The America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass is widely known for granting access to every National Park in the United States. For $80, the annual pass covers one full year from the month of purchase. For example, if you buy the pass in May 2023, it’s valid through May 2024.
At sites that charge a per-vehicle fee, one pass covers entry for the pass owner and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. For sites that charge per person, the pass covers the pass holder plus up to three additional adults — for a total of four. Children under 16 are always free.
Where Can You Use the America the Beautiful Pass?
The America the Beautiful Pass works at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. This includes lands managed by:
Many people think of the pass just in terms of National Parks, but it also includes National Monuments, Historic Sites, and lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM. For example, in Sedona, the Red Rock Pass area is part of the USDA Forest Service — and the America the Beautiful Pass works there.
You can also use your pass at places like Saguaro Lake and other lakes with recreation areas on National Forest land. If you love exploring public lands, this pass is definitely worth it!
What Type of Interagency Pass Should You Get
Not every pass is the same, and choosing the right one depends on how often you visit public lands and your eligibility. The National Park Service offers several types of interagency passes, and the chart below is a helpful guide to figure out which one is best for you. Whether you’re looking for an annual pass, a senior pass, or a military pass, this visual breakdown makes it easy to understand your options.
Where the America the Beautiful Pass Does Not Work
While the pass offers access to thousands of federal recreation sites, it does not cover everything. Here’s where it typically does not apply:
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State Parks: Most state parks require separate entrance fees.
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Permit-Only Areas: Some areas still require additional permits for entry or specific activities.
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Camping and Facility Fees: The pass does not cover things like camping, boat rentals, tours, or other amenity-related fees.
Always double-check the site you’re visiting to see what is and isn’t included.
How to Get an America the Beautiful Pass
You can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass in a few different ways:
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In person: At National Park visitor centers or entrance stations that sell passes.
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Online: Through the USGS website.
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REI: The standard pass is available both online and in store at REI, but they do not offer other types like senior, military, or access passes.
Make sure to choose the right type of pass for your needs!
Places We've Used Our America the Beautiful Pass
Since renewing our America the Beautiful Pass in October 2022, we’ve gotten so much value from it. Below are just a few of the places we’ve used it recently. Use this list as inspiration to plan your next adventure!
