The Ultimate 2026 Guide to the America the Beautiful Pass
Planning a U.S. road trip in 2026? The National Park rules have undergone a massive overhaul. Here is the “crash course” on the new tiered system and how to navigate it as an international traveler or a U.S. resident.
I’ll explain exactly what the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ is, where you can go with it and what the new rules and benefits are.
Content table
- The Ultimate 2026 Guide to the America the Beautiful Pass
- 1. What is the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’?
- 2. Where Can You Use the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’?
- 3. Who is the Pass For and How Much Does It Cost?
- 4. Other Discounted Passes for Residents:
- 5. Dogs in the parks
- 6. How long is the 'America the Beautiful Pass' valid?
- 7. Where to buy the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’?
- 8. Is it worth buying the America the Beautiful Pass?
- 9. Is the pass transferable?
- 10. New Design and Controversy
- 11. What is NOT included in the National Park Pass?
- 12. Other Beautiful Parks (Besides the National Parks)
- 13. Essential apps
- 14. Immerse yourself in the National Parks
- 15. General Tips for your Park Visit
- And now it's your turn!
1. What is the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’?
The ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ is the official name for the U.S. national park pass. It is sometimes called the ‘Annual Pass’ because it is valid for one year.
Please note: Sometimes ‘Annual Pass’ refers to a pass specific to a single park. The ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ is the comprehensive national pass granting access to countless locations across the U.S..
The pass is named after the iconic American song ‘America the Beautiful’ (by Katharine Lee Bates and Samuel A. Ward). The song evokes a sense of national pride and awe for the stunning American landscape, placing nature in the spotlight.
Beyoncé’s version at President Obama‘s 2009 inauguration is one of my personal favorites:
Please note: Sometimes ‘Annual Pass’ refers to a pass specific to a single park. The ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ is the comprehensive national pass granting access to countless locations across the U.S..
The pass is named after the iconic American song ‘America the Beautiful’ (by Katharine Lee Bates and Samuel A. Ward). The song evokes a sense of national pride and awe for the stunning American landscape, placing nature in the spotlight.
Beyoncé’s version at President Obama‘s 2009 inauguration is one of my personal favorites:
2. Where Can You Use the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’?
The pass is valid at over 2,000 locations across the U.S.! This includes legendary names like Yosemite, Zion, and the Grand Canyon, but also:
Most areas are managed by the National Park Service (NPS), but the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (National Wildlife Refuges), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also manage ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ locations.
3. Who is the Pass For and How Much Does It Cost?
The rules and rates for the pass have been thoroughly revised. There is no longer a single flat fee for everyone; the price now depends on your official place of residence:
3.1. Two Price Categories: Resident vs. Non-Resident
Depending on the park, entry is calculated in one of two ways:
And not unimportant:
3.2. The “$100 Surcharge” at Popular Parks
A major change: if you visit one of the 11 most popular parks without an annual pass, and you are an international visitor (ages 16+), you must pay a $100 surcharge per person (not per vehicle!) on top of the standard entrance fee. For a family, this adds up incredibly fast!
Without an ‘America the Beautiful Pass’, you will pay the $100 surcharge at:
Without an ‘America the Beautiful Pass’, you will pay the $100 surcharge at:
3.3. Extra Benefit for Motorcyclists
A positive change: each annual pass is now valid for two motorcycles instead of one, provided they enter the park at the same time and the pass holder is on one of the bikes.
3.4. Fee-Free Days are Now “Resident-Only”
The well-known ‘fee-free days’ are now only free for U.S. residents as of 2026. International visitors must pay standard entrance fees and surcharges on these days.
While some holidays were removed from the calendar, many new days were added for residents. Expect heavy crowds when these days coincide with holidays. Many Americans are eagerly taking advantage of these opportunities!
While some holidays were removed from the calendar, many new days were added for residents. Expect heavy crowds when these days coincide with holidays. Many Americans are eagerly taking advantage of these opportunities!
