Your Straightforward Guide to 2026 National Park Pricing 

The National Park Service has announced pricing updates that will begin in 2026. Since Whittaker Mountaineering sits at the doorstep of Mount Rainier National Park, we figured we would break it all down in a hopefully headache-free way. 

What Is Changing in 2026 

According to the National Park Service, the following updates will take effect starting January 1, 2026: 

• The cost of the America the Beautiful Annual Pass will remain $80 for U.S. residents and increase to $250 for nonresidents. 
• Without the Annual Pass, nonresidents will pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the most visited national parks. This fee is in addition to the standard entrance fee. Parks impacted include: 
  • Acadia, Maine 
  • Bryce Canyon, Utah 
  • Everglades, Florida 
  • Glacier, Montana 
  • Grand Canyon, Arizona 
  • Grand Teton, Wyoming 
  • Rocky Mountain, Colorado 
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon, California 
  • Yellowstone, ID/MT/WY 
  • Yosemite, California 
  • Zion, Utah 
• All America the Beautiful passes (which includes the Annual, Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, Military Annual, Military Lifetime, Access, 4th Grade, and Volunteer passes) will now cover two motorcycles per pass. 
• All America the Beautiful passes (which includes the Annual, Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, Military Annual, Military Lifetime, Access, 4th Grade, and Volunteer passes) will be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov. 

Fee Free Days (U.S. Residents-Only) 

Just like in 2025, there will be eight fee-free days offered next year. What’s different is that fees will only be waived for U.S. residents, requiring international visitors to have an Annual Pass or pay standard entrance fees and nonresident fees at the 11 most visited parks listed above. In 2026, these days include: 

• President’s Day (February 16, 2026) 
• Memorial Day (May 25, 2026) 
• Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday (June 14, 2026)
• Independence Day weekend (July 3–5, 2026) 
• 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25, 2026) 
• Constitution Day (Sept. 17, 2026) 
• Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27, 2026) 
• Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026) 

Does This Affect Mount Rainier Visitors 

Short answer: yes, but not dramatically. Mount Rainier National Park will continue to require an entrance fee for all visitors, whether arriving by vehicle or on foot. For 2026, the park will follow the national pricing structure and update its entrance fees accordingly. Exact amounts will be published by the park once finalized. 

If you are coming to climb Rainier or hike the Wonderland Trail, you will continue to need additional permits. Entrance fees are a separate cost, and they apply whether you are coming in for a summit attempt, a training climb, a snow school, or just to stretch your legs at Paradise. 

It’s a good idea to check the updated fee schedule before your trip. 

How These Changes Support the Parks 

The National Park Service notes that these pricing updates are part of a broader effort to keep parks running smoothly for the millions of people who visit each year. In a November 25, 2025, press release, the Department of the Interior explained that “revenue generated from new fee policies will be invested directly back into America’s national parks, supporting upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and improved services nationwide.” 

Sources 

National Park Service. “NPS Passes and Fee Changes for 2026.” National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#changes-in-2026. 

U.S. Department of the Interior. “Department of the Interior Announces Modernized, More Affordable National Park Access.” Press release, November 25, 2025. 

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-announces-modernized-more-affordable national-park-access.