So ever since my first solo road trip back in 2004, I’ve been obsessed with visiting national parks. On that faithful trip I was heading back home when I saw a sign for Saguaro National Park and decided to stop by. Driving the scenic drive of Saguaro National Park looking upon the majestic towering saguaro cacti, I was hooked by the natural beauty. Over the next decade plus I’ve visited quite a few national parks supplemented by a larger number of national monuments.
So if I’m so enamored with national parks and monuments, what’s my problem with national parks? The short answer is the cost of entry. While some parks and monuments, have cost as low as free, but many can cost as much as $35 per vehicle. While I must say most places are worth the cost, but there has to be a cheaper way. That is where the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series comes in. The series comes with different passes available depending on your situation such as general, active military, senior citizen, student, disabled, or volunteer status. I only qualify for the general, so that’s what I’ll go into detail about further. To see what you qualify for, check out the info on the National Park Service website.
I purchased the Annual Pass which cost $80 and covers the entry fees to all national parks and monuments. The Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from purchase, expiring the last day of that month. The Annual Pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge “per vehicle” and covers the pass owner plus three adults at sites that charge per person. An added benefit of the pass is covered entry fees to areas under the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureu of Land Management, and U.S. Army Corps of Enginners.
So if I visit three of the most expensive parks at $35 a piece, I’ve got my money’s worth. I can easily visit that many parks or monuments in a long weekend.
So if you’re into visiting National Parks and Monuments, I highly recommend purchasing a pass. If you qualify for special statuses, you might be able to get one for free. So go get your pass and start exploring!
