National parks are some of the most awe-inspiring places to visit. From the immeasurable Grand Canyon to the mesmerising Yosemite. However, as there is such a huge cost required to upkeep these parks and have them available to the public there are entrance fees often required.
Some national parks only cost a few dollars to enter but the biggest and most popular parks are without a doubt the most expensive national parks. Nevertheless, the cost is going to be worth it and in many cases, there are ways to make your visit cheaper or even free.
Which National Parks are the Most Expensive?
The most expensive national parks to visit are:
- Glacier National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
The cost to enter these parks on a day pass is $35 per car, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person.
However, the most cost-effective way to visit national parks using an annual national parks pass. This pass is called America the Beautiful. It can be purchased for the cost of $80. This pass will grant you unlimited access to all the national parks in the national park system for a period of 12 months.
Some of these parks are fairly close to each other and would make for a great vacation. For example, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks are all within a few hours of each other.
Where Can You Buy A National Parks Pass?
There are three ways to purchase a National Parks Pass: In-person, online or by phone.
In Person
An America the Beautiful or National Parks pass is able to be purchased at any national park, or location that requires a national park pass for entry. This includes National Parks, National Monuments, Public lands, BLM offices and many other locations.
You can find a full list of locations here.
The most simple answer is that you are able to purchase your annual pass at the entrance to the park on the day that you enter.
Online
There is an option to pre-purchase your National Parks Pass online before you visit. This option can often speed up your entrance to the park on busy days.
You can purchase your America the Beautiful National Parks pass online through the USGS store. You will need to wait for the physical card to be shipped to your address as no printable copy will be emailed to you. Only select this option if you are able to wait for your pass to arrive.
Phone
Call 888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), extension 2 to purchase your National Parks Pass. The hours of operation are 8 am – 4 pm Mountain time.
You will also need to wait for your physical card to arrive before you are able to use it.
Can You Visit The National Parks For Free?
On certain days each year, you are able to visit national parks free of charge. There are usually six days a year when the national parks are open to the public free of charge.
These days usually coincide with certain holidays or important days in the national parks system.
The 2021 Free Entrance Days are:
- January 18: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 17: First day of National Park Week
- August 4: One year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- August 25: National Park Service Birthday
- September 25: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
You can always check on the National Parks website each year to find out what the specific dates are for each year.
Are There Any Discounts to Visit National Parks?
There are several different discounts that can be applied when visiting National Parks. These discounts apply to senior citizens, military, those with disabilities, volunteers and families of fourth-grade students.
Senior Citizen Discount
Senior citizens are able to purchase a lifetime national parks pass for the cost of $80 or an annual pass for $20.
The be eligible for this discount you need to be a US citizen or permanent resident aged 62 and over. You will need to show proof of citizenship or residency when purchasing.
You are able to purchase in person at any national park or for an additional $10 online or via mail.
A senior pass also entitled the holder to significant discounts within the parks such as 50% off camping.
Military
Members currently serving the US military and their dependents are able to receive a National Parks annual pass free of charge. This includes those serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members.
This offer also extends to US military veterans and Gold Star Families.
In order to receive this pass, you will need to show the required documentation. The specific documents required can be found here.
Access Pass
Those individuals with permanent disabilities are able to receive a lifetime National Parks Pass free of charge. You will need to provide proof of disability as well as citizenship or permanent resident documentation.
You can purchase in person at the park or online and via mail for an additional $10.
This pass also entitles the holder to a 50% concession on camping and other activities within the parks.
Volunteers
A free annual pass is awarded to volunteers who have logged 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program.
The best way to gain access to this discount is to speak with your service coordinator.
Fourth Grader Pass
Every fourth-grader and their family in the USA is entitled to an annual parks pass for the duration of their fourth-grade year and the summer which follows. (September-August)
This pass is available for all children including homeschool children and children that do not have a specific grade but are 10 years old.
To find out the full process to obtain this pass head to the Every Kid Outdoors website.