Want to Climb Denali? It Will Cost You

If climbing Mt. McKinley (aka Denali) in Alaska’s Denali National Park is on your list of life’s things to do, it may cost you a little more now – the National Park Service is considering increasing the fee to climb Denali by 150%.

Due to increased climbing traffic in recent years, the cost of mountain rescue and emergency operations have increased as well as the cost of trash removal and basic park maintenance. The budget for these things is apparently lacking by $1.2 million.

While the increased fee – up to $500 from $200 – would be a drag for climbers, it might be necessary for the future of the mountain. After all, potential climbers need rescue and emergency services and we don’t want the mountain to fall into disarray.

But not everyone thinks it’s such a good idea. Local businesses, for one, are worried the increased fee will keep climbers away.

The National Park Service will be conducting an 18-month period for debate and public comment on the increased fee and to explore alternative options. (While $300 is a big increase, climbing Denali would still be far more affordable than climbing just about any other mountain in the world.)

What do you think about the fee increase? Necessary or not?

Via The Adventure Blog