Exciting Updates to the 2024 Utah State Parks Annual Day-Use Pass
February 14, 2024
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of State Parks is excited to announce updates to our annual day-use pass for 2024!
Due to popular demand, the annual pass has undergone additional design and policy upgrades while continuing to be sold in a compact, wallet-friendly card style. The new design features the stunning landscapes of southern Utah, complete with hikers and hoodoos. The 2024 pass will continue to allow for two separate signatures on the back of the card, allowing it to be used by two different users.
Perhaps one of the most exciting changes to this year’s annual pass is the implementation of the new Utah State Parks App. The app allows users to register their annual pass online using their smartphone, which then turns their 2024 calendar-year pass into a 12-month pass. This means, if you purchase your annual pass in March 2024, it will be good until March 2025 as long as you register it online in the app.
“We’re thrilled to announce our annual Utah State Parks pass is valid for 12 months from the time of purchase,” Interim Utah State Parks Director Scott Strong, said. “By registering your annual pass online at ParksPass.utah.gov/app your pass becomes active for 12 months of use and eliminates the necessity of carrying a physical pass. Simply use your smartphone to enter the park, and you’re ready to explore Utah’s State Parks.”
Registering an annual pass online and using the digital annual pass does not cost any additional money and allows Utah State Parks staff to better monitor which passes are valid and which have expired.
The digital annual pass on the mobile app also allows for the same two signatures and up to three license plates. This information mirrors that which is typically filled out on the fee envelopes at park entrance stations and allows visitors to more easily access the park.
It is important to note that the physical annual pass will still be given out with both online and in-person purchases. However, if the pass is not registered with the mobile app, then it will expire at the end of 2024.
In the future, Utah State Parks plans to improve the app to allow for access to trail maps, reservations, and much more. The app is available for download on both the iOS (Apple) and Android (Google Play) app stores.
The prices for the 2024 annual pass are $125 for Utah residents and $65 for senior Utah residents.
You can purchase the annual day-use pass either online through the provided link, or in person at staffed state parks, regional offices, and the Utah DNR Bookstore in Salt Lake City.
About the Utah State Parks Annual Day-Use Pass
Passes allow day-use access to Utah state parks for the pass holder and seven other individuals in the same vehicle. The annual day-use pass provides great value for those planning to visit a state park multiple times a year.
This annual pass is not valid for Jordan River OHV State Park or This is the Place Heritage Park and does not cover the $2 causeway fee for Antelope Island State Park. Camping access and camping discounts are both NOT included in the purchase of this pass. Purchase does not guarantee entry if the park access is temporarily closed due to capacity being reached.
Where Do These Fees Go?
The Utah Division of State Parks is proud to be one of the state entities tasked with being self-sufficient. This means when you purchase an annual pass, campsite, or day-use pass, 100% of that money goes right back to enhancing and operating our Utah State Parks system.
These funds help our parks with operations costs and improvements. Park fees go directly back to help us pay for new campgrounds, day-use areas, boat ramps, trails, and other amenities that our visitors enjoy, in a clean, safe, and friendly atmosphere.
Improvements at parks have a direct positive impact on local communities where state park visitors buy groceries, get gas, stay in hotels, and hire guides and other services. Visitation to Utah’s state parks continues to grow, and it’s important that we invest in our infrastructure and maintain the highest levels of facility care and customer service to our valued guests.
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