America The Beautiful Park Pass Implemented

[RV Roamer]

The America The Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Pass Program [finally] went into effect Jan 1 of this year. The program, which replaces all existing National Park, Forest Service and Golden Age/Access/Eagle pass programs, was discussed extensively here over a year ago when the legislation was enacted, but the long delay in implementation has probably let most people forget about it.

In a nutshell, existing Golden Age and Golden Access holders can exchange to the new card for free. Those who wish to join the program for the first time pay will $80 for an annual pass, or a one time fee of $10 for a Senior (over 62) Pass and nothing for a Disability Pass. Card holders get free admission to parks and lands where there is a per person or per vehicle admission fee or a "Standard Amenity" fee. Senior and Disability Pass holders also get a 50% discount on most "Extended Amenity Fees", including camping.

Here's the scoop on the program from the National Park Service web site - America The Beautiful Pass Program

[Jim Dick]

Gary,

I just read the details of the new pass program. It appears only "paper" Golden Age and  Access passes will be replaced. All others will continue to be honored so we don't have to change anything.

[Wendy]

The paper passes will continue to be honored. You can replace them for free with the new plastic ones if you want to. I know my paper pass number by heart and prefer not to change.

[RV Roamer]

As Wendy says, the old paper passes will be exchanged for free, but will still be honored if you want to keep them. If you already have a plastic Golden Age/Access card, then there is a charge for the exchange, but you can just keep on using it as is. There is no requirement to exchange for the new pass.

[blueblood]

As Wendy says, the old paper passes will be exchanged for free, but will still be honored if you want to keep them. If you already have a plastic Golden Age/Access card, then there is a charge for the exchange, but you can just keep on using it as is. There is no requirement to exchange for the new pass.

The change is painless. I just drove up to window at station in Yellowstone and handed them my Golden Age pass and they gave me a new one to sign on back -done.

[RV Roamer]

I paid another $10 for the new pass and kept my Golden Age. I figured the $10 was cheap insurance that I would retain the full benefits of the GA pass rather than maybe having them with the new one.

[ITCHY FEET-Steve]

Any ideas on any passes for furriners (Canadian) -Steve

[RV Roamer]

I think anyone can buy the America the Beautiful park pass for $80. No camping benefits, but it gives you free admittance to all national parks and that is no small piece of change if you like to visit the parks.

[blueblood]

I paid another $10 for the new pass and kept my Golden Age. I figured the $10 was cheap insurance that I would retain the full benefits of the GA pass rather than maybe having them with the new one.

The ranger said if the GA pass had any sentimental value I could keep it - no cost either way.

[Ron]

The ranger said if the GA pass had any sentimental value I could keep it - no cost either way.

Sounds like Gary spent $10 bucks he didn't need to.

[Wendy]

Sounds like Gary spent $10 bucks he didn't need to.

It might be worth the $10 to have 2 of the GA cards, one in the RV and one in the toad or in your wallet. I lost my Golden Access card and got a replacement (free) then found the "lost" one so now I have 2 and can keep them in 2 separate places so that hopefully I'll always have one with me.

Wendy

[SCR]

In the FWIW department.

The new passes are not available at the Corps of Engineers Campgrounds or offices. For some reason, unknown to me as to why, the Corps was not included for the sale of the Access or Senior passes. However, the Corps still honors all passes, Golden age/access and the new ones at a 50% discount for the pass holder.

I suggest you read and compare the back of the cards. There is a difference. I would not be any hurry to replace the original Golden age/access Pass if not necessary. The plastic and paper Golden Age/Access passes have the same verbiage. The new America the Beautiful Access and Senior passes are different. Read it carefully.

s.

[JM]

I think anyone can buy the America the Beautiful park pass for $80. No camping benefits, but it gives you free admittance to all national parks and that is no small piece of change if you like to visit the parks.

I work in this area of discussion. The Interagency pass will not provide overnight camping but in many areas will allow day use in camp sites and covers everything the Adventure Pass Covers.

Yes, anyone can buy an America the Beautiful Pass. You can purchase it over the phone and have it mailed to you.

