Visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon Without Paying $100 Per Person

Jillian Mielke • December 28, 2025
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A black and white image of a mountain range on a white background.
Grand Canyon North Rim scenic viewpoint

2026 Guide for International Visitors
to the Southwest USA

Planning a Southwest USA road trip in 2026 and worried about the new National Park fees you keep seeing online? Many articles claim that Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon will cost $100 per person, which has caused a lot of confusion for travelers. Good news. That number is only part of the story.


This guide explains how the 2026 National Park fee changes actually work, what they mean for international visitors, and how to keep your costs affordable without missing the best parks in Utah and Arizona.

What Is Changing With National Park Fees in 2026?

Beginning January 1, 2026, the National Park Service will introduce separate pricing for United States residents and international visitors. United States residents will continue to pay standard entry fees. Travelers from outside the United States will have a different fee structure when entering select highly visited National Parks.



The $100 per person fee applies only to international visitors who choose not to buy the new International Annual Park Pass. For anyone visiting more than one major park, the pass is by far the most budget friendly option.

What Is the International Annual Park Pass?

International travelers visiting Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and several other popular destinations will have two choices:


  1. Pay standard entrance fees plus a $100 per person surcharge at select parks
  2. Purchase the International Annual Park Pass for $250

The international pass is valid for one year. It covers the passholder and everyone traveling in the same private, non commercial vehicle at Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. Couples, families, and small groups sharing one car all benefit from a single pass.


You can purchase the International Annual Park Pass online through Recreation.gov or in person at park entrances. It is digital, easy to store on your phone, and convenient for multi park trips.

Why This Matters for Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon Trips

Most travelers visiting Kanab, Springdale, St. George, or Page plan to visit more than one National Park. A typical Southwest itinerary looks like this:


  • A day exploring Zion National Park
  • A day at Bryce Canyon National Park
  • A day at the Grand Canyon South Rim


Without the international pass, extra fees pile up fast. Two international visitors could spend hundreds of dollars more, and families or small groups would spend even more. With the $250 International Annual Park Pass, everyone in the vehicle is covered at Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Park. For anyone planning a multi park Southwest road trip, the pass keeps costs predictable and significantly lower.

Is the Southwest Still Affordable for International Travelers?

Yes. Despite dramatic headlines, the Southwest is still very accessible for international visitors. Communities like Kanab depend on travelers from around the world, and the annual pass ensures that visiting multiple parks remains realistic and affordable.


International travelers are still very much welcome, and your dream trip through Utah and Arizona is absolutely still within reach.

Want Fewer Fees and Smaller Crowds? You Have Amazing Options

Some travelers prefer to avoid high demand National Parks altogether. Around Kanab and the surrounding desert, you will find landscapes that rival the parks without the high entrance cost or heavy crowds.


There are world class slot canyons, surreal rock formations, sweeping desert views, and remote wilderness areas across Bureau of Land Management lands and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Many areas have low cost permits or no entry fees at all.


If you prefer quiet trails, hidden gems, and uncrowded scenery, this region delivers unforgettable experiences outside of the big parks. And if you want expert guidance, local knowledge, and a stress free way to explore, All Ways Adventure offers private guided tours that take you into some of the most beautiful and lesser known places in the Southwest. We help you navigate permits, stay safe, learn about the landscape, and make the most of your time here.


Ready to explore beyond the National Parks? Book a guided adventure with All Ways Adventure and experience the best of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona with a professional local guide.


Helpful FAQs



Will Zion National Park cost $100 per person in 2026?
Only for international visitors who do not purchase the International Annual Park Pass. With the pass, groups traveling in one car pay $250 total.

Is the International Annual Park Pass worth it?
If you plan to visit more than one major park like Zion, Bryce Canyon, or the Grand Canyon, the pass almost always saves money.

Can international visitors still afford to visit Utah and Arizona in 2026?
Yes. With the international pass and plenty of stunning free public lands nearby, Southwest road trips are still very doable.

Bryce Canyon hoodoos under blue sky
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