Trump Increases Fees For Certain CA Visitors To U.S. National Parks

President Donald Trump has ordered all U.S. national parks to implement higher entrance fees for foreign visitors.

The executive order, signed Thursday by Trump, strips back an Obama-era memorandum that was meant to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Once enacted, the increased fees would impact California's national parks, including popular international destinations such as Joshua Tree and Yosemite National Parks.

California is home to nine national parks, more than any other state.

The president has directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to develop a strategy to increase entrance and pass fees at America's parks for non-U.S. residents. Included in the plan is increasing the cost of the America the Beautiful Pass, a pass for international visitors that covers entrance and day-use fees at federally managed parks.

“This will ensure our parks stay accessible, sustainable, and protected for generations to come,” Burgum posted to X.

The order did not include a timeline for implementation or pricing.

Trump says that increasing fees for international travelers will increase affordability for Americans.

"It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America’s splendid national treasures," he wrote in the order.

Last year, Joshua Tree National Park drew nearly 3 million visitors. The federal government does not provide information on how many international tourists were included in that count, but the park continues to be one of the most popular U.S. national parks. A standard pass costs anywhere between $15 and $30 while an annual pass to Joshua Tree is $55. An America the Beautiful pass is $80.

A full list of the nine national parks in California can be found here.