Also, here is a tip for those in areas that use the Adventure Passes. If you are in an area where you recreate locally, and you purchase the Yearly Adventure Pass,$30.00 also get a Second Vehile Pass $5.00. It is the same as the Annual Pass and it is not attached to a licence plate # so you can give it as a gift to a recreating buddy if you don't need it for the second vehile.

[Jeff]

I work in this area of discussion.........

Also, here is a tip for those in areas that use the Adventure Passes. If you are in an area where you recreate locally, and you purchase the Yearly Adventure Pass,$30.00 also get a Second Vehile Pass $5.00. It is the same as the Annual Pass and it is not attached to a licence plate # so you can give it as a gift to a recreating buddy if you don't need it for the second vehile.

JM:

Is that legal?

[JM]

JM:

Is that legal?

Of course it is. Many people have second vehicles or travel and recreate with a friend. I think it's nice that they understand that people don't always take one vehicle. Many people take the adult kids hiking, fishing, biking for father son time and it's great that dad can give the son a pass. Yes it is legal. Of course. I work doing this for a living. The reason it is not attached to your plate is . One, people rent cars, the pass covers your parking. People go out as a family in one members car. Goups like Sierra club may buy 30 passes for all the members. What if you buy a new car? yadayada

[Wendy]

But aren't you, as an individual or family, buying the 2 passes for you, the individual or family? Isn't that second placard supposed to be used for you and/or your family? Not to give away to someone else to use, friend or otherwise? Sort of like getting a second handicap placard to use when YOU're in different vehicle?

And aren't the Adventure Passes for certain USFS areas? While the America the Beautiful pass is good all over the country at NPS, USPS, USGS, COE and others?

No matter what, the America the Beautiful pass is a great deal if you're going to stop at more than a couple of federal recreation sites.

Wendy
NPS VIP, wife of retired NPS ranger

[JM]

But aren't you, as an individual or family, buying the 2 passes for you, the individual or family? Isn't that second placard supposed to be used for you and/or your family? Not to give away to someone else to use, friend or otherwise? Sort of like getting a second handicap placard to use when YOU're in different vehicle?

And aren't the Adventure Passes for certain USFS areas? While the America the Beautiful pass is good all over the country at NPS, USPS, USGS, COE and others?

No matter what, the America the Beautiful pass is a great deal if you're going to stop at more than a couple of federal recreation sites.

Wendy
NPS VIP, wife of retired NPS ranger

I understand what your saying. You are correct and for people in So. CA Annual Adventure Passes are used widely because so many people recreate within an 1/2 hr to 1 hr. from home. I see hear what your saying- but the adventure pass covers parking your car whether you are in it or not. Just to park your car in a lot and go take a hike, you need the pass in your car, so no it has nothing to do with the person-see? This is often asked to be explained because of the differences. The America the Beautiful Pass is the best- because not only does it cover the gate fees but also covers what the Adventure Pass Covers. Look at it like the Adventure Pass is a parking pass.

[prevostman]

Gold Access Permits are available in most National Parks simply by means of presenting rangers with some form of identification.  These passess will allow coach owners to access National Parks at reduced rates and in some cases also all owners to get on BLM properties.  Many of you probably already know that, but just thought it might be useful information for the new coach owner.

[RV Roamer]

The  "Golden" passes (Age & Access) are no more, prevostman. The America the Beautiful program replaced them with the new passes, which don't use the term "Golden" anymore.

And Gold Access required proof of disability, not just an ID. I suspect you are referring to the standard National Parks pass, which is now called the America The Beautiful pass and covers all federal facilities and costs $80 unless you are over 62 or disabled.

For complete details see NAtional Park Passes

[Marsha/CA]

Gary,

Are you saying that I don't get my Golden Age pass for $10.00 when I turn 62 in September?

Marsha~

[Phil]

Are you saying that I don't get my Golden Age pass for $10.00 when I turn 62 in September?

Marsha,

You can get the pass for $10 but, it won't say Golden Age. 

