If you travel to national parks often, you probably have (or will want) an America the Beautiful Pass. The pass gives you access to every national park, as well as more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (wildlife refuges, national forests and grasslands, and for lands managed by the BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). Nice, right?
The pass isn’t just for individuals—it can cover a vehicle full of passengers at per-vehicle fee areas, making it a great deal for families and groups traveling together. Plus, it’s valid for an entire year from the month of purchase, so you don’t have to worry about losing time if you buy it mid-year. Many frequent travelers find that it pays for itself after just a couple of visits.
If you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a tour of the national parks, this pass can be a game-changer. It simplifies entry, saves you money, and encourages you to explore lesser-known sites along the way. Whether you love hiking, wildlife spotting, or scenic drives, having the pass in your wallet means one less thing to think about when you pull up to the gate.
The annual pass costs $80, and if you’re a current U.S. military member or have a medically determined disability, it’s free.
Oh, and if you’re a senior, 62 or over, the pass costs $80 for a lifetime. You can learn more here.
Do you have an America the Beautiful Pass? Tell us in today’s poll. Thanks!
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RVDT2856
Bought one when they were first offered. Still know where I put it.
No, but I have a Parks Canada annual pass.
Ditto.🇨🇦
Recreation.gov has now updated their site so you can link your annual or lifetime pass to your account (before you could only link the annual).
Once it is linked, you have a digital copy that you can add to your digital wallet.
Some sites/activities may still require the physical pass.
I have the Lifetime Senior pass. Only cost $10 when I got it.
I became eligible two weeks before the price jumped. One of the best birthday gifts I gave myself.
I have the same card. Best investment I ever made. ROI has been wonderful. Hope to get much more return in the future.
We’ve been buying the annual pass for years. My husband began doing that back in the ’80s, before we met. I bought my Senior Pass as soon as eligible, as did he.
Not only does it save us money on many campsites, it can make it just easier at busy national park entrances.
I bought mine on my 62 birthday, as present for myself. $10. The last place I used it was the Grand Canyon, I carry it with me at all times.
My wife and I are old enough that we both have $10 lifetime passes. And we have used them on vacation/RV trip since 2007. We especially appreciate the 1/2-price campsites at USFS, NPS, COE, NRA, and BLM campgrounds.
Usually yes, but I let it expire this year.🇨🇦
Have had one for years but it’s useless because we have a 40’ motorhome
No, we have an Access Pass being physically disabled.
NO, I have the GOLDEN AGE PASSPORT. I have had it so long I can’t remember when I got it.
Lifetime veterans pass.
Bought it right before they went up in price from ten dollars. Still use it often.
No, but my wife and I have a senior lifetime pass.
Both my wife and I bought the $10 passes years ago. One of those random benefits of being older that continues to rewards US citizen-senior citizens.
Being rewarded for all our working years as taxpayers. USA is the prettiest country on earth and traveling to enjoy our blessings is a wonderful privilege. Just returned from AZ and used the card many times including Grand Canyon. BTW Grand Canyon is still crowded with foreign visitors, even in February. Can’t imagine how much more crowded it is in the prime tourism months.
Already have booked a National Forest campsite for a July week. Only $19/day for a lakeside site with electricity with the half-price perk. God truly blessed USA.
My husband and I each have one…for the car & truck
Yup. Got it when they were $10, and when they were going to jump to $80 (and maybe they’re even more now?) I asked my wife to get her $10 one in case I lost mine.
No, We, have the $10 GOLDEN AGE PASSPORT
I got my lifetime pass some years ago. Got the veterans lifetime pass last summer ( couldn’t find my lifetime pass).
Senior pass for me.