2026 Fee-Free Days for U.S. Residents:
Days removed (expired):
3.5. A short overview
| Overview | Residents U.S. | Non-residents |
|---|---|---|
| Price Annual Pass | $80 | $250 |
| Verification | US id required | Travel passport/ Foreign id |
| $100 surcharge if no annual pass | No | Yes, at 11 most popular parks |
| Free days if no annual pass | Included | Standard rates |
| Digital format | Yes | Yes |
Davina’s Pro-Tip:
Wether you are a U.S. citizen or a an expat living in the U.S., always keep your U.S. ID/driver license or Green Card with you. Rangers are now required to verify your status if you use the $80 Resident Pass.
4. Other Discounted Passes for Residents:
While this guide focuses on the general pass, there are other options for U.S. residents (including expats with a Green Card or U.S. Driver’s License):
4.1. The Access Pass (Free for Life)
This pass is intended for residents with a permanent disability (physical, mental or sensory).
in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
Also convenient with strollers
and balance bikes!
4.1.1.’ADA-accessible’: an important term if you have a disability, or if you have a stroller
PRO tip for anyone visiting a park with a disability: ask for trails that are “ADA-accessible.”
ADA stands for “Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design.”
This means these trails must meet certain accessibility standards.
It removes physical barriers (ramps) and digital obstacles (screen reader compatibility, color contrast) to prevent discrimination.
These trails are also beneficial for parents who prefer to use strollers. The National Park Service strives to have at least one accessible trail in its most popular parks.
ADA stands for “Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design.”
This means these trails must meet certain accessibility standards.
It removes physical barriers (ramps) and digital obstacles (screen reader compatibility, color contrast) to prevent discrimination.
These trails are also beneficial for parents who prefer to use strollers. The National Park Service strives to have at least one accessible trail in its most popular parks.
4.2. The Senior Pass (Ages 62+)
Are you 62 or older and a US resident? Then this is the best deal you can get:
Note: Only for U.S. residents. International family members visiting from Europe must use the $250 pass.
4.3. The Military Pass (A Tribute to the Troops)
Do you live in the US and are you serving in the military, or are you a veteran? Then there’s good news. The US government is offering a special pass as a thank you for your service:
Watch out: Strictly for those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces!
4.4. Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade Pass
Do you live in the US and have a child in 4th grade? Then your child will receive a free annual pass that the whole family can use. The same rules as for a regular annual pass apply: the passholder and 3 adults are admitted upon presentation of the pass.
Why only 4th graders?: This age group was deliberately chosen because research shows that children aged 9 to 11 are beginning to discover what’s happening in the world around them. They’re open to new ideas and feel more connected to nature and the history of their country.
This way, every child gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the parks. The annual pass was introduced in 2015 under President Obama and is becoming increasingly popular every year!
This way, every child gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the parks. The annual pass was introduced in 2015 under President Obama and is becoming increasingly popular every year!
5. Dogs in the parks
Dogs do not require a separate fee. Although the parks prefer you leave them at home, they do give you the opportunity to take your best friend with you.
There are some conditions attached:
with Fala, the Scottisch Terrier,
in Washington D.C.
5.1. The B.A.R.K. Rangers-program and Fala the dog
Tip: Some national parks offer the B.A.R.K. Rangers program to encourage people to visit responsibly with a dog.
Participating dogs are sworn in and receive a special badge for their leash. This way, your dog can collect several badges across the different parks!
Fun fact: Fala, the Scottish terrier, was perhaps the most favored pet of an American president. So popular, in fact, that his statue has been given a prominent place next to the statue of his owner, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
He’s on display in the third room of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. .The bronze statue of Murray the Outlaw of Falahill, Fala’s full name, is the only presidential pet to be honored in this way.
The memorial, and most other monuments in Washington, D.C., are free to visit.
Participating dogs are sworn in and receive a special badge for their leash. This way, your dog can collect several badges across the different parks!
Fun fact: Fala, the Scottish terrier, was perhaps the most favored pet of an American president. So popular, in fact, that his statue has been given a prominent place next to the statue of his owner, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
He’s on display in the third room of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. .The bronze statue of Murray the Outlaw of Falahill, Fala’s full name, is the only presidential pet to be honored in this way.
