Fee Stations

A brown wooden fee booth covered in snow

Three ranger-staffed booth stations occupy the entrance checkpoint one mile inside the park boundary, positioned beside the Visitor Center at the park's northern end. They process entrance fees ($35 per private vehicle), sell annual passes, and distribute free park maps and visitor publications. Rangers here answer questions about current trail conditions, road closures, and wildlife viewing opportunities, making this your last chance to gather intelligence before exploring the park's 13-mile scenic drive.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 37.640405, -112.168992
Accessibility: Paved station areas with drive-up booth access. Ranger staff can assist with payment at your vehicle if mobility access is needed.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Visitor Center, Sunrise Point (scenic overlook), Sunset Point (scenic overlook), 13-mile scenic drive south through park, Rim Trail hiking access.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor Center (adjacent), parking areas, restroom facilities and water at Visitor Center, scenic overlooks and trailheads throughout park.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon/evening (after 6pm) for minimal wait times. Park is open 24 hours year-round, though ranger staffing varies throughout the day.
Tips Advice: Rangers here are excellent sources for current trail conditions, recent wildlife sightings, and weather forecasts—ask before heading out.
Collect every free publication offered; the park geology guide and trail map are invaluable offline resources.
If you're visiting multiple national parks this year, the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) pays for itself by the third park.
Peak morning traffic (9am-11am) creates 15-30 minute waits; arrival at dawn or dusk minimizes time spent in line.
Insider Tips: Rangers staff stations during various hours; early morning generally offers shorter queues than mid-day.
Your entrance pass receipt is valid for 7 days; don't lose it—rangers check passes at scenic overlooks.
Ask rangers about weather and wildlife activity in different park zones; conditions vary significantly by elevation.
The Visitor Center, just beyond the fee stations, has exhibits explaining the hoodoo geology—10 minutes here provides context for everything you'll see on the scenic drive.

More details

Family Friendly Notes: All ages welcome at fee stations. Process is typically 2–5 minutes per vehicle. Keep children in or very close to vehicle during station area. Bring a valid photo ID for nonresident visitors age 16+; the $100 nonresident fee applies to non-US citizens (in addition to the standard entrance fee) unless traveling with an America the Beautiful Pass.
Attraction Type: Visitor Service Point
Distance From Entrance: One mile inside park boundary
Accessibility Level: Drive-up accessible
How To Get There: Follow the main park road past the northern entrance sign. Fee stations are located one mile inside the park boundary, adjacent to the Visitor Center on your right. Look for ranger booth structures and directional signage.
Parking Availability: Visitor Center parking lot adjacent to fee stations; typical peak-season fill times are 9am-11am and 4pm-6pm.
Road Type: Paved
Seasonal Access: Year-round access. High elevation (park sits at ~9,000 ft) means winter snow is possible; main park road remains open but chains or winter tires may be required.
Entry Fees: Private Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass). Motorcycle: $30. Per Person (walk-in/bicyclist): $20. Nonresident additional fee: $100. America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 (covers all federal recreation sites).
Main Features: Three ranger-staffed booth stations, fee payment and pass processing, entrance pass displays, free park maps and publications distribution, visitor information desk.
What Youll See: Three separate ranger booth stations with fee schedules posted, entrance pass displays, stacks of free park maps, informational brochures about trails and geology, directional signage, visitor vehicles being processed, Visitor Center building adjacent.
Unique Characteristics: Northern gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park; only staffed entry point for fee collection. Ranger expertise here is critical for route planning and hazard awareness before descending into hoodoo country.
Safety Considerations: Standard vehicle traffic and parking lot safety applies. Follow ranger instructions and drive slowly through the station area. Keep children close while in the vehicle or near the stations.
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 1
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Nearby Services: Visitor Center (information and exhibits), park restrooms at Visitor Center, nearby town of Bryce Canyon City (3 miles) for lodging and supplies, Panguitch (30 miles) for full services.
Winter Access: Open year-round. Winter travel to fee stations is typically accessible via main road, though snow and ice may cause delays during storms.
Best Season: Year-round. Bryce Canyon National Park operates every day of the year. Summer (June-September) and fall (September-October) draw largest crowds.
Weather Patterns: High-elevation weather dominates. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June-September; afternoon winds frequent year-round. Winter brings potential snow closures of some scenic overlooks, though fee stations remain accessible.
Peak Fill Times: 9am-11am morning arrival surge and 4pm-6pm evening return from hikes; early dawn or dusk offer shortest waits.
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Visitors generally report efficient experiences at Bryce Canyon fee stations, though mid-day arrival times (especially summer and fall) create waits of 15–30 minutes. Most appreciate ranger knowledge about current conditions and free publications. Some first-time visitors find the nonresident fee ($100 additional) surprising; planning ahead or purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass avoids last-minute issues.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to stop at the fee stations, or can I just drive through?

All vehicles must stop, pay the entrance fee, and display a valid pass. Rangers monitor entry and exit points throughout the park to verify compliance.

What if I don't want to pay $35—is there a discounted entry option?

The per-person walk-in rate is $20 (for bicyclists or pedestrians), and the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is $80 if you're visiting multiple parks. Otherwise, $35 is the standard private vehicle rate, valid for 7 days.

How long does the fee process take?

Typically 2–5 minutes per vehicle. Peak arrival times (9am–11am and 4pm–6pm) can extend waits to 15–30 minutes during summer and fall.

Are the fee stations typically open and staffed?

Stations are staffed at various times throughout the day (rangers rotate shifts). Early morning and late afternoon arrivals generally mean shorter waits than mid-day.

What payment methods are accepted?

Ranger stations typically accept standard payment methods; contact the park visitor center or check nps.gov/brca before arrival if you have specific payment requirements.

Is the $35 entrance fee worth it?

The pass grants 7-day access to all park roads, scenic overlooks, and trailheads in Bryce Canyon. Most visitors spend 4–8 hours exploring; if visiting multiple parks, the $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass pays for itself across three parks.