Grand Canyon to waive entrance fees during National Park Week

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - Grand Canyon National Park will be joining national park units across the country in celebrating National Park Week by waiving entrance fees April 16-24.

Visitors who arrive April 16 - 24 will be allowed to enter the park free of charge. Those who plan to spend time in the park beyond April 24 will need to pay the regular entrance fee for the remainder of their stay.

Park visitors are reminded that the fee-free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours or use of concessions. Park entrance stations will have Interagency Senior and Annual Passes available for purchase.

During National Park Week, park visitors are encouraged to watch for special offers on tours, food and souvenirs.

Xanterra South Rim L.L.C. has coupons available on their web site (www.grandcanyonlodges.com) for discounts in their retail outlets and buy-one-get-one-free deals on West Rim Sunset Tours.

As part of their National Parks Week activities, the National Park Service (NPS), Grand Canyon Association, and Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. and Delaware North Parks and Resorts will be celebrating Earth Day on Friday, April 22. The celebration will include family friendly games, sustainable cuisine, displays, a tire pressure station and much more, all at the South Rim's Market Plaza. Everyone is encouraged to join the fun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and learn more about the greening of Grand Canyon.

The growing connection between public lands and public health is the focus of National Park Week 2011, making it the perfect opportunity to engage families and communities in America's Great Outdoors while creating opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun.

Several additional fee-free days are scheduled for 2011, including June 21, September 24 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 - 13 (Veterans Day Weekend).

For more information on Grand Canyon's Earth Day celebration, contact Deirdre Hanners at (928) 638-7627. To learn more about visiting Grand Canyon National Park, visit www.nps.gov/grca, or call (928) 638-7888.

For more information on opportunities to celebrate National Parks Week in park units around the country, please visit www.nps.gov/npweek.