RoadNotes

Frequent visitors to federal parks can receive significant savings with the America the Beautiful Senior Pass or Access Pass. The passes provide a 50 percent discount on fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50 percent price reduction. It does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

Senior Pass

This pass is for citizens of the United States who are 62 or older. The cost for a lifetime Senior Pass is $80; proof of age must be shown. It is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Senior Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. Senior Pass holders get 50% off camping fees at Corps-managed campgrounds. An annual Senior Pass is also available for $20.

Access Pass

This pass is for citizens of the United States who are blind or permanently disabled. The Access Pass is free; proof of medically determined permanent disability or eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law must be shown. It is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The passport admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. Access Pass holders get 50% off camping fees at Corps-managed campgrounds.

Where to Get A Senior Pass or Access Pass

A Senior Pass or Access Pass can be obtained in person, online, or by mail. To learn more or to order a pass, go online to https://store.usgs.gov/senior-pass.

As of January 1, 2007, the America the Beautiful Senior Pass and Access Pass replaced the Golden Age and Golden Access Passports issued before 2007. Although not sold anymore, existing Golden Age and Golden Access Passports remain valid for the lifetime of pass holders.

Select the following link for a brochure listing federal parks where you can obtain a discount card: Senior and Access Pass Availability

I recently re-read Along the Edge of America by Peter Jenkins, who walked across America in the 70’s and wrote a book about that experience. Not too long ago, Peter set out to explore America again but this time in a 57 Chevy. He’s in the process of writing a book about that experience. The new book should be available in 2018.

Below is Amazon’s description of Along the Edge of America. Highly recommended reading.

The best-selling author and walker Peter Jenkins, landlubber par excellence, now takes to the waves and explores, as only he can, a part of America rich in history, mystery, and lore: from the Florida Keys to the Mexican border, by way of the Everglades, the treacherous “jungle woods,” genteel southern homesteads, the Cajun marshlands, and Texas’s coastal cattle country. It’s a riveting encounter with hardy, resourceful, colorful – and occasionally dangerous – characters who have one thing in common: a fierce love for their world of wind and water and sun, a world that Jenkins brings uniquely to life.