Everything to Know About the National Park Pass for Seniors

Learn about the benefits, cost, and how you can obtain one.

Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications.

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With jaw-dropping natural beauty, National Parks are the crowning jewel of the United States' landscape — and an important part of American history and culture. President Ulysses S. Grant founded the country's first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872 while President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service (NPS) into existence in 1916.

Now, more than 100 years on, people flock from across the U.S. and the globe to see the natural wonders within the most popular of the 429 parks. NPS has created a variety of passes, both annual and lifetime, to encourage Americans to visit national parks, monuments, and federal recreational lands. But it's the national park pass for seniors that allows unhindered access. Here are some key details on the Senior Pass.

America the Beautiful Park Pass Series

A series of passes, including the Senior Pass, all come under the heading of America the Beautiful — the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This array of ticket options is also referred to as Interagency Passes.

The Senior Pass provides entrance and daytime recreation fees for the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private-use vehicle. At per-person park entrances, the pass will cover up to four people. In addition, at many sites, the Senior Pass provides the pass owner with a discount on expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours. Note that the pass is nonrefundable, nontransferable, and cannot be replaced if it is lost or stolen.

Additionally, Golden Age Passports have been replaced by the Senior Pass. While they continue to be honored, visitors can exchange them for a newer Senior Pass for free at any park that charges an entrance fee.

Senior Passes are honored at sites managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service.

Senior Pass Prices

The Senior Pass can be purchased as a lifetime pass or as an annual pass, which costs less. The lifetime Senior Pass does not expire, while the annual Senior Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase.

An annual Senior Pass costs just $20, while a lifetime pass costs $80. Regardless of the type, it is necessary for the pass holder to present an ID with the pass upon entering the park. Both are good for multiple visits to any of the permitted parks.

There is a key distinction to be aware of when purchasing annual passes, though. Regular annual passes are generally valid for one park or a group of parks within a single region. To reap the maximum benefits, be sure to purchase an annual Senior Pass within the America the Beautiful series of passes.

How to Purchase a Senior Pass

Senior Pass applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, as well as 62 years or older. Documentation of age and residency or citizenship are required. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) website includes the information and documentation needed to apply, including the application.

For the lowest total cost, purchase an annual or a lifetime Senior Pass in person at one of the federal recreation areas. Both passes may be purchased directly through the website or by mailing an application form, but there is an additional $10 fee applied to these methods.