The U.S. National Park System is surely one of the country’s greatest treasures, offering visitors a chance to experience the stunning diversity that makes up the natural fabric of the country. There are 63 parks in total, ranging from this tropical gem in Florida that’s almost completely underwater to Alaska’s remote Gates of the Arctic, which boasts no roads and breathtaking, remote landscapes.
The National Parks in the U.S. offer something for everyone, and while many are free to visit, some require entrance fees. This means that the best way to enjoy these outdoor wonders — while also supporting the organization that maintains them — is to purchase an annual National Parks Pass. A standard American the Beautiful Pass costs $80 and grants you access to not only all of the country’s National Parks and National Monuments, but also other federal recreational lands managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers.
Shaped like a credit card, you either show your pass to the attendant when entering the park or display it inside of your vehicle when parked at unstaffed locations. Do not, however, put it on your dashboard, as it could irretrievably slip down between the windshield and the dash, which could end up being an expensive little mistake.
How to keep your pass from falling into the void
More information on national park passes
While a standard American the Beautiful Pass costs $80 for the year, others pay less or even nothing at all. A Senior Annual Pass (for U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 62 and over) is just $20, while a Senior Lifetime Pass is $80. Current U.S. military and their dependents can get their passes for free, along with Gold Star Family members and veterans. The Access Pass grants free admission to those with disabilities, and the Every Kid Outdoors Pass is free for all fourth graders in the nation, along with their families.
For those interested in accessing just one park or group of parks for the year, a regular Annual Pass may be your best choice. Not all parks have entrance or day-use fees, so the pass is only required for those that do, and the fees range from $20 to $70 per year. These can be useful if you wish to visit several parks in one area covered by the pass, such as southern Utah’s Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and Hovenweep National Monument. For more American outdoor bliss, check out these national parks you can visit without the need for a car.
