National Park Senior Pass Price Increase
July 26, 2017
The U.S. National Park Service recently announced that the price for a Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80, effective August 28, 2017. The eightfold price increase will be used to pay for major public lands projects and enhanced services. For those who act fast, the lifetime Senior Pass will still be available for $10 (+ $10 processing fee) up until August 28, 2017.
The National Park Senior Pass is a lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens age 62 and older. The pass, which has been available for $10 since 1994, provides access to a variety of public lands and monuments across the U.S., including America’s 417 national parks. For seniors traveling during their Golden Years, the lifetime Senior Pass offers an opportunity to get out and see it all for next to nothing.
Even with the price increase, the Senior Pass is still a great bargain, providing access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by these six federal agencies:
- National Park Service
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Single park-admission fees to some of the nation’s most popular national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and Zion National Park – can cost as much as $30. NPS spokesperson Kathy Kupper notes, “If a senior visits three of the $30 parks, she or he has already saved money. Plus, the pass allows those traveling with seniors to enter the park with them.”
Senior Passes admit the pass owner plus vehicle passengers (up to three adults). Current lifetime Senior Passes will remain valid, and all benefits will stay the same. Golden Access and Golden Age Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. There will also be an annual Senior Pass available for $20. The best way to purchase the pass is in person at a local national park or participating Federal recreation sites, but Senior Passes can also be purchased online and by mail. Click here for details.
As seniors look to explore and enjoy America the beautiful during their Golden Years, the National Park Senior Pass provides a way to enjoy all of the beautiful federal lands our country has to offer.
