National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program

The National Park Service is an important participant in the Interagency Pass Program that 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 interagency pass series, collectively known as the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, are shown below with a brief explanation of each. The new passes were effective January 1, 2007.

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America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Annual Pass - Cost $80. The Annual Pass replaces the National Park Pass and Golden Eagle Passport. 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 passenger/s in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder plus three adults, not to exceed four 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.

At Carlsbad Caverns, this pass admits the cardholder plus three individuals into the self-guided portions of Carlsbad Cavern.

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America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Senior Pass - Cost $10. The Senior Pass replaces the Golden Age Passport. This is a lifetime pass for US 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 fee. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder plus three adults, not to exceed four 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.

At Carlsbad Caverns, this pass admits the cardholder plus three individuals into the self-guided portions of Carlsbad Cavern. It also provides a 50 percent reduction in guided-tour costs for the cardholder only.

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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 US 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 fee. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder plus three adults, not to exceed four 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.

At Carlsbad Caverns, this pass admits the cardholder plus three individuals into the self-guided portions of Carlsbad Cavern. It also provides a 50 percent reduction in guided-tour costs for the cardholder only.

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America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Volunteer Pass - Free. This pass is for volunteers acquiring 250 service hours (hours acquired after January 1, 2007) 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 plus three adults, not to exceed four adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Contact the park's VIP coordinator Helen Fields at 575.785.3127 to learn about volunteer opportunities at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

At Carlsbad Caverns, this pass admits the cardholder plus three individuals into the self-guided portions of Carlsbad Cavern.

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All National Parks 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.