Arroyo Seco Fees and Annual Pass

[gfelsman]

Betsy;

When you asked the Forest Servise about the Pass, did you also inquire about a National Parks Service Pass for $80. This pass includes the Adventure Pass and allows access to all Federally managed areas as well as National Parks. Areas like Cerro Alto which is managed by private concessionare honors these passes as well.

Definitely worth the inquiry. It saves buying adventure/ RMRC passes and a National Park Service Pass.

And if this works when you turn 62.5 the pass is only $15 for a lifetime pass.

[Betsy M]

Arroyo Seco Campground has been managed by a concessionaire, Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, for many years now. They manage the campground, day use area, and also control the parking lot for all trailhead parking. The posted fees for camping and day use are fairly reasonable, but they charge you for day use even if you are just parking at the trailhead to go on a hike. When this fee went from $5 a day to $7 a day a couple of years ago, it started to seem pretty steep. Then one of the regular hikers told me you could get an annual pass (good only at RMRC-managed facilities) for $40. That seemed like a reasonable deal. The staff will tell you they don't guarantee the safety of vehicles parked in the lot, but you never see broken glass or hear about any incidents there.

So on my first visit of the year on January 10, I wanted to purchase the annual pass. The campground host informed me the pass had been discontinued. Or at least they hadn't received any passes yet. A call to the Forest Service District Office in King City 831-385-5434 helped resolve the issue. The Recreation Officer followed up with the concessionaire and confirmed that the passes are still being issued, though the cost has increased to $45.

So for those of you who take several hikes during the year, it quickly becomes cost-effective to purchase this pass.