The America the Beautiful Pass is the annual interagency pass that covers entrance fees at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including every national park, for one flat yearly price. If you plan to visit even a few parks in a year, this single pass is almost always the smartest, simplest way to save money and skip per-park entrance charges.
What is the America the Beautiful Pass?
The America the Beautiful Pass, officially the Interagency Annual Pass, is a national pass honored by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation. It covers entrance and standard amenity fees for the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single vehicle at parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Zion. One pass, hundreds of destinations, all year.
How much does the pass cost and is it worth it?
The annual pass carries one flat yearly fee, and because a single park's entrance fee can be a large fraction of that, the pass typically pays for itself in just two or three park visits. Prices are adjusted periodically, so check the current-year rules for the exact cost. For road-trippers stringing together parks like Rocky Mountain across Arizona and beyond, it is almost always the better deal.
Are there free or discounted versions?
Yes. Several specialty passes exist at reduced or no cost, including a lifetime and annual Senior Pass for citizens 62 and older, a free Access Pass for people with permanent disabilities, a free pass for current military members and veterans, and a free annual pass for fourth graders through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Eligibility and documentation requirements change, so confirm the current-year rules before relying on a discount.
Where and how do you buy it?
You can buy the pass in person at most national park entrance stations and visitor centers, or online in advance so it arrives before your trip. It is not valid until signed, and it covers the signer plus passengers in one non-commercial vehicle, or the signer plus up to three additional adults at sites that charge per person. Keep it with your ID, since rangers may ask to see both.
What does the pass not cover?
The pass covers entrance and standard day-use fees, but it does not pay for camping, lodging, tours, special-use permits, or timed-entry reservations, which some parks require separately. In other words, the pass gets you in the gate but not into a campsite or a permitted hike like Angels Landing. Always check the current-year rules for any additional reservations your parks require.
FAQ
How long is the America the Beautiful Pass valid?
The standard annual pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, expiring at the end of that month a year later. Senior and military lifetime passes never expire.
Does the pass cover everyone in the car?
At per-vehicle parks, the pass admits the pass holder and all passengers in one private vehicle. At per-person sites, it covers the holder plus up to three additional adults, with children generally free.
Can I share my pass with family?
The pass can be signed by two owners, and either can use it. However, the pass holder must be present, so it cannot be lent to friends traveling without you. Check the current-year rules for specifics.
Where can I use the America the Beautiful Pass?
It works at over 2,000 federal recreation sites nationwide, including all national parks plus many national forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges that charge entrance or day-use fees.
Is there a free pass for kids?
Yes, fourth graders can obtain a free annual pass for their whole vehicle through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Confirm the current-year rules and how to redeem the voucher online.