Bryce Canyon Entry Fee: What Most People Get Wrong in 2026

So, you’re planning to go see the hoodoos. Good choice. Bryce Canyon is honestly one of those places that looks like another planet, especially when the sun hits those orange spires just right. But if you haven’t checked the Bryce Canyon entry fee situation lately, specifically since the massive changes rolled out on January 1, 2026, you might be in for a genuine shock at the gate.

Things are different now.

It’s not just about tossing a credit card at the ranger and driving through. Depending on where you live and how you’re traveling, the cost to enter has either stayed exactly the same or skyrocketed into "budget-buster" territory. Seriously. Let’s break down what’s actually happening on the ground so you don't end up arguing with a park ranger while a line of twenty cars honks behind you.

The New Reality of the Bryce Canyon Entry Fee

First things first: if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder), take a deep breath. For you, the Bryce Canyon entry fee is basically business as usual. You’re still looking at $35 per private vehicle. That covers everyone in your car—up to 15 people, though if you’re actually stuffing 15 people into one van, I hope you have a lot of snacks and very high patience.

That $35 pass is good for seven consecutive days. It’s a solid deal.

But here is where it gets spicy.

If you are visiting from outside the United States, the game has changed completely. Thanks to the "Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks" executive order, international visitors now face a significant surcharge at 11 of the most popular parks, and Bryce Canyon is right at the top of that list.

The $100 Surcharge: No, That’s Not a Typo

Starting this year, non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older have to pay a $100 individual surcharge to enter Bryce Canyon.

Think about that for a second.

If you’re a couple from the UK or Germany, you aren’t just paying the $35 vehicle fee. You’re paying that plus $100 per person. Suddenly, your quick afternoon stop to see Sunset Point just cost you $235. It sounds wild, but that’s the reality of the new "America-first" pricing tier. The logic from the Department of the Interior is that U.S. taxpayers already subsidize these parks, so international visitors should contribute more to the infrastructure—things like fixing those crumbling trails and wastewater systems that the 2026 budget is targeting.

Breaking Down the Costs (The Nitty-Gritty)

I hate complex tables, so let’s just talk through the numbers.

If you’re a U.S. Resident:

• Private Vehicle: $35 (Covers everyone in the car for 7 days).
• Motorcycle: $30 (Wait—big update here—the annual pass now covers two motorcycles if you’re riding with a buddy).
• Per Person (Walking/Biking): $20.

If you’re an International Visitor:

• Standard Entry: $35 per vehicle + $100 surcharge per person (16+).
• The "Workaround": The America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass. This costs $250.

Honestly, if you are an international traveler and you plan on visiting even two major parks—say, Bryce and Zion, or the Grand Canyon—you should buy the $250 non-resident pass immediately. It covers the entry fees and the surcharges for the pass holder and the passengers in a single vehicle. If you try to pay "à la carte" as a non-resident, you’re going to get cleaned out.

The Residency Check is Real

You’ve probably heard rumors about "immigration checks" at park gates. It’s not quite that dramatic, but it is a bit more formal than it used to be. To get the U.S. resident rate ($80 for an annual pass or the standard $35 entry), you have to show a government-issued photo ID. A U.S. driver’s license, a passport, or a green card will do the trick.

If you don't have one? You're paying the international rate. No "sorta" or "kinda" about it.

Fee-Free Days in 2026: The Catch

Everyone loves a freebie. The National Park Service actually increased the number of fee-free days to eight this year. But—and this is a big but—these free days are now only for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

If you’re an international visitor, fee-free days don't exist for you anymore. You still have to pay the entrance fee and the surcharge.

For the locals, here are the dates to circle on your calendar if you want to dodge the Bryce Canyon entry fee:

1. February 16: Presidents Day.
2. May 25: Memorial Day.
3. June 14: Flag Day (which is also President Trump’s birthday).
4. July 3–5: Independence Day weekend (the whole weekend is free now).
5. August 25: The National Park Service’s 110th Birthday.
6. September 17: Constitution Day.
7. October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday.
8. November 11: Veterans Day.

Keep in mind that Bryce Canyon on a fee-free Saturday is a zoo. If you value your sanity and don't want to spend three hours circling for a parking spot at Inspiration Point, maybe just pay the $35 on a Tuesday.

Digital Passes: The Secret to Not Hating Your Life

Bryce Canyon has gone almost entirely cashless at the main entrance. They really, really want you to buy a digital pass before you show up.

You can do this through Recreation.gov. It’s pretty simple: you buy it on your phone, you get a PDF with a QR code, and you show it to the ranger. This is especially helpful if you’re entering via the shuttle bus from Bryce Canyon City (outside the park).

Pro Tip: Cell service at the Bryce Canyon entrance is notoriously spotty. Do not—I repeat, do not—wait until you are at the gate to try and pull up your email. Download that PDF to your phone’s wallet or take a screenshot before you leave your hotel.

Specialized Passes (The "Hidden" Discounts)

There are still a few ways to get in for "free" (or cheap) that haven't changed much, though the residency requirement is now strictly enforced.

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• The 4th Grade Pass: If you have a 10-year-old, they are your golden ticket. The "Every Kid Outdoors" program still gives 4th graders and their families free entry. You need to print out the voucher from the official website; they usually won't accept a digital version on a phone.
• Senior Passes: For U.S. citizens 62 and older, you can get a lifetime pass for $80 or an annual pass for $20. It’s the best deal in the federal government.
• Access Pass: If you have a permanent disability, you can get a lifetime pass for free. You can now apply for this digitally on Recreation.gov, which is a huge improvement over the old mail-in system.
• Military Pass: Active duty, veterans, and Gold Star Families get in free. You just need to show your ID (CAC card, VHIC, or a driver's license with the veteran designation).

Why the Price Hike Matters

There’s a lot of chatter online about whether these new fees are "fair." Some people think the $100 surcharge for international tourists is a bit aggressive. Others point out that if you go to a famous museum in Europe or a national park in South America, they often charge foreigners more than locals.

At Bryce Canyon, specifically, the money is being funneled into some pretty desperate projects. The park has been seeing record-breaking crowds, and the "Mighty 5" (Utah’s five national parks) are basically being loved to death. The extra revenue from the Bryce Canyon entry fee is going toward expanding the shuttle system and repairing the Rim Trail, which has some sections that are looking a little rough these days.

Actionable Steps for Your Visit

1. Check your ID: If you’re a U.S. resident, make sure your driver’s license isn't expired. You'll need it to prove you don't owe that $100 surcharge.
2. Buy the Pass Early: If you’re international, go straight for the $250 America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass on Recreation.gov before you land. It will save you a fortune.
3. Screenshot Everything: Assume you will have zero bars of service the moment you pass Ruby’s Inn.
4. Use the Shuttle: Seriously. Even if you pay the vehicle fee, park your car at the shuttle hub in Bryce Canyon City and ride the bus in. It saves you the headache of finding parking and it’s included in your entry fee anyway.
5. Watch the Weather: Bryce is high elevation (8,000–9,000 feet). Even in the summer, it can get chilly. In the winter, parts of the Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop often close due to rockfall. Check the "Current Conditions" on the NPS app before you pay your fee and drive in.

The Bryce Canyon entry fee might be more expensive and a bit more complicated in 2026, but standing at the edge of the amphitheater and seeing those hoodoos glowing at sunrise? It’s still worth every penny. Just make sure you’ve got the right pass in your pocket before you hit the gate.