I don't care what they call it as long as it gets me through the gate. 

Phil

[Wendy]

To get the disabled pass (used to be called Golden Access) you can show proof of receiving federal disability money (SSD, VA, etc.). The card is free and you get in most NPS, USFS, BLM, COE sites for free. Also half-off at most federal campgrounds, even the ones managed by private firms (some that have been leased to private firms do NOT honor the 1/2-off camping). Some states honor the GA card but most do not.

Wendy
Cortez CO

[papahog]

I got the card for free because of VA disability. 

I don't seem to find reason to use it.  I was at Grand Canyon Village (where I got the card) but that is all.

With the price of fuel I need to look into using this money saving card more. 

[Wendy]

You may qualify for other discounts. Check this article in the library for more info.

Wendy

[RV Roamer]

There are Army Corp of Engineer campgrounds in nearly every state - some of them have dozens. Your Access card will get you half price camping in every one of them and most are gorgeous. You can find them online, in campground guides such as Trailer Life or a book called Camping With the Corp of Engineers.
See Corp of Engineers Campgrounds for ways to find them online.

[Barb]

Army Corp of Engineer campgrounds and state parks are listed in the back of the RV Friendly book.  Available at most truck stops.

Barb

[RVRoadTrip]

I got the Disability version of this earlier this year.  It looks like a credit card with a picture of trees on the front, on the back is text, my signature and a magnetic strip.  Haven't used it yet but it sure is nice to have!

[RV Roamer]

The disabled pass is the best deal of all - take advantage of it by visiting as many federal parks as you can.

[PAPA BARE]

GOT MY CARD  ABOUT A MOUNTH AGO JUST NEEDED DRIVER LICENS AND $ 10 . JUST TOOKE A COUPLE OF MINUTES.

[Wendy]

Access Pass (permanently disabled) is Free
Senior Pass (62+) is $10
Annual Pass (anyone can get) is $80
Volunteer Pass (500 volunteer hours) is Free

Go here for more info.

Wendy
Pahrump, NV

[geodrake]

It does look like Gary spent $10 that he didn't need to but, just remember he is the guy that just bought the good tires too.

[morrigan]

JM, Is there any sort of a deal for us military disabled types?  Wa has a get in free pass for military 30%+ disablity citizens that alows us free run of all state parks.
Morrigan

I work in this area of discussion. The Interagency pass will not provide overnight camping but in many areas will allow day use in camp sites and covers everything the Adventure Pass Covers.

Yes, anyone can buy an America the Beautiful Pass. You can purchase it over the phone and have it mailed to you.

Also, here is a tip for those in areas that use the Adventure Passes. If you are in an area where you recreate locally, and you purchase the Yearly Adventure Pass,$30.00 also get a Second Vehile Pass $5.00. It is the same as the Annual Pass and it is not attached to a licence plate # so you can give it as a gift to a recreating buddy if you don't need it for the second vehile.

[Wendy]

JM, Is there any sort of a deal for us military disabled types?  Wa has a get in free pass for military 30%+ disablity citizens that alows us free run of all state parks.
Morrigan

Show proof of receiving federal disability and you can get the federal Access pass.

The Washington free pass is only for Washington state residents.

You can get more info here on discounts offered at federal and state parks.

Wendy
Riverside CA
GO BRONCOS !

[bcampbell]

We visit many of the National Parks and i just turned 62 so..... I buy the pass for $10 and I get in to the parks.  Does this cover my wife who is not 62.  (She's not even 52) and does it lower the cost of camping? 

[Jeff]

The pass includes other occupants of the vehicle for entry to the parks.

[Wendy]

The senior pass gets you and all those in your vehicle (whether you're driving or not so long as it's not a commercial vehicle) into the park. You'll also get 50% off camping for you only.

Wendy
Anza Borrego Desert SP

[bcampbell]

Thanks!  Bruce Campbell

[RetiredLE]

What a neat program!  I have emailed the park in our area and requested a pass. 

I knew this forum would be informational!   

