New Forest Service Fees

Heads up, backcountry users! Starting December 1st, 2024, the U.S. Forest Service will require Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) fees at two popular backcountry trailheads in the Salt Lake Ranger District on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest:

• Spruces Winter Trailhead
• Cardiff Fork (Mill D) Trailhead

The fees will help operate, maintain, and improve site amenities. We asked the Salt Lake Ranger District questions about these changes. Here is there response:

Why charge fees?

In 2004 Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) allowing the US Forest Service (and other federal land managers including the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service) to implement fee programs. Each local unit retains 95% of the collected fees to operate, maintain, and improve site amenities, such as bathrooms, garbage service, picnic tables, information kiosks, designated parking, snow removal, and security.  Public lands are a valuable part of our legacy. Recreation fees are an investment in this legacy; they benefit those who are using public lands, and they provide a sustainable source of revenue.

What REA passes are available for purchase?

• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest 3-day Pass: $10 
  • Valid for 1-3 consecutive days at UWC REA sites
  • Suggested for those visiting for less than 3 days
• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest 7-day Pass:  $20
  • Valid for 7 consecutive days at UWC REA sites 
  • Suggested for those visiting for a week or less
• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Annual Forest Pass: $60 
  • Valid for one year at UWC REA sites 
• America the Beautiful, Interagency Pass:  $80
  • Valid for one year at UWC REA sites, at other federal REA sites, and for entry into National Parks
  • Also called the National Parks Pass, Federal Recreational Lands Pass 
  • Types of Interagency passes: Senior, Military, Access, Fourth Grade (prices vary)
    • These passes may be purchased at Forest Service Offices, from other federal land managers

How do I purchase a REA Pass?

• At REA fee sites visitors can use the posted QR codes to pay online through recreation.gov
  • Purchase 3- or 7-day pass (credit card only)
  • If the site is out of cell service, the rec.gov app can be used to purchase passes off-line
    • (most sites on the SRLD have cellular service)
• Salt Lake Ranger District (credit card and cash)
  • Purchase all pass types (3-day, 7-day, Annual UWC Forest, America the Beautiful)
  • Salt Lake Ranger Station: 6944 S 3000 E, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
  • Open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed Federal Holidays)
• Online at recreation.gov
  • Purchase 3-day or 7-day Forest Pass
    • If you purchase a 3-day or 7-day UWC Forest pass from recreation.gov bring your receipt to the Salt Lake Ranger Station to exchange for credit toward purchase of an annual pass (during the days the pass is valid)
• Future Options
  • Automated Fee Machines at REA fee sites (credit card only)
    • Purchase 3- and 7-day pass
  • Vendors may sell all pass types (3-day, 7-day, Annual UWC Forest, America the Beautiful)
    • There are now several vendors in Salt Lake area: The Gear Room, IME Climbing, Brighton Store
    • Please contact the Salt Lake Ranger District if interested in becoming a Pass Vendor

Where is a REA pass required?

• For a list of UWC REA pass locations please check this link
• In the Salt Lake Ranger District your REA Pass works at:
  • Cardiff Fork/Mill D Trailhead (year-round)
  • Spruces Winter Trailhead (winter)
  • Silver Lake Recreation Center (summer)
• Upcoming SLRD Fee Sites:
  • Summer 2025 Mill B Trailhead, Donut Falls Trailhead, White Pine Trailhead
  • Summer 2026 Grit Mill Trailhead, Picnic Sites (Dogwood, Ledgemere, Birches)

Different Passes are required at: 

• Campgrounds and Picnic Areas (SLRD examples):
  • Campgrounds: Redman, Spruces, Tanner’s Flat, Albion 
  • Picnic Areas: Ledgemere, Birches, Dogwood (these are future REA fee sites)
• Millcreek Canyon
  • Millcreek is managed in partnership with Salt Lake County, who requires its own fee
• Ski Resorts (Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Snowbird) 
• Town of Brighton, Town of Alta

Compliance & Enforcement:

Vehicles must provide proof of payment when using a recreation fee site.  Proof of payment will be verified in one of two ways:

• Pass or Automated Fee Machine receipt displayed on hang tag or dashboard 
• License plate checks to verify online sales through recreation.gov

Forest Service employees at REA fee sites will provide more information and can assist with payment processes.  

For additional information visit the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Pass Program