America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act established a new pass program to replace the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports. Beginning January 1, 2007, the America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program will provide a number of pass options for the public to use at Federal recreation sites where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged. You can download and print a copy of the brochure here (431 kB).
There five passes in the interagency program are:
2014 Annual Pass
NPS
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass - $80
The Annual Pass replaces the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle Passport. It is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS (275-8747), Ext. 1, or on-line.
Senior Pass
NPS
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass - $10
The Senior Pass replaces the Golden Age Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.
The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.
Access Pass
NPS
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass - Free
This pass replaces the Golden Access Passport. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.
The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.
Volunteer Pass
NPS
America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass-Volunteer Pass - Free
This pass is for volunteers acquiring 250 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. Find out more about volunteer opportunities in Big South Fork.
Military Pass
NPS
America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Annual Military Pass - Free
The pass is free to active duty military personnel and dependents with proper identification (CAC Card or DD Form 1173). They must be obtained in person at Federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees. The pass covers entrance to Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service sites that charge Entrance Fees, and Standard Amenity Fees at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation sites. The pass admits the pass owners and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas, or the pass owner and up to additional 3 adults at sites that charge per person. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.
All National Park Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.
