The America the Beautiful Pass, officially known as the “America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass,” provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States. This pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at sites managed by agencies like the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Whether you’re wondering “Today Is National What Day?” and want to celebrate in nature or are planning a trip to a national park, this pass offers significant savings. It covers entrance for one private vehicle or up to four individuals at per-person fee areas.
The pass provides access to a variety of locations managed by:
- National Park Service
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- U.S. Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Several pass options cater to different needs and eligibility requirements:
| Pass Type | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Pass | Everyone | $80.00 |
| Senior Annual Pass | U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62+ | $20.00 |
| Senior Lifetime Pass | U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62+ | $80.00 |
| Military Annual Pass | Current U.S. military and dependents | Free |
| Military Lifetime Pass | Gold Star Family members and veterans | Free |
| Access Pass | U.S. citizens and 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 |
The America the Beautiful Pass is non-refundable and non-transferable. Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced. Pass holders must present valid photo identification with their pass upon entry.
Acquiring a pass is straightforward, with several options available: in-person purchase at federal recreation sites, online ordering through the USGS Online Store (physical passes are mailed), or obtaining one at one of the many authorized purchase locations. Ordering online may require up to three weeks for processing and delivery.
For seniors (U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 62 and older), discounted annual and lifetime passes are available. The Senior Pass can also provide discounts on some amenity fees, such as camping or boat launches, but generally doesn’t cover special recreation permits or concessioner fees. Proof of age and residency/citizenship is required for purchase. These passes cannot be purchased as gifts.
While the Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are no longer issued, they are still honored. Holders are encouraged to exchange them for a current Senior Lifetime Pass for free at participating locations.
In addition to the America the Beautiful Pass, several regional or park-specific annual passes offer access to multiple parks within a specific area. These include passes for locations such as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Arches National Park, and various sites along the Oregon Coast. These passes provide more localized options for frequent visitors to specific areas.