Military families can score a free National Parks American the Beautiful pass as part of a Joining Forces partnership with the Interior Department, the White House announced yesterday.
I know this may not make some of you jump up and down, but you should’ve heard my husband when I shouted this news to him from my desk across the house. He started clapping. And I can’t be sure because I couldn’t see him, but he might have shed tears of joy.
Our family loves the National Parks. Our cross-country PCSes are a big National Parks fest. On our trip from Washington State to Georgia we stopped in every National Park, monument, forest or recreation area within a reasonable distance of our path. Craters of the Moon National Monument, Badlands, Rushmore, Yellowstone, Tetons, Blackhills … on and on.
And now that we can get in free? Yeah, we’re happy.
Here are the details: the pass is available starting May 19 and is good for one year from the time you get it. It is available to any active duty, Guard or Reserve military ID holder (sorry — not available for retirees). The pass, available for actual purchase by the rest of the world, gets the holder and the other people in his or her vehicle into over 2,000 federal park lands.
If you are going to be traveling without your servicemember, make sure to get a pass in your name as well since the pass holder must be present for it to be used.
When the year is up you can present your military ID again and get a new one. Officials did not indicate that this would be a one-time program.
The America the Beautiful pass is not available for purchase at all of the parks that take it — but it is available at a boat load of them. You can see the full list here. It is accepted at all facilities run by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. While you can buy the pass online, in order to get a free one you need to show up at one of the locations that sells them (again — that list is available here.)
You can check out the rest of the frequently asked questions about the pass at the National Park’s site here. Remember: just ignore any of the information about costs … this is 100 percent free for military families.
About Amy Bushatz
Comments
My fiance emailed me a link to a news article about this this morning and we are SO excited! LOVE the national parks!
We ADORE national (and state) parks — thanks so much for the heads up!
According to this link, it's only for Active Duty military and their families. It says nothing about Guard or Reserves being eligible for the pass.
But i imagine if they show their CAC they'd get a pass. I doubt the parks people would know the difference.
http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm
Brian –According to the Secretary of the Interior who hosted a press conference on this yesterday, Guard and Reserve ARE included.
I don't agree with not allowing Retireees to a free pass to the Parks. We served just like you. Only prior, I fought for my country just like you do. Have you known of any Solidiers that were spit on and treated like Shit when they returned from Combat .America get your head out of the clouds. We fought just and hard Lost a lot of family menbers and friends.
I agree. My husband, my daughter, and my son were all injured in the last ten years. They are all three medically retired. They get nothng as usual,. except for maybe an offer from the VA for more pain pills.
Cbeck with your local VSO, some veterans are elledgeable for free state& federal passes
Guys I don't make the rules — And I'm not saying the Retirees shouldn't get this. I'm just reporting the news here, folks.
Why are the retirees getting screwed??? They don't think we visit National Parks too? I guess we don't matter to the freedom of everyone enjoying said parks!!!!! If I was close to a State Park I'd protest this at the entrance.
I did ask this question (well a version of it) on the press call, btw. Their answer was that retirees can be eligible for a senior discount or, if disabled, a free lifetime pass.
Again – I dont make the rules, just report what they are.
Actually, I'm retired and only 45 years old…No Senior Discount available for me…Just paid $34.00 to go camping in RMNP over the weekend….and another 70+ for reservations throughout the summer and fall…
Steve — Not that you still aren't definitely getting the short end of the stick on this one, but it IS worth noting that the pass does NOT cover reservations, camping, etc. It ONLY covers park admittance.
Great news! Thanks for the article. Rocky Mountain National Park is only an hour away and it’s hiking season! Can’t wait to pick up my pass.
Just think yes as a retiree yes you can get a discount if your a senior , or better yet if the ( V. A. )
quits messing around and grant the vet his disability instead of sitting on their claims from Viet
Nam We might be able to get our pass.
Not for retirees, wow I guess when your done your done. I will make it a point not to go to any national park.
No longer needed, just a has been.
I work for the park service and am a disabled veteran. ALL disabled vets can get a LIFETIME pass to all parks free for the asking at any park entrance.
Thanx for your service!
~D
Thanks Amy for letting all veterans have access to you information.
Pat
Deployed to SW Asia
Yeah
Im 130% DISABLED..AND SURE THERE BETTER…BE FREE ACCESS TO THE PARKS
SENATE BILL MADE IT A LAW THEY HAVE TO FOR 100 % VA VETS. HANG IN THERE YOU OTHER VETS. WERE WORKING ON GETTING YOU IN FREE ASAP.
US Marine Vietnam Veteran
what about veternas? is there a number to call or website to look into about this? Thanks for all the good post.. keep them coming…
Sorry — like the story above says, only ID card holders … and not even retiree id holders … get the pass.
Try getting one in New York City –not going to happen for weeks to come! Thanks Parks Department
Spoken like a true weekend warrior…..try living on a retired military pension.