Starting January 1, 2026, visitors to the Maricopa County regional parks and trails may pay more – sometimes considerably more – to enter, camp, or obtain an annual pass. The proposed fee hike would mark the first increase since 2018.
Proposed Fees Changes at a Glance
- Annual Pass: Currently $85 per holder, this fee would be $120 on Jan. 1, 2026; $140 on Jan. 1, 2027; and $160 on Jan. 1, 2028
- Day-use Vehicle Entry: $7 per vehicle now would bump to $10 on Jan. 1, 2026 and $12 on Jan. 1, 2028
- Day-use hike/bike/equestrian entry: This would jump from the current $2 to $5 on Jan. 1, 2026
Why the Proposed Increases
- The Parks Department says operating costs have climbed for essential services like utilities, wildfire mitigation, habitat preservation, facility maintenance, staffing, and trail upkeep.
- According to the department, the current fee structure “does not fully cover essential services or facility maintenance,” which threatens the quality and sustainability of the parks.
- As a result, the Department believes modest but phased fee increases are necessary to keep the parks safe, clean, and accessible.
Jennifer Waller, Director of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation said in the department’s report on their website, “We are grateful for the Board’s support for park projects and improvements. However, a recent assessment of costs and revenues concluded that the current fee structure does not fully cover essential services or facility maintenance, putting the quality and sustainability of our parks at risk. To address this, we are proposing a modest, phased fee increase—the first since 2018. While we know fee increases aren’t ideal, this gradual approach helps keep parks affordable while ensuring we can continue delivering the services and experiences our visitors expect.”
The Proposed Fee Schedule — What Would Change
If approved, the increases would roll out in phases over three years starting on January 1, 2026 and running through 2028.
Because fees will increase gradually over that time, the County describes the proposal as a “modest, phased” adjustment rather than a sudden spike. The Department also plans to continue offering discounts for seniors and disabled veterans, intends to preserve free outdoor-education programs, and designate select fall days as “free entry” days.
What’s Next — Public Comment & Decision Deadline
- The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is holding a public meeting to consider the proposed fee adjustments on December 10, 2025, in the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, located at 301 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85003.
- A 30-day public comment period is open. The proposed fee increases and supporting documentation are available for review at www.maricopa.gov/parks/fees. The department invited the public to submit feedback via: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025FeeAdjustmentFeedback.
- If approved, Phase One of the new fee schedule would take effect January 1, 2026.
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