If you love exploring the great outdoors – and especially our nation’s incredible national parks – the America the Beautiful Pass may be a perfect investment for you.
For just $80, this one card gets you free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites throughout the United States, providing an affordable and convenient way to access some of the most breathtaking landscapes & recreational opportunities this country has to offer.
The America the Beautiful Pass grants entry to all U.S. National Parks, as well as sites managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
If you’re planning multiple national park visits or a cross-country road trip, this pass can save you hundreds of dollars in entrance fees. Some parks now charge as much as $35 per entry.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about the America the Beautiful Pass, including types of passes, how to purchase one, its limitations, and tips to maximize its value.
The guide utilizes affiliate links, meaning if you shop through our links, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
What is the America the Beautiful Pass?
The America the Beautiful Pass is an annual pass that covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at federally managed lands. Depending on the park’s fee structure, the pass typically covers:
- Per Vehicle Fees: Grants entry to everyone in a single, non-commercial vehicle
- Per Person Fees: Covers entry for up to four people where per-person fees are charged
Federal Agencies Honoring the Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass is accepted at sites managed by:
- National Park Service (NPS)
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Bureau of Reclamation
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This wide coverage makes the America the Beautiful Pass valuable beyond just national parks—many national forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges are included as well.
Types of America the Beautiful Passes & Pricing
There are several types of America the Beautiful Passes tailored to different groups of people:
| Pass Type | Eligibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Pass | Available to everyone | $80 |
| Senior Annual Pass | U.S. citizens/permanent residents 62+ | $20 |
| Senior Lifetime Pass | U.S. citizens/permanent residents 62+ | $80 |
| Military Annual Pass | Current U.S. military and dependents | Free |
| Military Lifetime Pass | Gold Star Families and veterans | Free |
| Access Pass | U.S. citizens/permanent residents with permanent disabilities | Free |
| 4th Grade Pass | U.S. 4th graders | Free |
| Volunteer Pass | Federal recreation site volunteers with 250+ service hours | Free |
Key Details About Each Pass
- Senior Passes: The Lifetime Senior Pass is a fantastic deal at just $80, covering the holder for life.
- Military Passes: Veterans and Gold Star Families qualify for a lifetime free pass, while active-duty military and their dependents can get an annual free pass.
- Access Pass: Available to individuals with permanent disabilities, this free pass also includes potential discounts on camping and tours.
- 4th Grade Pass: Encourages young students to explore the outdoors, providing free entry for 4th graders and their families.
- Volunteer Pass: If you’ve contributed 250+ hours of volunteer service to federal lands, you’re eligible for this free pass.
Where & How to Get an America the Beautiful Pass
In-Person Pickup (Recommended)
The fastest and most convenient way to get an America the Beautiful Pass is to visit one of the 1,000+ federal recreation sites that distribute them.
- Find a nearby location using the official NPS Pass Issuance List.
- Bring any required documentation (e.g., military ID, proof of disability for the Access Pass).
- Pay via cash, credit card, or check (accepted methods vary by location).
- NOTE: In-person pickup is needed if you qualify for a specialty pass.
Ordering Online Options & Mail Delivery
- Order via the USGS Online Store, NOTE: This can take up to three weeks.
- REI offers the pass online with a quicker shipping time.
- NOTE: REI donates 10% of the proceeds from the America the Beautiful Pass to the National Park Foundation, the National Forest Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities. This is an affiliate link, meaning we will make a small commission if you purchase through our link.
- You can also order on AllTrails – a joint AllTrails+ and America the Beautiful Pass bundle at a discount, making it a great option for frequent hikers.
- NOTE: AllTrails donates 1% of its annual revenue to organizations that help people access the outdoors. This is an affiliate link, meaning we will make a small commission if you purchase through our link.
- There is NO digital pass option—you must wait for the physical America the Beautiful Pass.
Purchasing in person is the best way for supporting the parks – all the money from entrance fees remains in the National Park Service, and at least 80 percent stays in the park where it was collected.
Best Value Comparison: Is the Pass Worth It?
To determine if the America the Beautiful Pass is a good investment, compare entrance fees for popular national parks:
- Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks: $35 per vehicle each
- Grand Canyon National Park: $35 per vehicle
- Yosemite National Park: $35 per vehicle
- Zion National Park: $35 per vehicle
Visiting just three major parks in a year would cost $105 in entrance fees—already exceeding the $80 America the Beautiful Pass price. If you’re planning a road trip or multiple visits, the pass quickly pays for itself.
Limitations & What the Pass Does Not Cover
While the America the Beautiful Pass will get you through the gate at most parks & recreation sites, it won’t cover:
- Camping fees
- Guided tours or special park programs
- Parking at certain attractions (e.g., Mt. Rushmore)
- State parks (only federal lands are included)
Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Places to Use Your Pass
Many travelers use the America the Beautiful Pass for famous parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, but it also grants access to incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations, including:
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Arizona)
- Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
- Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness (New Mexico) – BLM Land
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Nevada)
Exploring these lesser-visited locations means fewer crowds and more unique outdoor experiences.
Tips for Maximizing Your Pass
- Keep it safe: Store in a secure location.
- Plan a road trip: Optimize visits to multiple parks in one trip.
- Pair with other discounts: The Senior and Access Pass offers discounts on camping.
- Share the cost: The America the Beautiful Pass covers one vehicle, so road trip with friends or family!
Why Get the America the Beautiful Pass?
- Incredible savings on national park entrance fees.
- Covers multiple agencies, making it useful for more than just national parks.
- Supports conservation efforts by funding maintenance and services.
Conclusion
For outdoor lovers, the America the Beautiful Pass is an unbeatable deal. Whether you’re visiting iconic national parks or discovering hidden gems, this pass offers unlimited adventures at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to explore? Get your America the Beautiful Pass today and start planning your next adventure!