The memorial, and most other monuments in Washington, D.C., are free to visit.
6. How long is the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ valid?
The national park pass is valid for one year, until the last day of the 12th month after purchase. Example: Bought August 15, 2026 -> Valid through August 31, 2027.
6.1. If you, as a non-US resident, purchased the America the Beautiful Pass in 2025, is it still valid in 2026?
Yes, you still have access to national parks until your pass expires. You also don’t have to pay the $100 surcharge per person in the eleven most popular parks. As soon as you buy a new pass in 2026 or later, the new rules and prices apply.
7. Where to buy the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’?
There are three ways to purchase the pass:
1. Online (Physical Card): Not recommended due to long shipping times and risk of loss.
2. In Person (Recommended!): Available at most staffed park locations. It’s fun to have a physical souvenir!
3. Digital (New!): Available via the Recreation.gov app.
Step 1: download the app
Step 2: log in – Register and create a profile.
Step 3: buy the pass – You can purchase the appropriate annual pass via the “Passes” button. You can always find your pass at the bottom, via the “Reservations” button.
Pro-Tip: Download the annual pass via Google Wallet or Apple Wallet or even better: print a PDF version. Cell service is often non-existent at park entrances! Furthermore, there are also many unmanned areas where you’ll be asked to leave your park pass visible on your car’s dashboard.
7.1. The advantages of a digital park pass
The advantages of a digital park pass:
+ You can never lose your park pass. Unfortunately, if you lose your physical annual pass, you have no other option than to buy a new one. UNLESS you link your physical pass to the Recreation.gov app!
+ You can enter your first park faster, there are often separate lanes for park pass holders at the entrance gates
+ You can never lose your park pass. Unfortunately, if you lose your physical annual pass, you have no other option than to buy a new one. UNLESS you link your physical pass to the Recreation.gov app!
+ You can enter your first park faster, there are often separate lanes for park pass holders at the entrance gates
7.2. The disadvantages of a digital park pass
The disadvantages of a digital park pass:
– While you can certainly use your digital park pass at the larger parks, it’s still a bit tricky at unmanned locations. Not all National Forest trails, in particular, are equipped with a QR code yet. So be sure to keep this in mind when purchasing your pass.
– When you buy a physical America the Beautiful Pass at a specific park, 80% of the proceeds go to that specific park. The remaining 20% is distributed among the other parks. This isn’t the case with the digital pass; everything is distributed among the parks. So if you’d like to support a specific park, you’re better off with the physical pass.
– It’s best to get a printed PDF version, as reception isn’t always good. Moreover, unmanned locations often ask you to display your pass on your car’s dashboard.
– While you can certainly use your digital park pass at the larger parks, it’s still a bit tricky at unmanned locations. Not all National Forest trails, in particular, are equipped with a QR code yet. So be sure to keep this in mind when purchasing your pass.
– When you buy a physical America the Beautiful Pass at a specific park, 80% of the proceeds go to that specific park. The remaining 20% is distributed among the other parks. This isn’t the case with the digital pass; everything is distributed among the parks. So if you’d like to support a specific park, you’re better off with the physical pass.
– It’s best to get a printed PDF version, as reception isn’t always good. Moreover, unmanned locations often ask you to display your pass on your car’s dashboard.
8. Is it worth buying the America the Beautiful Pass?
Although many national parks are simply free, and the price for non-residents has risen significantly to $250, this is often still the most affordable option for a multi-park tour.
The most well-known, large parks, come with a hefty price tag.
Remember: one pass holder may bring up to 3 other people (children under 16 not included).
The most well-known, large parks, come with a hefty price tag.
Remember: one pass holder may bring up to 3 other people (children under 16 not included).
8.1 A sample cost comparison with some of the most popular parks:
| Park | Without Pass (Vehicle fare + any per person surcharge for non-residents of the U.S.) | With Pass ($250 in total) |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite | $135 ($100 per adult + $35 per car) | $0 |
| Grand Canyon | $135 ($100 per adult + $35 per car) | $0 |
| Joshua Tree | $30 (No surcharge, only entrance fee for the car) | $0 |
| Death Valley | $30 (No surcharge, only entrance fee for the car) | $0 |
| TOTAL for 1 adult | $330 | $250 |
| TOTAL for 2 adults | $530 | $250 |
| TOTAL for 4 adults | $930 | $250 |
Conclusion:
As a non-resident: If you visit just one popular park with two adults, you’ll pay $235 ($35 admission + two $100 surcharges), which is less than the $250 annual pass price.
