Rocky Mountain National Park increasing entry fees

Your wallet will take an extra hit if you're planning a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park starting Oct. 1.

On that date, Rocky Mountain National Park will increase its entrance fees and annual pass cost and introduce a new single-day pass, given the park's proximity to Colorado's populated Front Range.

Effective Oct. 1:

•A new "Day Use Pass" will cost $20

•A seven-day pass pass will cost $30, up from $20

•A Rocky Mountain National Park annual pass will cost $50, up from $40

In 2016, campground fees will increase to $26 a night, up from $20.

By 2017, a Rocky Mountain National Park annual pass will increase to $60.

"We are committed to keeping Rocky Mountain National Park affordable and we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience," said Vaughn Baker, park superintendent, in a release. "We feel this modest fee increase is still an incredible value when considering other family and recreational experiences one can enjoy. Plus, 80 percent of those funds stay right here in Rocky to benefit visitors. As we celebrate Rocky's Centennial, these funds will be critical as we move forward into the next one hundred years."

Rocky Mountain National Park attracted a record 3.4 million visitors last year, who spent $217 million. The park is the fifth most visited national park in the U.S.

The last time Rocky Mountain National Park increased user fees was in 2009, the annual pass jumping from $35 to $40.

Rocky Mountain National Park's busiest days in 2014

Sept. 27: 13,295 Vehicles

Sept. 20: 10,289 Vehicles

July 6: 9,355 Vehicles

July 5: 9,253 Vehicles

July 20: 9,139 Vehicles

Sept. 28: 8,668 Vehicles

Aug. 16: 8,634 Vehicles

July 27: 8,492 Vehicles

June 2: 8,248 Vehicles

Sept. 26: 8,152 Vehicles

Xplore reporter Stephen Meyers covers the outdoors and recreation for the Coloradoan. Follow him on Twitter @stemeyer or Facebook.com/meyersreports.