Bargain Passes to U.S. National Parks

Did you know that all fifty states in the United States has at least one National Park or National Historic Site that you can visit? Whether you're planning a long trip or searching for a day trip, chances are there is a National Park nearby. And if you're planning a visit to the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam or American Samoa, you'll find United States National Parks there too.

Did you also know that the United States Federal Government offers passes to visit and enjoy the country's beautiful National Parks and other sites? The pass is called: America the Beautiful-National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Pass. The new Interagency Pass Program was authorized by Congress in December, 2004.

If you're going to be traveling this summer and are planning on visiting any of these places, you might want to consider the annual pass. The cost is $80 and good for one year. The pass holder will be admitted free plus three others in a non-commercial vehicle with no additional fee. Children under 16 are always admitted free. The pass can be purchased at the park or can be gotten by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, extension 1. You also can buy a pass online. That website is: http://store.usgs.gov/pass

There is also a Senior Pass which is a terrific deal for anyone 62 or older. This pass costs $10 and is good for the lifetime of the U.S. citizen or permanent resident. As with the annual pass, this allows the pass holder plus three adults in a non-commercial vehicle to enter the park at no charge. This pass can only be purchased in person at the park. At some of the parks there are additional fees for services such as camping, swimming, boat launch and other amenities. A senior pass holder receives a 50% discount on some of these programs and only the pass holder will receive the discount. If you are a senior who plans to travel at all during vacations or retirement, you can't beat this offer.

For people with permanent disabilities, a lifetime pass is free. This pass can only be obtained in person at the park. This pass also provides a 50% discount on some of the extended Amenity Fees. Documentation is required. These required documents can be any of the following listed below.

1. A statement by a licensed physician

2. A document issued by a Federal agency (Veterans Administration, Social Security Disability Income, Supplemental Security Income, or a document issued by a State agency which could be a vocational rehabilitation agency.)

Finally, there is a pass for volunteers that have reached or exceeded 500 hours of service on a cumulative basis. The pass is valid for one year from the date of the award. This pass, like the others, admits the pass holder plus three additional people entering in a non-commercial vehicle.

Prior to December, 2004, there were pass programs. These were called: Golden Eagle Passport/ National Parks Pass/ Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport. These different passes essentially offered the same services as the ones described above. The Golden Age Passport has been discontinued and must be replace by the America the Beautiful pass. Paper passports for Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged at no charge for a new plastic pass. The others remain the same and are accepted. They provide the sames services that they always have.

The National Parks in the United States are varied in nature and some of the most beautiful and remarkable vistas you'll ever feast your eyes on. From deserts with their prickly cacti, to oceans crashing on rocks and from majestic mountains with magnificent waterfalls, to sand dunes reaching 300 feet into the air, it's all there to be enjoyed.