"It's getting pretty darn pricey to get into a national park these days at least one that charges admission but if you plan ahead, you can visit on one of the annual days that don't charge fees. This can save you $50 or even more, but it's a good idea to plan in advance. For starters, I strongly recommend getting yourself out of bed before sunrise (c'mon, you can do it) so you arrive at the park before it gets crowded."
"This means a beautiful, uncrowded drive watching the sun come up and an easy hunt for parking, plus hiking trails with hardly anyone else around. Then, when the thundering hordes start arriving to take advantage of the free day, you've already been to the most popular places. And you can hit the lesser known spots, or, if you're like me, even go to a nice leisurely late lunch and then head home."
"For 2026, there will be eight federal holidays when Americans (and only Americans and legal residents) will have free entry to the national parks, but this year not on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19) or Juneteenth (June 19) two holidays honoring Black history. Those have been eliminated. Free access was added on Flag Day (June 14), which also happens to be President Trump's birthday."
National park admission costs have risen, but visiting on designated federal fee-free days can save about $50 or more. Early arrival before sunrise yields uncrowded drives, easier parking, and quiet hiking trails. Popular overlooks and trails can be visited before large crowds arrive on free-entry days. Lesser-known areas remain available later in the day, and a leisurely late lunch can cap a fee-free visit. In 2026, eight federal holidays will offer free entry for Americans and legal residents, with Flag Day added and Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth removed.
Read at www.ocregister.com
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