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Mesa Verde National ParkFar View Sites Complex
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Mesa Verde National Park
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program

The National Park Service is an important participant in the new Interagency Pass Program which was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by Congress in December 2004. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. The pass series, collectively known as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, is shown below with a brief explanation of each. You can also use the following links to learn more about the pass program.

•For information and a FAQ page on the interagency pass program, go to http://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html. Additional information can also be found at http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

•For information on recreational opportunities on all federal lands, go to http://www.recreation.gov.


 

 
Image on Annual Pass, Ancestral Puebloan dwelling above canyon.

Annual Pass

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass –
Annual Pass -
Cost $80 
This pass 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, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

Replaces National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle Passport, and Golden Eagle Hologram.

 



 

 
Senior Pass - Cactus in bloom

Senior Pass

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -
Senior Pass -
Cost $10

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.

Replaces Golden Age Passport.

 

 
Access Pass - Accessible boardwalk in forest

Access Pass

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass –
Access Pass -
Free

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 Senior 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.

Replaces Golden Access Passport.

 

 
Volunteer Pass - Ancestral Puebloan dwelling above canyon

Volunteer Pass

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass –
Volunteer Pass -
Free
This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 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). 
Baron Gustaf Nordenskiold  

Did You Know?
In 1891, Swedish scientist Gustaf Nordenskiold studied, explored, and photographed many of Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings. Considered by many to be the first true archeologist at Mesa Verde, his book, "The Cliff Dwellers of the Mesa Verde," was the first extensive record of its cliff dwellings.

Last Updated: January 14, 2009 at 12:55 EST