The Colorado State Parks Board voted unanimously last week to increase fees, but may not be able to avoid closing some of its 42 state parks next year, when state funding could dry up. 


“Colorado State Parks faces a significant budget challenge, just like other state agencies, and the fee increases are part of an overall strategy to cut spending, streamline operations and find new funding so that we can continue to offer affordable access to one of the best state park systems in the country,” said Dean Winstanley, director of Colorado State Parks.

During the ongoing economic downturn, general fund support (money from state income and sales taxes) has declined. Colorado State Parks has closed campgrounds and picnic areas, reduced some park operating hours, cut staff and delayed filling vacant positions. State Parks have seen general fund tax dollars decline from 32% of funding in the early 1990s to 5% in the current 2010-11 fiscal year. State parks may lose general fund support altogether in FY 2011-12.

The cutback comes even as visitation to state parks increases from 10.6 million in 2003 to nearly 12.5 million this year. Colorado state parks now host 42,699  visitors per employee, significantly higher than any other Western state.

The fee for a daily pass will increase by $1, while camping fees at a dozen of the most popular parks will increase by $2 for five months of the year. Those fee increases go into effect Nov. 1, 2010. Fees for making camping reservations and registrations for boats, snowmobiles and OHVs will remain the same.

The proposed fee increases are projected to generate about $700,000 in 2010 and $1.3 million in 2011, or roughly half of the amount of general funds that Colorado State Parks will lose, Winstanley said. Even with the increases, entrance fees and camping at Colorado State Parks will remain comparable to or lower than other state's park systems.

Winstanley said that the fee increases are designed to keep Colorado State Parks accessible to the average Colorado resident. There will be no fee increase for camping at the remaining 22 state parks that offer camping. Entrance will remain free for disabled veterans with a Colorado Disabled Veteran license plate.


The fee increases will go into effect on Nov. 1, 2010.  The proposed increases include: 


  • The daily entrance fee will increase by $1. 
  • The Annual Parks Pass will increase by $10 to $70. 
  • The Annual Parks Pass for additional vehicles will increase by $10 to $35.
  • The Aspen Leaf Pass for seniors will increase by $5 to $35.   
  • The Aspen Leaf Pass for additional vehicles will increase by $3 to $18. 
  • The Columbine Pass for disabled Colorado residents and the Centennial Pass for income-eligible Colorado residents will increase by $1.50 to $14. 
  • Rental fees for small camper cabins and yurts will increase by $10 to $70. 
  • Rental fees for small premium cabins will increase by $20 to $100.
  • Rental fees for large premium cabins will increase by $10 to $140-$260, depending on the number of bedrooms. 
  • Camping fees at the 12 high-use parks (Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Cheyenne Mountain, Golden Gate, Highline, Mueller, Pearl, Rifle Falls, Ridgway, St. Vrain, Steamboat and Sylvan) will increase by $2 per night during the peak summer season from May 1 to Sept. 30. During the off season, there will be no fee increase.

The Colorado State Parks Board also voted to authorize a new Lifetime Senior Pass. Senate Bill 10-071, passed this year, provided the authority for the Parks Board to offer a Lifetime Senior Pass.  If the board approves, Lifetime Passes will be available for $175, starting Jan. 1, 2011, to people 64 and over.