Fees and Permits

Entry to the park for a 7-day period for a non-commercial vehicle is $15, and for one year it's $30. Hikers, cyclists and motorcyclists can get a 7-day pass for $7-$10. You can also buy an annual pass which allows entry to any U.S National Park over the course of a year for $80.

Watch Out For...

• Wildlife The animals in the park are less of a threat to visitors who pay them the proper respect. However, ending up on the wrong end of a bison can mean a hospital stay or death. Also be wary of the poisonous (but seldom deadly) prairie rattlesnakes, a subspecies of the rattlesnake.
• Prickly Pear Cactus These small cacti hide in the prairie grass, so wear shoes with thick soles and watch you step! If their flowers are blooming, they are easier to spot.

• Unexploded Ordnance Unexploded bombs, bullets, shells, grenades and land mines remain in the Stronghold Unit, left over from the 1940’s when the Air Force used the land as a gunnery range. When exploring the area keep an eye out and DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING YOU THINK IS SUSPICIOUS. Note the location and notify Park Rangers as soon as possible.

Weather

You must come prepared for the weather. Temperatures can exceed 100° F (38° C) in the Summer, while Winter temperatures can dip below 0° F (-18° C). Temperatures fluctuate through the day, sometimes widely, and thunderstorms and blizzards can come up suddenly. Bring different types of clothing so you're prepared for gale force winds, excessive heat and rain, and to avoid exposure carry plenty of water (1 gallon per person per day), a hat, appropriate sunscreen and sunglasses.

Fossils

Digging for and/or moving fossils or artifacts from their locations in the ground is prohibited by Federal law. Offenders are subject to heavy fines and possibly jail.