However, with two or more parks (with surcharges) or with more people, the pass will quickly pay for itself!
If you’re a U.S. resident, it starts to get interesting if you’d like to visit more than three popular parks, but know that less popular parks are often cheaper. Also, as a U.S. resident you get to enjoy the fee free days too!
Did you know: for many parks, such as Acadia, your entrance ticket is valid for several days.
As a non-resident: If you visit just one popular park with two adults, you’ll pay $235 ($35 admission + two $100 surcharges), which is less than the $250 annual pass price.
However, with two or more parks (with surcharges) or with more people, the pass will quickly pay for itself!
If you’re a U.S. resident, it starts to get interesting if you’d like to visit more than three popular parks, but know that less popular parks are often cheaper. Also, as a U.S. resident you get to enjoy the fee free days too!
Did you know: for many parks, such as Acadia, your entrance ticket is valid for several days.
9. Is the pass transferable?
over the Grand Canyon, Arizona
No! The America the Beautiful Pass is non-transferable and cannot be purchased as a gift.
So, as a family, think carefully about who will be the passholder. This person must be present every time you enter a national park.
Previously, there was space for two signatures on the annual pass. Nice for families, but especially useful for foreign tourists who only used the pass for a short period. This allowed the pass to be resold or given as a gift.
So don’t be fooled if someone tries to resell a pass; this is no longer possible.
Note: You cannot place a physical signature on the digital annual pass. The digital pass is linked to the account in the app. The ranger will always ask for a form of ID that matches this account.
So, as a family, think carefully about who will be the passholder. This person must be present every time you enter a national park.
Previously, there was space for two signatures on the annual pass. Nice for families, but especially useful for foreign tourists who only used the pass for a short period. This allowed the pass to be resold or given as a gift.
So don’t be fooled if someone tries to resell a pass; this is no longer possible.
Note: You cannot place a physical signature on the digital annual pass. The digital pass is linked to the account in the app. The ranger will always ask for a form of ID that matches this account.
10. New Design and Controversy
The physical pass has a new look. The Resident Pass celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with two side-by-side portraits: George Washington, the first president, and the last president, Donald Trump. The Non-Resident Pass showcases a stunning landscape of Glacier National Park.
The new design, and especially the portrait of President Trump, has caused controversy among park enthusiasts. This is partly due to the fact that the passes have traditionally depicted natural scenes, but also because of Trump’s reforms.
The layoffs of park rangers and the reduction of the maintenance budget, for example, have negatively impacted the parks.
The layoffs of park rangers and the reduction of the maintenance budget, for example, have negatively impacted the parks.
Furthermore, more and more information is being censored or simply deleted. History is being revised (think of information about Native Americans, slavery in the US, or the LGBTQ+ community).
In addition, the decision to phase out single-use plastics (such as plastic forks and drinking cups) and replace them with reusable or recycled materials has regrettably been reversed. Fortunately, some parks have already switched to environmentally friendly policies.
These are unfortunately just a few examples of the new policies, which have left many American national park enthusiasts disappointed with President Trump.
Rule: Since the release of the new resident pass, there has been a strict rule. The pass must be fully visible and may not be modified with stickers or covers that obscure the image (or portraits).
These are unfortunately just a few examples of the new policies, which have left many American national park enthusiasts disappointed with President Trump.
Rule: Since the release of the new resident pass, there has been a strict rule. The pass must be fully visible and may not be modified with stickers or covers that obscure the image (or portraits).
11. What is NOT included in the National Park Pass?
The pass doesn’t cover all park fees. Here are some extras you’ll have to pay:
11.1. Some information about timed-entry and reservations:
– Some timed entries only have a start time, not an end time. This means you can stay as long as you like, once you’re inside. This is especially interesting if you can’t get a time slot around sunset, but can get the one before.
