
- Trash collection
- Increased resource damage
- Additional temporary staffing
- Additional wear-and-tear on facilities
- Other expenses which were not offset by normal vehicle pass fee
Four other state parks already have high-use fees: Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park, Boyd Lake State Park and Eldorado Canyon State Park.
To alleviate traffic at Eldorado Canyon State Park, which typically hits capacity every day during the summer, CPW began working with Boulder to offer a shuttle service during those busy months. It may do something similar with other parks to help with congestion.
To purchase a Colorado state parks pass, visit CPWshop.com. You can also purchase an annual pass ($80) to state parks.
Colorado has 42 state parks. Click here to explore the ones near you.
