50% Entry Fee Increase Planned For Yosemite National Park

YOSEMITE (CBS SF) - The cost to see one of the country's premiere national parks is about to go up.

Park officials announced Monday that they plan to increase the entry fee from $20 to $30 per vehicle for a single week pass. The Annual park pass will jump from $40 to $60.

"The current park entrance fees have been in place since 1997, when a seven day pass was increased from $5 to $20 per vehicle. According to the U.S. Bureau of labor and Statistics, $20 in 1997 is equivalent to $29.64 in 2014. This fee change will allow Yosemite to maintain consistent revenue while adjusting accordingly for inflation," reads a release from park officials.

Park officials say the additional revenue will help repair and restore park facilities and add transportation programs.

The plan will now undergo a month of review and public comment. On Facebook, news of the increase recieved mixed reaction, with some demanding to know exactly where the money is going and others suggesting the park is a bargain even at the higher price.

Park officials say they are also debating increases in camping fees.

The national park system annual pass, which costs $80, will not go up as part of this decision.