Tourism industry partners within proximity to one of New Mexico's 15 parks and monuments that are a part of the National Park Service are encouraged to promote “Fee Free” day this Friday, August 25, in celebration of the NPS's 101st birthday.

Eight of the 15 properties, which include Aztec Ruins National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, and White Sands National Monument, regularly charge admission fees ranging from $5 to $20. The remaining seven properties do not charge admission.

“This ‘fee free day’ in celebration of the National Park Service’s 101st birthday is a great chance for families to get out and explore their backyards without having to spend a lot of extra money,” Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Latham said. “Many of these national parks are featured in our New Mexico True Enchanted 8 road trips, making it easy to find more opportunities to explore along the way.”

Bandelier National Monument is on the New Mexico True Enchanted 8 Road Trip for True Adventure, White Sands National Monument is featured on both the Enchanted 8 Road Trip for True Eccentrics and the Enchanted 8 Road Trip for True Families, along with Carlsbad Caverns National Park. NewMexico.org features the full listing of Enchanted 8 Road Trips.

The NPS offers 10 days each year that entrance and tour fees are waived to the public. Following the birthday celebration on Friday, the public will be able to access these properties again at no cost on September 30 in honor of National Public Lands Day, and again November 11-12 in recognition of Veterans Day Weekend.