Mike 'n Jan
RALI (retired and loving it)

[Wendy]

Mike - They might not send you one, I think you have to show proof of age or disability. But you can pick one up the next time you visit a federal park.

Wendy

[RetiredLE]

I saw that you do have to obtain it in person.  I emailed the park closest to us in hopes that they can issue us one.  Makes for a shorter drive dontcha know..

[Wendy]

You might have a Forest Service or BLM office where you live or close by. Check the phone book, white pages, under United States. You can buy the regular pass over the internet here but the Senior and Access (disabled) passes have to be obtained in person so they can check your age/disability documents.

Wendy

[PancakeBill]

If I by the $80 pass, it works the same as the age 62 $10 pass, is that correct?  Is it a one time fee or annual?  I realize the $10 is lifetime.  I will be 60 soon, so if the $80 is a lifetime it might be worth it if I visit a lot soon.

[seilerbird]

You won't need the pass until you actually use it. Anyplace you use it you can get one. So wait till you are going someplace you need one and get one there.

Let me clarify the two passes. There is the Access pass (used to be Golden Access) which is free if you can prove a disability. Then there is the Senior pass (used to be Golden Age) which cost $10 to anyone 62 and older. Both passes have the same benefits, free admission to parks, half price off campgrounds. Then there is the America the Beautiful pass which costs $80 and gets you into any park for free but does not give you any discount on campground fees.The Access and Senior pass is lifetime and the America the Beautiful is a yearly pass.

[Wendy]

Tom did a good job explaining. You can get the "official" poop here.

Wendy

[RetiredLE]

Tom did a good job explaining. You can get the "official" poop here.

Wendy

Off topic but I see you signed one of your posts Pahrum, NV. Are you still there? We are thinking of checking that area out for a winter home.

[Wendy]

Not in Pahrump now, home in Colorado. We like Pahrump, lots of RV parks there. Terrible's Lakeside Resort is one of our favorite parks. Death Valley and Las Vegas can be day trips.

Wendy

[Darin]

I'm not really sure how the pass helps, but. Is it something I should have for our 36 day trip out west coming up?

[RV Roamer]

Probably, if you plan to see many national parks, monuments, etc.. For $80, it gives you and your family free entrance to all the National parks and monuments. If you are over 62, the Senior Pass is only $10 and includes half price camping in all federal parks.

[Wendy]

Entrance to the National Park Service "Crown Jewels" (Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, etc.) is $20 each so it doesn't take long to recoup the $80 cost of the pass. And if you're a senior, it's a really good deal at $10. Either pass is good for a year from the date of purchase so you could continue to use it after your vacation to the west.

Enjoy
Wendy
St Vrain SP, Colorado

[Darin]

Does 42 make me a senior?

[PancakeBill]

I spoke with a ranger that dispenses passes, he said he doesn't check ID, you might try him.  However, when you get to the gate the entrance guy wants photo-id and pass.  That is the snag.  Ihave 10 times less wait than you,   

[Wendy]

Some things are worth waiting for. Senior discounts are just one of them. I can hardly wait for Mike to reach 64 so we can stay in Colorado state parks for half-price and get a property tax waiver.

Wendy

[jackm]

Gary,

The back of my America the Beautiful card reads, "NOT covered: camping,tours, special recreation fees, etc.....". I am 62+ and have never received any discount for camping. Have you, or others, received a 50% discount for camp fees?

Thanks

[Jeff]

Terry Brewer turned 62 while we were all at Zion this Spring and they would not issue his pass a day early and did require a photo ID to issue the "Geezer Pass".

We were all over Colorado getting 1/2 price camping in National Forest Service Campgrounds last month.

[RV Roamer]

The back of my America the Beautiful card reads, "NOT covered: camping,tours, special recreation fees, etc.....". I am 62+ and have never received any discount for camping. Have you, or others, received a 50% discount for camp fees?

Spent 5 days at a Corp of Engineers park for half price just two weeks ago. You have to have the Senior Pass for the 50% discount, even if you already have the standard one and are over 62.

Further down on the card it says:

MAY entitle holder to 50% discount on certain fees.

