Trump national park fee hike and Policy Shifts at National Parks
A large scale executive order which President Donald Trump signed is to transform what it is like to visit America’s national parks in particular for international tourists. The order, which was issued on July 3, 2025, raises the bar on entry and recreation pass fees for non U.S. residents at federal level recreation areas which includes the like of Utah’s world famous national parks. Also included in the order are policy rollbacks on diversity and inclusion issues which was a 180 turn around from past policies, also the new revenues which will roll in will be put back into park infrastructure and services.
This report delves into the issues of the executive order, what it sets out to do, and the issues it will bring up for Utah’s national parks which are still very much a point of interest for millions of people from all over the world.
The Executive Order: Main Elements
Increased Fees for Non-U.S. Residents
President Trump’s directive to the Secretary of the Interior is part of the broader Trump National Park Fee Hike plan, which will see entrance and recreation pass fees raised for foreign users at any park that charges for entry. Although the order does not detail a precise increase in fee or a timeline for implementation, it does make it known that the new structure will see a different price for U.S. citizens and international visitors.
- Scope: The entrance fee increase is for all national parks and managed recreation areas.
- Passes Affected: Standard for daily and weekly passes, also the annual “America the Beautiful” pass will see raised prices for non-U.S. residents.
- Rationale: According to the administration that which is put forth is to preserve for American families into the future by means of higher entrance fees for foreign visitors, and at the same time make it more affordable for U.S. residents, also to see to it that they have greater access to our great national assets.
Revenue Reinvestment in Park Services
The executive order says that which is any extra revenue which comes in from the higher fees will go right back into federal recreation sites. The Interior Department reports we may see over $90 million annual in this from the surcharge which will go towards much needed infrastructure improvement, to also get to the maintenance back logs and to better the visitor experiences.
Preferential Access for Americans
Another issue which has been put forward is that of preferential treatment which the U.S. residents are to enjoy with regards to recreational access rules which include permit and lottery systems. In practice this may see Americans get first shot at securing spots for very popular activities like hiking permits or camping spots in peak season.
Rollback of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
The Trump administration has put an end to a 2017 memo which President Obama put out that pushed for diversity and inclusion in the management of national parks and public lands. That memo had asked for improved access for all Americans and put forth the idea of including input from many different groups in the protection of at risk historic, cultural, and natural sites. Also as part of a wide scale retreat from government diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) the Trump administration eliminated DEI programs which had been expanded under President Joe Biden.
Utah’s National Parks: By the Numbers
Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks
2023 Visitation and Economic Impact
- Total Visits: Utah’s in 2023 saw over 10.6 million visitors which went mostly to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Mighty 5.
- Economic Impact: Visitors spent over $1.9 billion which in turn supported local economies and thousands of jobs state wide.
- International Tourism: Parks such as Zion see up to 40% of their visitors from beyond the U.S. which in turn puts international tourism in the spot light for Utah’s gateway communities.
2023 Visitation Breakdown (Mighty 5)
| Park | 2023 Visitors |
|---|---|
| Zion | 4,623,238 |
| Bryce Canyon | 2,461,269 |
| Arches | 1,482,045 |
| Capitol Reef | 1,268,861 |
| Canyonlands | 800,322 |
What Impact Will the Fee Increase Have on Utah’s Parks?
Impact on International Tourism
The new fee structure which is to put foreign tourists at a disadvantage in terms of national park visitation in Utah is what we are looking at. Though the exact increase is still to be decided on, reports from policy wonks are that we may see a $20 add on to what foreign visitors pay which will in turn produce a lot of extra money for the parks’ budgets. Also that foreign tourists which are a large group of our park goers especially at Zion and Arches — will see this as a factor which may change their travel plans and in the long term also play a role in how many of them choose to visit.
Infrastructure and Maintenance Improvements
Utah’s and indeed many other U.S. parks report large maintenance issues. For example in Zion National Park we see $79 million worth of delayed infrastructure which includes roads and trails. The executive order which put forth the revenue reinvestment plan is meant to fix this we will see improved facilities and better visitor services from the new fee revenue.
Policy and Social Implications
Ending Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
The repeal of the Obama era diversity and inclusion memo is a large scale policy shift. As part of a wide scale effort the Trump admin also worked to do away with DEI programs at federal agencies.
Staffing and Budget Challenges
During the Trump administration there was also a put forth of large scale budget cuts to the National Park Service which saw over $1 billion in reductions for fiscal year 2026 and a 24% drop in permanent staff since January. Also we saw parks close, programming reduced, and emergency response resources stretched thin at parks across the country which included those in Utah.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for Visitors and Utah’s Parks
While the executive order’s full impact will play out as its implementation details shake out which include the size of the fee increase and the timeline for changes it is a large shift in U.S. national park policy. For Utah which has within its borders some of the preeminent national parks which are at once economic engines and natural treasures the new rules may restructure the visitor experience, park funding, and the play between domestic and international tourism.
Key Takeaways
- International travelers to Utah’s national parks will soon see increased prices for park entry and recreation passes.
- Revenue from the fee hike will be used to improve park infrastructure and reduce maintenance backlogs.
- Americans will receive preferential access to permits and lotteries for high-demand activities.
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives introduced by prior administrations have been eliminated.
- Utah’s park visitation and economic contributions may shift due to foreign tourist price sensitivity.
Media & Policy Analysis:
- National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) – Reports on policy shifts and funding
- Pew Charitable Trusts – Public Lands and Conservation
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