Glacier looks to hike annual pass to $60

Glacier National Park is soliciting public comment for a proposal to change the price of the Glacier National Park Annual Pass from $50 to $60. No other entrance fees are proposed for change.

Glacier has steadily bumped the annual pass fee — primarily used by locals — over the past few years. It was raised from $35 to $45 in 2016 and then bumped up to $50 this year.

Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age or holders of the America the Beautiful-The National Parks and Federal Recreational Annual, senior, access, military, or volunteer passes. These passes may be obtained at the park.

“The funds raised through entrance fees including passes are critical to improve facilities and infrastructure, and to provide an enhanced level of visitor service,” said Park Superintendent Jeff Mow in a release Thursday.

Park entrance and campground fees have supported a number of important projects in the Park, including a portion of the Many Glacier Hotel restoration, new interpretive exhibits at visitor centers, trail repairs, and winter snowshoe walks.

The public can submit comments at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/GNP_fee_proposal_2017. Comments may also be submitted via mail to Glacier National Park, Attention: Glacier National Park Annual Pass Fee Increase, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936. The comment period will be open until Sept. 30.

This fee structure review and civic engagement process is part of a 2017 review of Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act fees at parks nationwide. Following the public comment period, feedback will determine how, or if, a fee increase would be implemented.