Additional Information about Passes
Great Sand Dunes Annual Family Pass
This pass admits pass holder and all family members in the vehicle into the park for one year from date of purchase.
Veterans
If you are a veteran here is what you need to bring with you to gain free entrance to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve:
- Department of Defense Identification Card (CAC card);
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC);
- Veteran ID Card; or
- Veteran’s designation on a state-issued driver’s license or identification card.
Gold Star Families
Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost their life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces.
Gold Star Family members, before visiting a national park site, you will need to download and print a voucher to present to the ranger. Digital representations of the voucher will not be accepted. The voucher must be printed out.
To download the Gold Star Family Voucher visit this website:
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm
Active Military
Active members of the military are eligible for a free America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass. See below for information about the pass.
America the Beautiful - National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass
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.
Senior Pass
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
This is a free 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 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.
All National Parks Passes, 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.
Questions about entrance fees may be directed to: Fee Supervisor, (719) 378-6352, or send an email.
