Entry to Colorado state parks is free today in recognition of “Colorado Day,” but starting in January, some Coloradans will be eligible to purchase a lifetime pass for unlimited entry—so long as they can still drive their own vehicles into the park.

Currently there are six different categories for annual passes granting admission to state parks.  The Aspen Leaf Annual Pass is available at a 50 percent discount for people 64 and older.  With the passage of Senate Bill 71 by Sen. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, and Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, earlier this year, Colorado residents who are 64 years old or older will have the option of purchasing a lifetime pass starting in January for an as-yet undetermined, one-time fee.  The fee is capped at five times the amount for the annual Aspen Leaf Pass.  To use the pass, the recipient must own the vehicle and be present for entry.

The bill, signed into law by Gov. Bill Ritter in May, requires that the Colorado Department of Natural Resources prepare a report for the House and Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources committees outlining the financial impact to the state due to the issuance of the lifetime pass before March of 2014.

The fee for an annual Aspen Leaf Pass is currently $30.  The office of Legislative Council, responsible for evaluating the fiscal impact of legislation, in a prepared fiscal analysis, anticipates that the lifetime pass will initially boost state revenue, but it could dwindle in future years as numerous variables kick in over time.