– Timed entries are often available for reservations at different times. You can usually reserve a year in advance, but don’t panic if your preferred time slot is no longer available. There’s a good chance it will become available later. Generally, about 30% of available timed entries are released well in advance, while the remaining 70% are only available a week or even a day in advance.
– Timed entries are always made available online; it’s not possible to reserve this in the park itself.
– Timed entries are often available for reservations at different times. You can usually reserve a year in advance, but don’t panic if your preferred time slot is no longer available. There’s a good chance it will become available later. Generally, about 30% of available timed entries are released well in advance, while the remaining 70% are only available a week or even a day in advance.
– Timed entries are always made available online; it’s not possible to reserve this in the park itself.
12. Other Beautiful Parks (Besides the National Parks)
Don’t forget that there are also other beautiful parks that are not national parks:
Note: These tribal parks charge their own, often higher, prices. Some of these parks are located near national parks, so be sure to check which one you’re visiting.
For example, the west rim of the Grand Canyon is managed by the Hualapai Tribe. It’s on this rim that you’ll find the famous Skywalk (the glass bridge over the Grand Canyon). The other rims of the Grand Canyon are managed by the National Park Service.
For example, the west rim of the Grand Canyon is managed by the Hualapai Tribe. It’s on this rim that you’ll find the famous Skywalk (the glass bridge over the Grand Canyon). The other rims of the Grand Canyon are managed by the National Park Service.
13. Essential apps
There are two essential apps that are a must for visiting a national park. The previously mentioned Recreation.gov app (which you can use to purchase the digital park pass) and the NPS app (National Park Service).
It is recommended to download both apps, as they each serve different functions. You should think of Recreation.gov as your travel agent and wallet in one, while the NPS app acts as your personal park ranger and guidebook.
It is recommended to download both apps, as they each serve different functions. You should think of Recreation.gov as your travel agent and wallet in one, while the NPS app acts as your personal park ranger and guidebook.
13.1. Recreation.gov: Logistics and Bookings App
via a QR-code at most unstaffed locations.
This photo is from 2018, when you could only pay cash or
leave your annual pass on the dashboard of your car.
This is the app you use BEFORE you leave. It is perfect for the financial preparation of your park visit.
In addition to the digital park pass, it primarily serves to manage other reservations, permits (including for backcountry camping!), and payments for the parks.
You can also use this app to book campsites and make reservations for timed entries.
Additionally, there are several lotteries each year for popular hikes or specialized tours that you can participate in through the app.
Besides large parks, there are also trails or routes that are unmanned but still require an entrance fee. If you do not have a national park pass, you can now pay at most locations via a QR code using the Recreation.gov-app at such sites.
In addition to the digital park pass, it primarily serves to manage other reservations, permits (including for backcountry camping!), and payments for the parks.
You can also use this app to book campsites and make reservations for timed entries.
Additionally, there are several lotteries each year for popular hikes or specialized tours that you can participate in through the app.
Besides large parks, there are also trails or routes that are unmanned but still require an entrance fee. If you do not have a national park pass, you can now pay at most locations via a QR code using the Recreation.gov-app at such sites.
13.2. The NPS App: Your local guide
This is the app you open as soon as you are IN the park. The app was developed by rangers to help you discover the national parks. It’s one of my favorite apps.
You can find information about activities such as stargazing, what flora and fauna you can find in the park, which hikes are best, where to eat, where the visitor center is located, and much more!
The offline maps are particularly useful. You can download them in advance so that you have access to them and can use GPS when there is no connection.
There are trails, tours, and even audio guides available. Just make sure to bring an extra power bank because using the guides and reading the map can consume a lot of battery!
Extra convenient: since the most recent update of the app, it can now also be linked to Android Auto!
You can find information about activities such as stargazing, what flora and fauna you can find in the park, which hikes are best, where to eat, where the visitor center is located, and much more!
The offline maps are particularly useful. You can download them in advance so that you have access to them and can use GPS when there is no connection.