Being a senior gets you the 50% off on camping fees and some other fees, except for things operated by a concessionaire. It can get convoluted sometimes as to what is free, what is 50% discount and what is full price, but mostly we get either free or half off. Parking at Mt Rushmore is the most irritating exception I know of - no discount at all there because it is a concessionaire owned and operated parking facility. The admission is "free" but you can't go in with a vehicle without paying the parking fee (there is no other parking).

http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

[maddog348]

jackm,       Do you have the "senior" pass (purchased after turning 62) or did you turn 62 after getting a regular pass??.    I have been using the access(broken) pass for years ( am now almost 70/still broken)-- really like the 50% off the camping fees - can stay a few days longer.

[Wendy]

Just to be clear, there are THREE America the Beautiful passes -

Annual Pass - cost $80, good for entrance into NPS, Forest Service, COE sites for one vehicle and up to 4 adults

Senior Pass - cost $10, can be purchased by anyone over 62, good for entrance and half-off camping

Access Pass - free to certain disabled individuals, good for free entrance and half-off camping

Check here for details or ask the next time you're visiting a federal site.

Wendy
St Vrain State Park (where you're ATB cards are totally useless)

[PancakeBill]

Senior Pass - cost $10, can be purchased by anyone over 62, good for entrance and half-off camping

Access Pass - free to certain disabled individuals, good for free entrance and half-off camping

O, a disabled senior gets both passes and camps free, or 50% off then another 50% off making it 75% in total? I guss that would depend on the math savvy of the gate guy.

Showing my work.
$10 camping fdee, 50% = $5. 
$5 adjusted fe, second50% = $2.50 camping fee. 
$2.50 is 75% of $10.

Now the less math savvy guy would add he 2 50% getting 100%, thereby getting you free camping.  He is also the guy buying lottery tickets to bcome wealthy.

[maddog348]

Bill, Wish it were.  Only get one 50% off  even if you are both old and broken.   Can't take much off "Get in Free" don't think they will PAY you to go to the park

[Wendy]

Sorry Bill. I have an Access pass and Mike has an Access pass so with your math, we should be paying 25% for camping. Also, my Dad has both an Access and a Senior pass and Mom has a Senior pass so your math would have them paying 12.5%. You only get one discount and the folks who work for the parks really aren't that stupid.

Wendy
married to a retired NPS Ranger

[PancakeBill]

Wendy, well gosh, I thought it was too good to be true.

Where did your husband work?  Which park or parks?

[Wendy]

Wendy, well gosh, I thought it was too good to be true.

Where did your husband work?  Which park or parks?

Wouldn't it be nice if it did work that way? 

Mike worked in Death Valley, Everglades, Gulf Islands (Florida), San Antonio Missions, and Hovenweep Nat Mon on the Colorado-Utah border. We even had to spend 3 months at Grand Canyon while he was at training. Before the National Park Service, he worked for the Forest Service in Dolores Colorado. It was a great life and he'd still be at it if he hadn't had to quit tromping up and down canyons. Of course, now we get to travel and visit the parks we want to see and we never, ever have to be polite to park visitors unless we want to 

Wendy
St Vrain SP, Longmont CO

[PancakeBill]

polite.  Yeah but I bet you always want to and when you don't just avoid it.

One of the interp raner couples we work with spend their winters at Death Valley.  Not sre how long they havebeen doing t though.  What type of work did your husband do?  Interpretive? 

[Wendy]

What type of work did your husband do?  Interpretive? 

With the forest service, he cut down trees, started fires (controlled burns) and put out fires (uncontrolled burns). With the park service, he started as an interp/fee collector and did mostly interp. At Hovenweep, he was law enforcement, interp, maintenance, EMT, fee collection.....an old style ranger who did it all.

I did interp and campground hosting as a volunteer.

We were at Death Valley 1983-1985 and 1986-1988, also hosted at Sunset Campground 2 winters ago. Volunteering is fun....you can quit.

