National Park Service Lifetime Senior Pass Prices are Increasing
Starting on Aug. 28, 2017, lifetime senior passes for the National Park Services will go up from $10 to $80. Here's what you need to know.
The lifetime America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80 starting on Aug. 28, 2017, according to the agency.
Lifetime senior passes that have already been purchased, or are purchased before Aug. 28, will remain valid. Any United States citizen or permanent resident who is 62 years or older is eligible for the pass.
The price increase was written into legislation that attached the price of the lifetime senior pass to the price of the current annual pass.
Inter-generational hiking made better with a snack break. Photo by Carrie Richard.
The benefits of a lifetime America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass include access to recreation sites managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service and more.
Learn how to purchase your annual senior pass here.
The revenue of the passes goes to a National Park Foundation Endowment and a National Park Centennial Challenge Fund, both of which enhance the visitor experience in National Parks.
Is the new pass beyond your budget?
Get it now. Remember that the lifetime America the Beautiful -- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior pass is still $10 until August 28, and will remain valid even after that date.
Spread it out. Also on August 28, annual senior passes will be available for $20. After four years, four annual senior passes can be traded in for a lifetime senior pass at no charge.
Find a fee-free experience. Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee at only 118 of 417 National Park Service sites. The rest of the parks have free access.
There are a number of fee-free days for National Park Service sites, including the following dates during the upcoming months:
- August 10: National Park Service Birthday
- September 30: National Public Lands Day
- November 11-12: Veterans Day weekend
Our national parks and federal lands are treasures that require a lot of maintenance to keep them healthy, beautiful and accessible to all.
Comments
Rich T on National Park Service Lifetime Senior Pass Prices are Increasing
I agree with increasing the cost of the Lifetime Senior Pass. The $10 cost was rediculously inexpensive.
THe $80 cost of a normal Annual Pass is still a great deal. I would probably also agree with making the Senior Lifetime the same cost as the Annual Pass in future years.
Posted by:
Rich T on Jul 19, 2017 09:34 PM
Sgt. Badger on National Park Service Lifetime Senior Pass Prices are Increasing
I was issued a lifetime Golden Eagle Passport, I am a disabled veteran (Viet Nam) is my passport still good and can I use it in Washington parks?
Posted by:
Sgt. Badger on Aug 15, 2017 08:17 PM
Keiko Betcher on National Park Service Lifetime Senior Pass Prices are Increasing
Hi Sgt. Badger, yes, the lifetime Golden Eagle Passport is still good and does not have to be renewed. However, it is only for national parks. Washington State Parks do not accept the lifetime Golden Eagle Passport.
Posted by:
Keiko Betcher on Aug 18, 2017 10:14 AM