America The Beautiful - National Parks And Federal Recreation Lands Pass

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, U.S. Department of Agriculture - 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.

The four passes in the interagency program are:


 
2010 America The Beautiful Annual Pass
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – 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.


 
Senior Annual and Lifetime Passes
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Annual Pass (top) and Senior Lifetime Pass (bottom).
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass. - Cost $20 for Annual, $80 for Lifetime
This is a pass available 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.

The Annual Senior Pass is $20, and the Lifetime Senior Pass is $80. Annual Senior Pass(es) can be turned in to upgrade to a Lifetime Senior Pass. Each Annual Senior Pass can be used as credit ($20) towards the purchase of a Lifetime Senior Pass.


 
America The Beautiful Access Pass
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – 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 a 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.



 
America The Beautiful Volunteer Pass
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Volunteer Pass
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). Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities in the National Park Service.



 
For the former pass program passes:
Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram
These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass.

Golden Age Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass

Golden Access Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass

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.

Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may be found at https://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html

Last updated: June 8, 2019

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P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095

Phone:

530 242-3400

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