Planning a visit to the breathtaking landscapes managed by the National Parks Service and other federal agencies? The America the Beautiful Pass is your gateway to exploring these natural wonders across the United States. This interagency pass offers access to numerous national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and more, making it an invaluable tool for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.
The America the Beautiful Pass is your ticket to adventure, covering entrance and standard amenity fees at sites managed by several federal agencies, including:
- National Park Service
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- US Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- US Army Corps of Engineers
Depending on the fee structure at each location, the pass covers either one private vehicle entrance fee or per-person fees for up to four individuals.
Discover the Variety of America the Beautiful Passes
To cater to different visitor needs and demographics, the National Parks Service and partner agencies offer several versions of the America the Beautiful Pass:
| 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 their dependents | Free |
| Military Lifetime Pass | Gold Star Family members and veterans | Free |
| Access Pass | US citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities | Free |
| 4th Grade Pass | US 4th graders | Free |
| Volunteer Pass | Federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours | Free |
It’s important to note that America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable and non-transferable. If lost or stolen, they cannot be replaced. Pass holders must present a valid photo ID each time they use the pass.
Purchasing Your America the Beautiful Pass
Getting your hands on an America the Beautiful Pass is straightforward, with options to purchase in person or online.
In-Person Purchase: The Recommended Method
For immediate access, purchasing your pass in person is highly recommended. Passes are available for purchase and pickup at over 1,000 federal recreation sites.
Find a purchase and pickup location near you.
Online Purchase: Receive Your Pass by Mail
If you prefer to plan ahead, you can order your pass online through the USGS Online Store. Keep in mind that online orders are for physical passes and may take up to three weeks for processing and delivery. Receipts from online orders cannot be used in lieu of a physical pass. It’s advisable to order well in advance of your trip or opt for in-person pickup if you’re visiting soon.
Visiting Soon? Pick Up Your Pass Upon Arrival
Avoid potential delays by purchasing your America the Beautiful Pass at one of the many purchase and pickup locations when you arrive at your destination. This ensures you can start exploring National Parks Service sites and other federal lands without waiting for mail delivery.
Special Options for Seniors: Annual and Lifetime Senior Passes
For US citizens and permanent residents aged 62 and older, the National Parks Service offers discounted Senior Passes. Eligible seniors can choose between an annual pass for $20.00 or a lifetime pass for $80.00. Applicants must provide proof of age and residency or citizenship to obtain a Senior Pass.
Senior Passes provide an added benefit: a 50 percent discount on certain amenity fees at federal recreation sites. These discounts may apply to facilities and services like camping, swimming, boat launches, and specialized interpretive services. However, it’s important to remember that Senior Passes typically do not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. Senior Passes must be issued to the eligible individual and cannot be purchased as gifts due to the proof of eligibility requirement.
Senior Annual Pass
$20.00
Senior Lifetime Pass
$80.00
Understanding Golden Age and Golden Access Passports
While no longer sold, Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports are still honored under their original terms. The National Parks Service encourages holders of these older passes to exchange them for a current Senior Lifetime Pass free of charge. This exchange can be done in person at any federal recreation site that issues passes. Simply bring your Golden Age or Golden Access Passport along with photo identification to complete the exchange.
Explore More with Annual Passes for Specific Park Groups
Beyond the national America the Beautiful Pass, some locations within the National Parks Service system offer annual passes specific to a region or group of parks. These passes can be excellent options for frequent visitors to particular areas:
- HawaiÊ»i Tri-Park Pass: Valid for 12 months, granting access to HaleakalÄ National Park, HawaiÊ»i Volcanoes National Park, and PuÊ»uhonua Ê»O HÅnaunau National Historical Park in Hawaii.
- Southeast Utah Parks Annual Pass: Covers entrance fees at Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and Hovenweep National Monument.
- Flagstaff Area National Monuments Annual Pass: Provides access to Sunset Crater Volcano, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki National Monuments for one year.
- Northern California/Southern Oregon 4-Park Pass: Accepted at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument.
- Oregon Coast Passport: Covers entry, parking, and day-use fees at Oregon state and federal fee sites along the Oregon Coast for 12 months.
- Assateague Island National Seashore Annual Pass/Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Annual Pass: These site-specific annual passes are mutually honored at both locations.
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Annual Pass: Valid for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and the Hume Lake Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.
- Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot Annual Pass: A $35 annual pass covering entrance to both Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments.
- Great Falls Annual Pass: Provides access to the Great Falls area of the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland and Great Falls Park in Virginia.
The America the Beautiful Pass and these regional passes offer incredible value and convenience for exploring the vast and diverse landscapes protected by the National Parks Service and its partner agencies. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or planning your first visit to a national park, consider investing in a pass to maximize your access and enjoyment of America’s natural and cultural heritage.
