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Gift Idea: 2011 National Parks Pass

by Alicia MacLeay
December 8, 2010

Yosemite's famous valley, Acadia's ocean cliffs, Zion's narrow canyons. Give someone — or yourself — the gift of exploring awesome outdoor spaces in 2011 with an America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.


$80 gets you an annual pass and entry to national parks and other federal recreation lands for one year.

For $80, an annual pass gets you and up to three adults (per vehicle) into federally operated recreation sites across the country. No entrance fee required. The National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation all honor the pass.

Anyone 16 years or older can purchase a pass; children under 16 are already admitted free. Each pass can have up to two owners; you need not be related or married. Photo ID is required for proof of ownership when using your pass.

There also are a few alternative passes:

  • If you are 62 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you're eligible for a lifetime Senior Pass for just $10. Now, that is quite a deal.
  • If you are permanently disabled and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you're eligible for a free lifetime Access Pass.
  • If you are a National Park volunteer and have accrued 500 service hours, you're eligible for a free annual Volunteer Pass. 
  • Some national parks have their own annual passes, like the Shenandoah Annual Pass for $30. If you're sure you'll only be visiting one spot next year, check for passes from your favorite park.

For FAQ's on the pass, fine-print details, and more, visit USGS.com or call 1-888-ASK-USGS and press 1.

Note: You can buy a 2011 Annual Pass in advance online, handy for gift giving. However, 2011 passes aren't valid for entry until January 1, 2011. You cannot purchase them at federal recreation sites until January 1, 2011. If you need to use your pass prior to January 1, purchase a 2010 Annual Pass (vaild for one year).

http://store.usgs.gov/pass/