There are trails, tours, and even audio guides available. Just make sure to bring an extra power bank because using the guides and reading the map can consume a lot of battery!
Extra convenient: since the most recent update of the app, it can now also be linked to Android Auto!
The weather and road closure warnings are also practical. And if you’ve forgotten your paper passport stamp booklet (see General Tips below), you can also keep a digital copy in this app.
My favorite app, because the information seems almost endless. However, there’s no way to make reservations with this app. The Recreation.gov app does have all the basic information about ALL locations accessible with your National Park Pass, including, for example, National Forest areas. The NPS-app only covers National Park Service-locaties (although there are about 500 of them).
My favorite app, because the information seems almost endless. However, there’s no way to make reservations with this app. The Recreation.gov app does have all the basic information about ALL locations accessible with your National Park Pass, including, for example, National Forest areas. The NPS-app only covers National Park Service-locaties (although there are about 500 of them).
13.3. Which app do I need when? A quick overview:
What do you want to do?
⦿ I want to listen to an audio tour while driving through the park.
⦿ I am looking for a child-friendly walk for my toddler/preschooler.
⦿ I’m already in the park and have NO internet connection, but I did download the park map beforehand for offline use.
⦿ I want to buy an annual pass or reserve a campsite.
⦿ I want to check if a park requires a reservation for a timed entry.
⦿ I have to scan a QR code to pay at the start of a hiking trail.
13.4. My Method
At home: Open Recreation.gov. Buy your $80 Resident Pass or the $250 Tourist Pass. Take a screenshot of your pass or QR code to be sure! Check if you need to make a reservation for a timed entry. Reserve your campsite.
The night before: Open the NPS app. Search for the park you’re visiting (e.g., “Shenandoah“). Turn on the “Save for offline use” switch. This is the most important step for any traveler!
On the road: Use the NPS app and the “Near Me” feature to quickly find restrooms or picnic areas; a real lifesaver when traveling with kids.
The night before: Open the NPS app. Search for the park you’re visiting (e.g., “Shenandoah“). Turn on the “Save for offline use” switch. This is the most important step for any traveler!
On the road: Use the NPS app and the “Near Me” feature to quickly find restrooms or picnic areas; a real lifesaver when traveling with kids.
13.5. Bonus: AllTrails app
There are countless apps with maps and tips, but the most widely used in the US is probably AllTrails.
Rangers don’t update the NPS app daily, but hikers on AllTrails do. The reviews in the app often highlight things that can make all the difference when hiking with children, for instance. This way, I’ll know in advance if a trail is currently too muddy, if there are a lot of mosquitoes, or if there’s a tree across the path that we can’t get past with the stroller.
Rangers don’t update the NPS app daily, but hikers on AllTrails do. The reviews in the app often highlight things that can make all the difference when hiking with children, for instance. This way, I’ll know in advance if a trail is currently too muddy, if there are a lot of mosquitoes, or if there’s a tree across the path that we can’t get past with the stroller.
The NPS app remains my favorite though, for the complete experience. It offers audio tours for in-car use, information about the park’s history, and -very important when traveling with children- locations for the nearest picnic areas and restrooms (with changing tables).
Moreover, not all features in the AllTrails app are free. One of the most interesting features, the offline map (which even works with audio and stops you if you take a wrong turn), is a paid option.
A similar app to AllTrails is Hiking Project. It’s entirely community-based and allows you to use offline maps. Plus, it’s completely free! However, I find myself returning to AllTrails more often because there are usually many more (recent) reviews from other hikers.
Moreover, not all features in the AllTrails app are free. One of the most interesting features, the offline map (which even works with audio and stops you if you take a wrong turn), is a paid option.
A similar app to AllTrails is Hiking Project. It’s entirely community-based and allows you to use offline maps. Plus, it’s completely free! However, I find myself returning to AllTrails more often because there are usually many more (recent) reviews from other hikers.
14. Immerse yourself in the National Parks
Need inspiration for your trip? Check out these three wonderful docuseries:
National Geographic releases docuseries about the most popular parks almost annually. In 2022, there was a striking version narrated by Michael B. Jordan.
