Hi,

Just wondered if anyone can give us some info on the above? We'll be entering a n.o of national parks in Utah, Arizona and Colarado when in America in June/ July, and need to understand what passes to get if not this one. We were hoping to get an America The Beautiful pass, but I can't purchase one on the website as it doesn't give me the option of the UK when filling out the details, hence me assuming it may not be available to me- is this incorrect?

Can we get one when we go over? If so are they hard to get last minute? as we don't want to be refused.

If we can't get one, would we have to purchase separate ones at each park?

We're camping on registered campsites whilst there.

Thanks

Have you read the FAQ section?

http://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html
"A suite of annual and lifetime passes that provides U.S. citizens and visitors an affordable and convenient way to access Federal recreation lands.

The Annual Pass can be purchased via phone at 888-ASK-USGS, extension 1 (888-275-8747, extension 1); via email at [email protected]; via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass, or at participating Federal recreation sites"

I would try the email purchase option since the other option is not working

You DO NOT have to be an American citizen to get the "America the Beautiful Pass". The only thing you need for this pass is.... 80 dollars. If you're not able to get one online, don't worry - you can get them very easily at the entrance station of any park that charges a price to get in. They got thousands of 'em!

Have fun. You chose a beautiful part of the U.S. to explore.

It's the bargain of the century!

That's great, thanks all of you for replying- I'll get straight on to it, and if worse comes to worse we'll get it when we arrive!

The area certainly looks beautiful- our first time to the US as well, so really looking forward to it!

K

I'd recommend that you not bother getting a Parks pass in advance via email... just drive up to any ranger station at any entrance to any national park and purchase it there. There is no limit, they won't run out and they won't refuse you! That is absolutely by far the most convenient option. My husband and I get one every year that way.

Thanks tekwriter- that's eased my mind!!! Think we'll just do it that way.

K

"It's the bargain of the century!"

No, actually while it's a great bargain, it is beaten out by the Lifetime Senior Pass to National Parks at just $10. Now THAT'S the bargain of the century! It even allows you to take a carful for free with you!

In your case (coming from the U.K.), definitely plan on just purchasing the pass at the first National Park Service fee station you encounter on your trip. I understand the international postage is outrageous if you try to pre-order it.

Seriously, though, as NeoPatrick alludes to, if anyone in your party is over 62, you qualify for the Lifetime Senior Pass and that's just $10, so use that provision if you can. Or if anyone in your party is disabled (and has a doctor's documentation proving such), you qualify for a free lifetime access pass.

> if anyone in your party is over 62, you qualify for the Lifetime Senior Pass
> f anyone in your party is disabled

Those passes are available ONLY to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. But anyone with $80 can get the America the Beautiful Pass.

www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

We're nowhere near 62, but after hearing that info wish we were!!!

Thanks all,

K

Kittys69, I hope you understand that you could be 62, 82, or 162 -- if you're not a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S., you can NOT purchase the Lifetime Senior Pass. Period, end of story. I'm somewhat dumbfounded that people are suggesting this when you made it clear at the start that you are a citizen of the U.K.

Hi All,

We're 32 so I reckon we haven't aged quite so badly we'd pass as seniors anyway! but, if any of my older family members go to America I'll let them know they wouldn't be eligble for the lifetime senior pass anyway.

Thanks for all of the info, we're going to get the America the Beautiful pass when we get to USA. It's all been really helpful, thanks for your replies.

Kx

I would never suggest anybody break the rules or the law at any time.

However, when buying a pass all they ask to see is you driver's license.

Glad someone jumped in about the lifetime pass being for US citizens only: America the Beautiful pass is still the bargain of the century for visitors to the US.

The drivers license is good to know about- we'll keep it handy when we buy the pass.

K