When is entrance fee-free at Grand Canyon in 2026?

Direct answer

February 16, 2026, May 25, 2026, June 14, 2026, July 3, 2026, July 4, 2026, July 5, 2026, August 25, 2026, September 17, 2026, October 27, 2026, November 11, 2026

Published dates

February 16, 2026
May 25, 2026
June 14, 2026
July 3, 2026
July 4, 2026
July 5, 2026
August 25, 2026
September 17, 2026
October 27, 2026
November 11, 2026

Grand Canyon runs no entry reservation, so a pass really is all you need at the gate. The free South Rim shuttle is funded by the entrance fee and needs no ticket. A pass does not cover backcountry permits or campsites. An Annual or America the Beautiful pass waives the $100 per-person non-U.S.-resident fee. From 2026 the servicewide fee-free days apply to U.S. residents only.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

The America the Beautiful resident annual pass at "$80.00" "Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees" across federal agencies. 2026 free entrance days listed: February 16, May 25, June 14, July 3-5, August 25, September 17, October 27, November 11. Servicewide page: "Beginning in 2026, fee free days at national parks will only be for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents will have to pay the entrance fee and nonresident fee as normal."

Official fee-free-day policy