America the Beautiful (2022), available on National Geographic and Disney+.
National Geographic releases docuseries about the most popular parks almost annually. In 2022, there was a striking version narrated by Michael B. Jordan.
America the Beautiful (2022), available on National Geographic and Disney+.
Our Great National Parks (2022), a five-part docuseries narrated by Barack Obama (what a voice!), is available on Netflix. It features not only US national parks, but also national parks from around the world!
National Parks Adventure (2016), a series narrated by (recently deceased) Robert Redford (another beautiful voice!) celebrating 100 years of National Parks. You follow three adventurers in parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier National Park, Redwood National Park, the Everglades, and Arches. Also available on Netflix..
15. General Tips for your Park Visit
15.1. Visitor Center
Always stop here! The Visitor Center is more than just a restroom and snack stop. You’ll often find mini-museums, temporary exhibitions, a gift shop, and more!
Here: Elkwallow Store, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
15.2. Passport Stamping
At the Visitor Center, you’ll find a personalized park cancellation stamp. You can purchase a National Park Passport booklet and have it stamped at each location, making it a fun, free souvenir!
No passport? You can also stamp your travel journal or just a scrap of paper. Large parks sometimes have multiple stamps that you can collect at different locations.
No passport? You can also stamp your travel journal or just a scrap of paper. Large parks sometimes have multiple stamps that you can collect at different locations.
15.3. Junior Ranger Program
Children aged 5 and up, can get their free, fun workbook with activities in the Visitor Centers. Completing the booklet earns them a special badge or souvenir. Special stamps for junior rangers are also available in the Visitor Centers.
15.4. Be informed
Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial in Washington D.C..
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Before you leave, always check the National Park Service website or app for the latest updates on road closures, wildfires, flooding, or price changes.
Tips for a beautiful sunrise or seeing the most beautiful stars are also sometimes included on this website or, in some cases, on the social media pages of the respective parks!
Tips for a beautiful sunrise or seeing the most beautiful stars are also sometimes included on this website or, in some cases, on the social media pages of the respective parks!
15.5. Meet a ranger
Ask at the Visitor Center about free tours with a park ranger.
They’ll give you the best tips and usually a free map of hiking trails. Sometimes you can also get free maps at the entrance gate or in the Visitor Center.
They’ll give you the best tips and usually a free map of hiking trails. Sometimes you can also get free maps at the entrance gate or in the Visitor Center.
15.6. Best Time
Large parks are often open 24 hours a day, year-round. Outside of staffed hours (sunrise to sunset), it’s often quieter, and your annual pass won’t be checked.
This is ideal for stargazing or watching a sunrise… and sometimes a way to avoid parks with timed entries.
This is ideal for stargazing or watching a sunrise… and sometimes a way to avoid parks with timed entries.
There is often fewer or no staff outside the peak season: before Memorial Day (late May) and after Labor Day (early September).
If you’re visiting a national park outside the peak season, it’s advisable to check that all entrance gates are open and the roads are accessible. Roads can be closed not only due to flooding or snow, but also for renovations. The off-season is often the ideal time to do such work.
If you’re visiting a national park outside the peak season, it’s advisable to check that all entrance gates are open and the roads are accessible. Roads can be closed not only due to flooding or snow, but also for renovations. The off-season is often the ideal time to do such work.
And now it’s your turn!
With your right pass in hand and offline maps downloaded, you’re ready for a stress-free adventure. Remember to stop and enjoy the view; that’s what “slow travel” is all about.
The 2026 rules might take some getting used to, but don’t let the paperwork stop you. The nature here is simply too beautiful to miss.
Whether it’s the silence of the Grand Canyon or a family picnic in Shenandoah, the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ is your ticket to memories that last a lifetime. I’ve got mine ready for 2026!
Whether it’s the silence of the Grand Canyon or a family picnic in Shenandoah, the ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ is your ticket to memories that last a lifetime. I’ve got mine ready for 2026!
Do you have questions about a specific park or app? Ask them below! I’d love to hear about your travel plans for the new year.
Which park is on your bucketlist?
Which park is on your bucketlist?
Latcho Drom!
Davina
