As a longtime Savinly reader, my wallet is basically a toolkit. Every card tucked into my billfold was selected for its particular rewards, advantages and extras.
But one of the most useful pieces of plastic I carry isn’t a debit or credit card. Honestly, it might even outrank my library card — and that’s saying something.
It’s my yearly national parks pass, commonly called theAmerica the Beautiful Pass. This year it’s been my gateway to a ton of affordable adventures.
Why Buy a National Parks Pass?
At the typical $80 price point, an America the Beautiful Pass might feel a bit pricey — particularly if you only plan to visit one park. (Quick tip: Certain groups qualify for reduced-price or complimentary passes; I cover those specifics below.)
But you may be surprised at how many sites are covered by this pass. For a single annual payment, you receive standard entry not only to national parks, but also to national monuments, preserves, battlefields, grasslands, wildlife refuges and other federal recreation areas throughout the United States.
And when I say “throughout the United States,” I mean it. While the most famous parks tend to be out West, there’s a pass-eligible location in nearly every state. Even if you’re nowhere near the Grand Canyon, there’s likely a park or site near you that accepts the pass — especially since more than 2,000 locations qualify.
So even if you don’t travel often, a parks pass could still pay off.
And if you’re on a road-trip spree, it’s practically a must-have — something I found out firsthand this year.
How Much I Saved with My America the Beautiful Pass
This year, during an extensive summer road trip, I stopped at nine parks that would normally charge an entrance fee, plus several other sites that don’t charge.
When I ran the numbers afterward, the value of my pass became obvious.
Here’s the exact amount I would’ve paid at each park without my little green card:
Badlands National Park, South Dakota: $20
Devil’s Tower National Monument, Wyoming: $20
Glacier National Park, Montana: $35
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: $35
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: $35
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: $25 (or $35 for multi-day re-entry)
Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico: $25
Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico: $20
Castillo de San Marcos, Florida: $15 (For those wondering: I flew back to Florida to visit after signing a lease in New Mexico.)
Grand total: $230
Savings: $150 — nearly double the cost of my annual pass!
What the America the Beautiful Pass Covers — and What It Doesn’t
The national parks pass is fantastic, but it doesn’t cover everything. Here’s what that $80 actually buys you.
In addition to all fee-collecting locations managed by the National Park Service, the America the Beautiful pass grants entry to sites overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In total, that means access to over 2,000 recreation areas nationwide.
The pass waives standard entry or day-use fees for you, your standard-sized car and up to three additional adults 16 and older. (Kids 15 and under are admitted free regardless.)
Do note that extra charges like campsite fees or guided program costs aren’t included. You’ll also need to present photo ID to prove ownership whenever you use the pass. (I can confirm they enforce that rule.)
Lastly, remember that passes are nonrefundable, nontransferable and won’t be replaced if lost or stolen — so treat yours like cash and keep it safe!
Where to Buy Your Pass — and How to Save
So. Ready for an excursion?
You can purchase your pass in person at any of the federal recreation sites on this list, or you can buy it online before your trip. Prefer phone service? Call 888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747) and select extension 3 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mountain Time.
If you fall into any of the categories below, you may be eligible for a significantly discounted pass or even a free one.
- Seniors 62 and older: You can opt for a $20 annual pass or pay $80 for a lifetime pass — which grants free entry for life. In some sites, the senior pass also provides a 50% discount on certain amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launches and special interpretive services.
- Active U.S. Military Members and Their Dependents: Present your valid military ID at any of the pass-issuing sites listed here to receive a free annual parks pass.
- Fourth-Graders (including home-schooled and 10-year-old free-choice learners): Kids in fourth grade receive a free pass that covers admission for everyone in their vehicle for the school year plus the following summer. Print a paper pass from the Every Kid in a Park site to exchange for an annual pass in person.
- U.S. Citizens or Residents with Permanent Disabilities: Get a free access pass by showing medical documentation at any of the designated pass-issuing locations. Like the senior card, this access pass may entitle you to half-off some amenity fees.
- Volunteers: If you’ve volunteered 250+ hours with an eligible federal agency that participates in the Interagency Pass Program, you can receive a gratis America the Beautiful Pass. For current volunteer opportunities, check Volunteer.gov.
America’s national parks system exists for a reason. These scenic and historical places have a particular ability to move you — something words sometimes fail to capture. (Yes, even for someone who writes for a living.)
So if you’re thinking about adding a new card to your wallet, make it this one. No credit card signup bonus can replace the reminder of what it feels like to be connected to the natural world.