Wendy
St Vrain SP, Longmont CO

[jackm]

Gary, Maddog, et all,

Sorry about the delay but been on the golf course, have to take advantage of a beautiful day in the Northwest when they arrive!!  Yes, my pass says SENIOR PASS across the front and it does say "50% discount on certain fees" on the back.  Poor Wendy is probably turning blue with all this "confussion"!! I remember questioning the camping discount at Grand Canyon while we there this winter. They said no, so I didn't bring it up at the other parks. I'll be a little more "inquisitive" in the future. Regardless, for $10 bucks, you just can't beat any discount!!

[RV Roamer]

I think the campground at GC South Rim is a concession, so discounts do not apply.

[Wendy]

I think the campground at GC South Rim is a concession, so discounts do not apply.

There is an NPS campground at South Rim - no hookups, discounts apply, size limit. There is also Trailer Village, a concession-operated RV park with full hookups and no discounts.

Wendy

[Darin]

There is an NPS campground at South Rim - no hookups, discounts apply, size limit. There is also Trailer Village, a concession-operated RV park with full hookups and no discounts.

Wendy

What do you mean, "size limit", and, no hookups, so can you run your generator if you need to?

[jackm]

We stayed at the campground, no hookups, the Trailer Village was full. We made the reservation through the concessionaire (Xantera, I think). Didn't get a discount for camping, but did get free access to the park.

[Wendy]

Mather Campground, the NPS campground at South Rim, has a 30-foot limit on RVs. There are no hookups but you can run your generator during specified hours. There is a dump station and water spigots scattered throughout the campground. You can find info on the campground here.

There's also Desert View campground, another NPS campground, on the far east end of the south rim. It also has a 30-foot limit and no hookups and is only open in summer.

Enjoy
Wendy

[melvonnar]

Spent 5 days at a Corp of Engineers park for half price just two weeks ago. You have to have the Senior Pass for the 50% discount, even if you already have the standard one and are over 62.

Further down on the card it says:Being a senior gets you the 50% off on camping fees and some other fees, except for things operated by a concessionaire. It can get convoluted sometimes as to what is free, what is 50% discount and what is full price, but mostly we get either free or half off. Parking at Mt Rushmore is the most irritating exception I know of - no discount at all there because it is a concessionaire owned and operated parking facility. The admission is "free" but you can't go in with a vehicle without paying the parking fee (there is no other parking).

http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

Thats known as a gotsha

[carson]

Let us not go into a political discussion here...


   BOO-HOO, you get free entry but also don't want to pay for parking...

I guess our taxes should pay for everything. Maybe that's what's  wrong with our country right now... too many freeloaders.

   Happy thanks-giving holiday.

carson FL

[maddog348]

carson ~~ really old post  ~ who are you responding to??

[carson]

My bad...guess I should've looked at the dates.  Principle is the same,

I'll crawl back into my hole.. 

carson

[PancakeBill]

One thing about the Pass, it is great, only reason I am looking forward to 8/8/11.  Get my pass that day.  However, seems like everyone that gets one wants discounts no matter where they are.  OK, not everyone, but working in the park, I lost count pretty quickly of folks wanting a discount with us.  I went and read the booklet.  It is very vague, to the point that it is worth asking. 

Before season starts next year I am going to find out where the Pass discounts are and print it up.  We offered our own discounts when you joined our Association, but many folks with the pass, poohed it. 

[melvonnar]

There is an NPS campground at South Rim - no hookups, discounts apply, size limit. There is also Trailer Village, a concession-operated RV park with full hookups and no discounts.

Wendy

Its called Ten X
been there; not a bad campground; but as said---no hookups, its across from the airport before you get to the entrance to the park.

[Wendy]

Melvonnar - Looks like you got your response in the middle of my quote. I fixed it and moved it outside the quote.

As for Ten-X campground, it is a US Forest Service campground, outside the national park. I was referring to Mather Campground which is inside the park. Neither has hookups, both give the America the Beautiful discount. Ten-X is cheaper than Mather. Mather is very convenient to the village and shuttles at Grand Canyon.

Wendy