Few retirement perks are as good a deal as the America the Beautiful Senior Pass. For a one-time fee, U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 62 or older receive lifetime entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including every national park that charges an entrance fee.
What the pass covers
The Senior Pass covers entrance fees at sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At per-vehicle sites it admits the pass holder and everyone in a private vehicle; at per-person sites it admits the holder and up to three adults. Children under 16 are always free.
Extra discounts
The pass also gives a 50% discount on many expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching and guided tours at federal sites. Discounts do not usually apply to fees charged by private concessionaires, so ask at each site.
Lifetime or annual
You can buy a lifetime pass or a lower-cost annual senior pass. If you buy annual passes in four consecutive years you can trade them in for a lifetime pass. Check the current prices at nps.gov, as they are set by law and change occasionally.
How to buy
Passes are sold in person at most federal recreation sites that charge fees, or online and by mail through the USGS store, which adds a small processing fee. You will need proof of age and residency, such as a driver's licence or passport. The pass is non-transferable and must be signed by the owner.
Making the most of it
Pair the pass with off-season travel for quieter parks and lower lodging rates, and check each park's website for reservation requirements and accessibility information. Many parks offer shuttle buses, accessible trails and ranger programs suited to all fitness levels.
