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New National Park Pass: America the Beautiful

National Park Service Annual Pass Take gram and gramps to Yosemite. The National Park Service discontinued their annual passes (Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports) and replaced it with one—”America the Beautiful“. It costs a bit more but gives you much more access.

Deals: The America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and over lifetime access to Federal recreation areas that charge a fee to get in ($10). They also get 50% off some amenity fees like camping, swimming and boat launch. The pass is also available to the general public for $80/year, which is still a good deal if you’re planning on taking a few trips and not just one weekender. U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities get a free lifetime pass.

Here are entrance fees at some popular destinations without the pass:
Grand Canyon: $25/private vehicle, $50 annual pass
Yosemite: $20/private vehicle, $40 annual pass
Yellowstone: $25/private vehicle, $50 annual pass
Glacier: $25/ private vehicle, $35 annual pass
Bryce Canyon: $25/private, $30 annual pass

When: Ongoing. The pass launched in January 2007.

More Details: In addition to National Park Service access, pass holders will gain access to the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation areas.

Contact: National Park Service passes, (888)-275-8747 ext. 1

Related Los Angeles Times links:

National park entrance fees to rise
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming’s legendary dude ranch set
Yelowstone Grizzlies no safer than average bears
Where have all our U.S. National Park rangers gone?