THREE RIVERS – Gateway communities in Tulare, Fresno and Madera counties may see their tourism dollars cut down next year after the announcement that foreign visitors will have to pay an extra $270 to enter Sequoia & Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks.
On Nov. 25, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that beginning New Year’s Day, visiting the national parks will cost more for international visitors and nonresidents and even more to come to Central California’s two most visited parks.
The annual America the Beautiful pass, which covers entrance and day-use fees at national parks and other federal recreation sites, will continue to cost $80 for U.S. residents, but will go up to $250 for nonresidents.
Nonresidents also will be charged an extra $100 to enter 11 of the most-visited parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon, as well as Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and Zion.
The higher entrance fees could discourage nonresident visitors from coming to Sequoia & Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks, hurting gateway cities like Exeter, Three Rivers, Oakhurst, Yokuts Valley and Mariposa. The Trump administration suggests the higher fees will support upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance and improved services nationwide.
A September 2025 National Park Service report shows that a record 2,008,962 visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2024 spent $192.5 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $230.9 million.
“People come to Sequoia and Kings Canyon to see the world’s largest trees and end up supporting local economies along the way,” Superintendent Clay Jordan said. “We’re proud that these parks generate over $200 million in revenue to communities near the parks.”
Yosemite National Park stretches across Mariposa, Madera and Tuolumne counties, and borders Mono County. The park typically draws approximately four million visitors annually, with around three-quarters arriving between May and October. Yosemite closed out one of its busiest summer seasons in recent years this Labor Day holiday weekend. Visitation through August totaled 2,919,722 visits, an increase of seven percent compared to the same period in 2024 (2,727,496 visitors).
With the exception of February, when winter storms limited access, Yosemite’s 2025 monthly visitation numbers have outpaced 2024 numbers every month and the park is on track for one of the busiest years on record.
“This summer, we expanded access, offered new and improved facilities, experiences, and programs, all in testament to our dedicated park staff and partners,” Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden said. “Their extraordinary efforts allowed millions of Americans and visitors from across the globe to enjoy Yosemite and create lifelong memories. Yosemite is open year-round and with fall’s arrival, visitors can expect cooler conditions and fewer crowds while accessing all major areas of the park.”
The breakdown in the numbers of foreign visitors were not available, but a record increase in visitation in 2024 suggests a rise in international tourism to the park.
The 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report finds that visitors spent $29 billion in communities near national parks. This spending provided $18.8 billion in labor income and $56.3 in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $11.1 billion in economic output. Restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.7 billion in economic output.
Under the new system, the America the Beautiful passes – including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade and Access – will be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to purchase and use their passes instantly, store them on mobile devices and link them to physical cards for added convenience. Digital validation tools and updated training for field staff will ensure faster entry and a smoother visitor experience across the National Park System.
In addition, the National Park Service is expanding affordability and access for motorcycle riders. All America the Beautiful passes will now cover two motorcycles per pass, making national park adventures more accessible for riders and families who travel on two wheels.
The Department of the Interior also unveiled new, modernized graphics for all annual passes, featuring bold, patriotic designs that honor America’s landscapes, heritage and outdoor legacy. These refreshed visuals will appear on both digital and physical passes.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in the Nov. 25 news release. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
