It’s been said that America’s best idea was National Parks. As a lover of nature and advocate for wildlife, I couldn’t agree more.
One of the very best deals in all of travel – in any country – is sadly about to disappear forever; the $10 National Park Lifetime Senior Pass.
America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass:
Why The Change?
The “America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass” has been sold for a one-time fee of only $10 per lifetime since 1994.
Well, due to the Centennial Legislation P.L. 114-289 passed by the US Congress on December 16, 2016, that price is about to skyrocket to $80 for Seniors on August 28th, 2017.
About the Lifetime Senior Pass:
What are the Benefits of this Card?
Besides entry into US National Parks (there are currently 417 National Parks), Annual and Lifetime Senior Passes provide access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies:
- National Park Service
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- US Forest Service
- US Army Corps of Engineers
The passes cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees. These fees, especially in popular National Parks like Yellowstone or The Grand Canyon, can range anywhere from $10 to $40, so the cost of this pass can be recouped in one visit alone!
What are the other benefits of a Senior Pass?
Traveling companions can also enter for free. The Senior Passes admit pass owner/s and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner plus three adults, not to exceed four adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.)
Also, at many sites, the Senior Passes provide the pass owner (only) a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).
Who is eligible for a Senior Pass?
US citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older are eligible to purchase the Senior Pass.
Where can you purchase a Senior Pass?
Senior Passes can be purchased at any federal recreation site, including national parks, that charges an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee. Proof of age and residency is required.
Here is the complete list of sites where the pass is available (PDF).
Passes can also be purchased online or through the mail from USGS; an additional $10 processing fee will be added to the price.
Not a Senior? Not a Problem:
Yes, the Lifetime Senior Pass is one of the best deals ever, but the regular National Parks Annual Pass is a tremendous value as well. The “America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass” costs $80 per year, but still gets you most of the benefits of the Lifetime Senior Pass (including entrance fees to all the National Parks and Federal Lands).
Even at $80, the cost of this card can be recouped in as little as three visits! I get one every single year, in fact I just got mine!
The Bottom Line:
National Parks passes are one of the most valuable, and important, cards you can carry. No other card allows you to get so much while doing so much good for wildlife and the environment — all while paying it forward for future generations.
If you are a Senior, or if you know any Seniors that can benefit from this card, please tell them to drop everything and hurry up and purchase this card. On August 28th, 2017 the $10 Lifetime Senior Pass will be gone forever.
Cheers!
