The Colorado National Monument will increase entrance and camping fees starting Jan. 1.

Entrance fees will increase $5 to $20 for a seven-day pass for private vehicles. The fee for the Saddlehorn Campground will increase $2 to $22 a night.

“It is important that we balance the need for additional funding to support park visitors while ensuring that our site remains affordable and accessible to everyone,” said Ken Mabery, superintendent of the Colorado National Monument.

The entrance fee increase was approved in 2016 as a part of a phased increase over a three-year period. An additional five dollar entrance fee increase mandated by the Department of Interior in 2018 will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

The campground fee increase received final approval in December after a public comment period. Less than 10 comments, most in support of the fee increase, were submitted. The last time the fee was raised was in 2011.

Federal law requires that recreational fees charged on public lands be used for direct visitor benefits.

Projects funded by recreational fees at the Colorado National Monument in the past have included trail work on Old Gordon Trail, new railings at overlooks and stabilization work on the Liberty Cap Trail. Projects planned for 2019 include continued work on Liberty Cap Trail, upgraded campground restrooms and replacement of wooden fencing in parking areas.

Prices for the interagency annual and senior passes won’t change. Annual park passes for the monument will remain $40 until 2020. Commercial fees are set at a national level and were not changed. Entrance fees are not charged to those under 16 years old or to holders of access, military and fourth grade passes.

For more information visit the website at www.nps.gov/colm.