While planning your travels inside the United States, it is almost guaranteed that you will be stopping by a location or two that a National Park Pass can be used (and if they aren't on your itinerary yet, then they should be!!). I hope that after your visit, you will love the National Park System as much as I do.
I purchased my Annual Pass July of this year and have already saved $180 in just entrance fees alone! Though the initial cost may seem expensive, it will quickly pay for itself if you visit even a few of these wonderful places. Within the month I have owned a pass, I have already visited Mt. Rainier, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Badlands, Mesa Verde, Devils Tower, and Little Bighorn Battlefield where I was able to present my Annual Pass and save. I plan on visiting many more locations with the other 11 months that I still have left, and saving even more money. This is a wonderful thing for the budget!
The United States is widely known for its diversity. From Mt. Rainiers snowy slopes, to the historically rich Little Bighorn Battlefield where Custer fell, there is something for everyone. With 417 sites that include Parks, Monuments, Memorials, and Reserves that have a staggering 330 million visitors annually. Don’t skip that romantic getaway or family vacation this year, buy your pass and visit our National Parks!
There is a variety of options, which I have listed below.
Annual Pass:
$80 (valid for a year from the day you purchase it!)
Available for anyone, no restrictions.
Non-transferable. Two individuals can sign the back of the card, and when you present the card, you must show ID as well.)
They can be purchased in person at any of these locations, online at the USGS store, or on the phone at 888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), extension 3 (Hours of operation are: 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time).
Military Pass:
The NPS offers a free annual pass to active duty (and dependants) military members. This includes individuals in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard as well as reserve and active members in the National Guard.
A valid military ID (form 1173) or Common Access Card (CAC) card must be shown to receive the pass.
Military passes can be issued at these locations.
4th Grade Pass:
Free Annual Pass for the duration of the 4th grade year including the summer months of the following August/September.
The pass is available through the Every Kid in a Park website, or at these specified locations.
Only US 4th grade students are covered by this, and must either have a voucher or a print out from the Every Kid in a Park website.
It includes homeschooled children and some free choice learners.
Senior Passes:
Annual Pass: $20
Lifetime Pass: $80
This pass is available to US citizens or residents over the age of 62. (Identification will be required)
These passes may be purchased:
Online here ($10 additional fee): Lifetime pass - annual pass
By mail ($10 additional fee): mail in form here.
Passes can also be purchased in person at any of these locations.
Additional discounts may be available with the Senior Pass, such as campsites, recreation fees/passes, boat launches, etc. This varies based on location, so be sure to ask at the entrance gate everything that the senior discount will get you.
Access Pass:
Available for FREE to any American citizen or resident with permanent disabilities. Documentation must be provided.
Any of these locations can provide the pass for free.
If you choose to mail in your application (which you can print out here), there will be a $10 processing fee.
Additional discounts may be available with the Access Pass, such as campsites, recreation fees/passes, boat launches, etc. This varies based on location, so be sure to ask at the entrance gate everything that the access pass will get you.
Volunteer Pass:
FREE with 250 hours of community service at locations that partake in the Interagency Pass Program.
The six government agencies that participate:
National Park Services
US Forest Services
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
US Army corps of Engineers
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit their website.
There is so much to learn when it comes to our National Park System, but you can check out their FAQ page for helpful tips and some good ol’ fun facts.
*Always check with the specific park, monument, memorial or reserve that you are going to be visiting to confirm that you know exactly what your pass will cover.
Some National Monuments such as Mt. Rushmore are free to visit, but the parking garage is owned privately. Therefor it still costs $10 to park, even if you have an annual pass. At the St. Louis Arch, there is no entrance fee to the museum or gift shop but a private company owns and operates the rides to the top. Because of that, the Annual Pass does not cover that, although we did get a discount on tickets. This does not happen often, but it is always best to check beforehand so there are no surprises on your trip.
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