Fee-Free Weekends at National Parks
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for much of Arizona this weekend, with temperatures reaching 115 degrees and above. So now’s the perfect time to flee to the high country.
To make the trip a little easier on your budget, the National Park Service is waiving the entrance fee for many national parks for this weekend, July 18-19, 2009, including the $25 entrance fee at the Grand Canyon. Remember that it is always less crowded at the north rim than the south rim, and the temperatures are a bit cooler. If you’re inclined to hike, keep in mind that temperatures inside the canyon are much higher than at either rim.
For other options, view the 700-year old cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon in Flagstaff, explore the hoodoos of the Chiricahua Mountains near Willcox, or take a free houseboat ride at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on Lake Powell or at Lake Mead.
There are also some gems that you can always experience for free, like Navajo National Monument and Parashant National Monument.
Don’t worry if you don’t get a chance to get away this weekend. There’s another free weekend coming up August 15-16, 2009.