Bandelier moves to charge card only payments effective Feb. 1. Photo Courtesy NPS

BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT NEWS

Beginning Feb. 1, Bandelier National Monument will join many other national park sites in the modernization of their fee collection programs by transitioning to charge card only payments for park entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Pass purchases.

The best ways to pay entrance fees at Bandelier are:

• Online prior to visiting through Recreation.gov;

• By credit card at the automated fee machines located at the park entrance station or inside the shelter at Tsankawi;

• In-person at the Visitor Center with credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay;

• In-person at the park store, operated by Western National Parks Association, with cash, check, or credit card.

“This change in park operations will modernize and streamline how fees are collected at Bandelier. A recent “credit card only” trial period showed improved financial accountability, decreased time processing fees, and a reduction of overhead for the park’s fee program. This change will allow more entrance fee revenue to be used on important projects that directly improve visitor experiences at Bandelier, while allowing us to adapt to changing technology,” stated Paul DePrey, Acting Superintendent at Bandelier.

As always, America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes and Bandelier Annual Passes will be honored for entrance fees. Senior and Access passes will still provide a discount on camping. The full suite of America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes and Bandelier Annual Passes are available at the Visitor Center. Some passes may be obtained online through the USGS Online Store prior to visiting Bandelier.