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National Parks – Lifetime, Annual Discount Passes
Date: February 19, 2009
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts

There have been some changes to the discounts available at National Parks, Monuments
and historic sites over the past years, so we thought it would be a good idea to provide
details for all of the pass programs, since visiting these areas can be a great way to
vacation without spending lots of money.

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series, which includes the following
agencies; National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Forest Service, Fish and
Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation, collectively known
as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, is shown
below with a brief explanation of each.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Senior Pass. – Cost $10

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass
provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard
Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per
vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas
(children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.
The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for
facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive
services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be
given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT
cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Annual Pass – Cost $80

This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal
recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from
the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle
at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person
fee areas. (Children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the
park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Access Pass – Free

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.
Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by
a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration,
Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State
agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of,
Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass
holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3
adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free).
The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Access Pass provides a 50 percent
discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping,
swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded
Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction.
The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit
fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Volunteer Pass – Free

This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides
access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity
Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers
in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed
4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free).

Former pass program passes:

Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram
These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks
and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass.

Golden Age Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and
Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass.

Golden Access Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and
Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass.

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age
Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden
Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

This information and more is available at the National Parks web site located at:
http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.

© SeniorDiscounts

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