How to Get the America the Beautiful Senior Pass for National Parks

If you are 62 or older, the federal government offers one of the best deals in outdoor recreation: the America the Beautiful Senior Pass. This pass gives you and everyone in your vehicle access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States — including national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management recreation areas.

The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 for a lifetime pass, or $20 per year for an annual pass. Given that a single visit to a popular national park like Grand Canyon or Yellowstone can cost $35 or more per vehicle, the lifetime pass pays for itself in just a few visits.

Here is what the pass covers: - Entry fees at national parks and federal recreation areas - Standard amenity fees at campgrounds, boat launch facilities, and swimming areas managed by federal agencies - The pass admits the passholder and passengers in the same non-commercial vehicle - At sites that charge per person rather than per vehicle, the pass admits the passholder plus up to three accompanying adults

The pass does not cover fees charged by private concessionaires, special tours, or some campsite reservation fees above the standard amenity fee. However, many federal campgrounds are included.

You can get the pass in person at any federal recreation area that charges an entrance fee, or you can order it online through the USGS Store. Ordering online requires a small additional shipping and handling fee of about $10. But it is convenient if you want to have the pass before your trip.

To qualify, you need to be a United States citizen or permanent resident aged 62 or older. You will need to show proof of age and residency — a driver license, passport, or government-issued photo ID works fine.

The pass is a physical card about the size of a credit card. Keep it in your wallet or glove compartment. Show it at the entrance gate when you arrive at a federal recreation site.