America the Beautiful Pass: Costs, Coverage & How to Buy

Few things spark a road-trip daydream like the idea of one pass unlocking hundreds of national parks, forests, and monuments. The America the Beautiful Pass does exactly that for over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the U.S., covering everything from Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore. But there are a few surprises about what it doesn’t cover, and knowing them can save you time and money.

Standard Annual Pass Cost (US Citizen/Resident): $80 ·
Non-Resident Annual Pass Cost: $250 ·
Sites Covered: 2,000+ ·
Lifetime Pass Options: Senior, Access, Military (free or reduced) ·
Where to Purchase: Recreation.gov, USGS Store, select federal sites

Here is a quick reference for the pass types and their costs.

What is America’s beautiful pass?

Think of it as a single key that opens the gate to thousands of federally managed outdoor spaces—national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and more. Officially called the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, it covers entrance and standard amenity fees at over 2,000 sites across the country (National Park Service).

What types of America the Beautiful Passes are available?

• Annual Pass (Standard): $80 for US citizens/residents, valid for one year.
• Non-Resident Annual Pass: $250, same coverage, available to anyone.
• Senior Lifetime Pass: $80 for US citizens/residents age 62+.
• Access Pass: Free for US citizens/residents with permanent disability.
• Military Pass: Free annual pass for active duty members and dependents.

Who is eligible for the different pass types?

Eligibility is tied to residency, age, or status. US citizens and residents can purchase the standard $80 pass. Non-citizens without residency must buy the $250 non-resident pass (Recreation.gov digital pass description). Seniors, people with disabilities, and active military receive discounted or free lifetime/annual options.

The pass offers a straightforward value: it pays for itself quickly with multiple federal site visits.

Which parks are included in America the Beautiful?

The pass grants access to all national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other federal recreation areas managed by the National Park Service (NPS), US Forest Service (USFS), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Bureau of Reclamation (NPS official page). But there are important exclusions.

Does the pass cover national parks, national forests, and other federal lands?

• Covered: All NPS parks (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, etc.), USFS recreation areas, BLM sites, and USFWS refuges that charge entrance fees.
• Not covered: Tribal lands (e.g., Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park), state parks, private attractions, and any site not managed by the five federal agencies.

Are there any federal sites not covered by the pass?

Some federal sites operate under concession contracts or charge only amenity fees (like parking) rather than entrance fees. The pass covers standard amenity fees but may not cover parking at places like Mount Rushmore National Memorial (NPS — Mount Rushmore fees). Always check a site’s specific fee policy before arriving.

The key takeaway is that while the pass covers entrance to many federal sites, additional costs for camping and tours remain separate.

Does America the Beautiful Pass get you into Monument Valley?

No. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is operated by the Navajo Nation, not the federal government. The America the Beautiful Pass does not cover entry there (Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation). You’ll need to pay the tribal park fee separately.

Does the pass cover Mount Rushmore National Memorial?

Yes, the pass covers the entrance fee to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. However, the pass does not cover the separate parking fee, which is required for all vehicles (NPS — Mount Rushmore).

Can I use my America the Beautiful Pass at Yellowstone National Park?

Yes, Yellowstone is fully covered for entrance. The pass allows one private vehicle (or the passholder plus up to three adults on foot/ motorcycle) to enter (Recreation.gov).

Does the pass work at other tribal parks or state parks?

No. The pass is strictly for federal lands. State parks, city parks, and tribal parks are separate. Popular destinations like the Wave (Coyote Buttes) or Chimney Rock require separate permits.

This table shows which iconic landmarks accept the America the Beautiful Pass.

Understanding these exclusions helps travelers budget accurately for trips that include both federal and tribal lands.

How do America the Beautiful Passes work?

Buying and using the pass is designed to be hassle-free, but there are a few details that make the experience smoother.

How do I purchase the pass?

• Online at Recreation.gov (digital or physical).
• From the USGS Store (physical pass only).
• In person at any participating federal recreation site entrance station.

How is the pass used at entrance stations?

For vehicle entry, one pass covers all passengers in a private vehicle. For walk-ins or motorcycles, the pass covers the passholder and up to three accompanying adults (Recreation.gov). Digital passes can be displayed on a mobile device; physical passes must be signed and shown with photo ID.

Can the pass be used by multiple people in one vehicle?

Yes. The pass is per vehicle, not per person. Everyone in the car enters on one pass. This makes it an excellent value for families or groups traveling together.

The pass is per-vehicle, making it ideal for groups, but always back up digital passes to avoid loss.

How much does the America the Beautiful Pass cost?

Prices vary by pass type and residency status. Here’s the full breakdown.

What is the cost of the non-resident pass?

The non-resident annual pass costs $250. It offers the same coverage as the standard $80 pass but is available to anyone regardless of citizenship or residency (Recreation.gov — non-resident pass).

Is there a lifetime pass option and how much does it cost?

Yes, two lifetime passes exist: the Senior Pass ($80 for US citizens/residents aged 62+) and the Access Pass (free for US citizens/residents with permanent disability). Both are valid for the holder’s lifetime and include the same entrance and amenity fee benefits.

Are there discounts for seniors, military, or people with disabilities?

• Seniors (62+): $80 lifetime pass, available in person only (requires proof of age and residency).
• Military (active duty): Free annual pass, available online or at federal sites.
• People with permanent disabilities: Free lifetime Access Pass, requires documentation of disability.

Nine passes, one pattern: the annual $80 pass is the best deal for US residents hitting three or more parks. Non-residents pay more, but still save compared to individual entrance fees for a week-long trip.

$80 vs $250: Which pass should you buy?

How to buy your pass step by step

1. Determine which pass type fits your residency, age, and planned visits.
2. Go to Recreation.gov and create an account.
3. Select “America the Beautiful Pass” and choose digital or physical.
4. Complete payment — digital passes are delivered immediately via email.
5. Save digital pass on your phone (screenshot recommended) or sign physical pass.
6. Present pass at entrance station with photo ID when visiting any federal site.

Choosing the right pass depends on your residency, age, and expected usage; the standard $80 annual pass is the best value for most US residents.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Santa Rosa Beach Florida: Quiet 30A Gem vs Destin — Explore Gulf Islands National Seashore, covered by the pass.
• Maid of the Mist: Niagara Boat Tour Guide, Tickets & Tips — Niagara Falls is a federal recreation site where the pass works.