One annual pass replaces many individual park entrance fees for the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single private vehicle—or the pass holder and a small group at per-person sites. It is the standard pass for road-tripping U.S. national parks.
Entrance fees at National Park Service sites that charge them, plus standard amenity fees at many Forest Service, BLM, Fish and Wildlife and Bureau of Reclamation sites.
In a private non-commercial vehicle, the pass admits the driver and passengers. At per-person fee areas, it typically covers the pass holder and up to three adults (rules posted on the pass).
Lifetime Senior, Access and free or discounted military/veteran passes are separate products with different eligibility—do not confuse them with the standard Annual Pass.
Buy from USGS, participating federal sites, or official partners listed on USGS/NPS pages. The pass does not cover camping, tours, timed-entry reservations, parking where separately charged, or concessionaire fees. Confirm current price and rules on USGS.gov before you buy.
If your trip includes several fee parks—Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, Yosemite—the annual pass usually beats stacking day fees.
Parks like Zion, Rocky Mountain or Glacier may require separate timed-entry or shuttle reservations even with a pass.
Hang the pass where entrance staff expect it; photo of the pass on your phone is not a substitute.
Is this the National Parks Pass?
Yes—America the Beautiful is the current name for the federal Interagency Annual Pass often called the parks pass.
Does it cover every national park?
It covers entrance fees where the park charges them. A few sites are free already; some areas charge only parking or timed tickets instead.
Can two households share one pass?
The pass is for the signer(s). Lending it in ways that break the printed rules can void it—read the signature line instructions.
Does it include Canada or state parks?
No. It is U.S. federal lands only. State parks need their own passes.
The Interagency Annual Pass is sold under the America the Beautiful brand and is managed across federal land agencies, with USGS as a primary online retailer.
Separate Senior, Access, Military and Volunteer passes exist for eligible buyers. Always match the product to your eligibility and trip style.
This page is an independent guide for visitors, covering NPS, USGS and any federal agency.
