The $29 Keep Colorado Wild parks pass with every vehicle registration is a great way for Coloradans to have access not only to their favorite park but also to help you find new ones.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission on Wednesday approved a $29 price for the new Keep Colorado Wild Pass. The pass, which will be part of every vehicle registration in this state unless drivers choose to opt-out can generate more than 54 million dollars per year with 43 state parks!
The Keep Colorado Wild Pass was created with legislation intended to increase revenue for state parks. Starting in 2023, license plate renewals will include an annual pass that allows drivers access into all types of wildlife refuge and scenic areas across the country- including some pretty !@$*% great spots near you! The fee is only $29 so it doesn’t impact your wallet too much; but what does add value? This additional money goes towards managing record visitor numbers – which means there are more resources available than ever before possible.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission has been debating the price of a state park pass for months, with legislation limiting it not more than half what you pay today.
Colorado Department of Natural Resources director Dan Gibbs said his goal was to make sure everyone in Colorado chose to pay the fee and not opt-out of the program.
“This is Colorado. This is equity in the outdoors. This is our avalanche needs. This is our search and rescue needs. This is dealing with growth issues not just at our parks, but all of our lands,” said Gibbs before the commission’s vote. “We are seeing 70,000 people moving to our state a year. We are all in this together and I feel like the Keep Colorado Wild Pass … I think we are on the right track at $29.”