For anyone out there who also enjoys hiking and visiting the amazing National Parks we have here in the USA, the America The Beautiful Parks pass is the way to go. https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
We have used them and after a couple days, they more than pay for themselves. See the multiple passes available. We started years ago because they always have the free annual pass for 4th graders. It’s a great way to start exploring with your children at a young age.
America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by
- National Park Service
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- US Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- US Army of Corps of Engineers
Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers
One private vehicle fee
or
Four per person fees
| Type | Available to | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Pass | Everyone | $80.00 |
| Senior Annual Pass | US citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old | $20.00 |
| Senior Lifetime Pass | US citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old | $80.00 |
| Military Annual Pass | Current US military and dependents | Free |
| Military Lifetime Pass | Gold Star Family members and veterans | Free |
| Access Pass | US citizens and permanent residents with permanent disability | Free |
| 4th Grade Pass | US 4th graders | Free |
| Volunteer Pass | Federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours | Free |
America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass.
How to Get an America the Beautiful Pass
In Person (Recommended)
Passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites.
Order Online, Receive by Mail
To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store . Online orders are for physical passes, not digital passes, and may take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered. Order receipts may not be used in place of a physical pass. We recommend ordering at least three weeks in advance of your visit, or picking up a pass in person instead.