Wanna Float Your Boat At Lake Powell? Next Month It Will Cost You More

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GCNRA) is ushering in changes to its recreational boat pass fees, effective March 4, 2024. The new Tiered Boat Pass system, which we wrote about last summer, aims to better align fees with the costs associated with maintaining Lake Powell's infrastructure and supporting vessels. This transition replaces the previous flat rate structure, offering a more nuanced approach based on vessel length.

Under the current system, an annual pass for a single motorized vessel costs $50, while a one-to-seven-day pass is priced at $30. However, the new Tiered Boat Pass annual fees will vary depending on the length of the vessel, ranging from $40 for personal watercraft up to $1,600 for vessels exceeding 100 feet in length.

Feedback from the public, gathered from September 6 to October 6, 2023, including input from an open house event, influenced the final fee structure. Notably, a separate tier was added for personal watercraft based on received comments.

The park is currently selling boat passes at the old flat fee rates, but users will need to upgrade to the new rates for any annual passes purchased before March 4, with the cost difference credited towards the new rate. New passes will be available at park entrance stations and Park Headquarters. Proof of boat length, typically through vessel registration, will be required for purchasing passes. Failure to display the correct sticker or lack thereof may result in citations for violating park regulations.

Revenue generated from boat pass fees, in accordance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), will primarily stay within GCNRA, with 80% of the funds allocated for park enhancements and maintenance. The remaining 20% will benefit parks that do not collect fees. It's important to note that boat pass fees are separate from other park fees, such as entrance fees, camping fees, or Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) permits.

The implementation of Tiered Boat Pass fees at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area reflects a concerted effort to ensure fair and sustainable funding for maintaining recreational boating facilities while enhancing the overall visitor experience.