Entrance fees at Grand Canyon to be waived on MLK Jr. Day
Jan 9, 2018, 4:45 AM
(Flickr photo)
(Flickr photo)
PHOENIX — For Arizonans who are looking for something to do on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, you may want to head to the Grand Canyon: The national park will waive its entrance fees on Monday in honor of the holiday.
According to a press release, visitors who are planning to head to the Grand Canyon on Jan. 15 should “expect large crowds, long lines at entrance stations and shuttle bus stop areas and full parking lots.”
Visitors will also be limited in their activities: The North Rim of the park closed for the winter and will re-open on May 15. They also may run into some ongoing road construction projects in the park.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one of four days in 2018 when the National Park Service will waive entrance fees at 118 parks across the country. The other days include April 21 for National Park Week, Sept. 22 for National Public Lands Day and Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day Weekend.
Related: Northern Arizona train station on route to Grand Canyon closes
That was a drastic decrease in fee-free days: The service offered 16 free days in 2016. In a press release, National Park Service Deputy Director Michael T. Reynolds said he hopes fee-free days help encourage people to utilize the park system.
“National parks connect all of us with our country’s amazing nature, culture and history,” he said.
“The days that we designate as fee-free for national parks mark opportunities for the public to participate in service projects, enjoy ranger-led programs, or just spend time with family and friends exploring these diverse and special places.”
While fee-free days allow guests to enter the park without paying entrance fees, park officials said visitors should expect to pay fees for camping, reservations, tours, or use of concessions. Those who wish to remain in the park longer than one day will also need to pay the regular entrance fee for the remainder of their stay.
