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National Parks have made some Changes
Date: January 19, 2007
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts.com

There have been some recent changes to the discounts available at national
parks, monuments and historic sites. Many of you may have been familiar with the former national
park discount programs. While not too much has changed, we thought it would be a good idea to
review it once again, since visiting these areas can be a great way to vacation without spending
lots of money.

Let’s begin with what used to be available:

The Golden Age Passport was for those 62 and older while the Golden Access
Passport was for the blind or permanently disabled. Both were lifetime entrance passes to national
parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an
entrance fee. These passes also provided a 50% discount for facilities and services such as camping,
swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. The Golden Age Passport required a one-time $10
processing fee, while the Golden Access Passport was free with proof of disability.

Here is what is available now:

The Golden Age Passport has been replaced by the “America the Beautiful –
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass- Senior Pass” and the Golden Access Passport
has been replaced by the “America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands
Pass- Access Pass.”

The senior pass is still a lifetime pass for US citizens or permanent residents
age 62 or over and the cost remains at $10. The Access pass is for US citizens or permanent residents
with permanent disabilities. The pass is free with documentation of the disability.

Both passes provide access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge
an entrance fee. The passes admit the pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at
per vehicle fee areas and will admit the pass holder and 3 adults at per person fee areas. These
passes can only be obtained in person at parks that charge a fee. These passes also provide a 50%
discount on some services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized services. In some
cases where these 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.

The biggest change:

The National Parks Pass, which was an annual pass available for those of us not
yet 62 years of age, is now the “America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands
Pass – Annual Pass.” This pass has increased in cost from $50 to $80 and can still be obtained at park
entrances, by phone or online.

This pass also admits the pass holder and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at
per vehicle fee areas and will admit the pass holder and three adults at per person fee areas. It does
not provide the same discounts on other services as the other passes.

All previous National Parks Passes, 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.

To find National Parks in your area, go to the SeniorDiscounts discount search
page. Click here.

© SeniorDiscounts

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