National Parks Pass
Oct 28th, 2006, 02:49 AM
#1
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National Parks Pass
We will be visiting from the UK next summer flying into Rapid City visiting Yellowstone/Tetons, Jackson, Salt Lake City and Manitou Springs.
Will it be more economical to purchase an annual National Parks pass or just pay as we go?
Advice appreciated.
Will it be more economical to purchase an annual National Parks pass or just pay as we go?
Advice appreciated.
Oct 28th, 2006, 04:01 AM
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nps.gov gives you all sorts of details about National Park passes. While tovarich is correct, it appears you are visiting only 2 National Parks, and Grand Teton (GTNP) and Yellowstone are counted as one since they are contiguous. Jackson and Salt Lake are cities and I believe Manitou Springs is run by the state of Colorado, so I have no idea what fees apply.
An annual pass is $50, a 7-day one National Park (or in this case 2 - GTNP/YNP) is $25. So we are not talking about a huge difference in cost anyway.
But check out the website and see what makes sense to you.
An annual pass is $50, a 7-day one National Park (or in this case 2 - GTNP/YNP) is $25. So we are not talking about a huge difference in cost anyway.
But check out the website and see what makes sense to you.
Oct 28th, 2006, 05:33 AM
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Manitou Springs is a small town just west of Colorado Springs and 'home' of the Pike's Peak Cog Rail Road. The NP Pass will not apply to Pike's Peak or the Cog RR or any State Parks - only National Parks/Monuments
Oct 28th, 2006, 05:39 AM
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We found that although the difference in cost was minimal, having the annual park pass was a savings in convenience as we could just pull up to the gate and present the pass and be on our way. It also encouraged us to stop at other parks that were near our route as there was no additional cost to do so except for the time.
Oct 28th, 2006, 07:10 AM
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Yellowstone NP is $25.00, includes the Grand Teton NP. If, while in the Black Hills area, you decide to go the Badlands NP ($15), Devils Tower NM ($10) or the Little Bighorn Battlefield($10). With the NP pass you just show the pass and go. You can order one in advance or get one at your first stop where a fee is collected.
Its $50 well spent. My first National Park Pass cost $8.00.
Its $50 well spent. My first National Park Pass cost $8.00.
Oct 28th, 2006, 07:40 AM
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Thanks to all for your advice. We probably will get the $50 if only for the convenience. As RedRock has stated, we will more than likely use it during our stay in Black Hills area.
Will read up on nps.gov as suggested.
Will read up on nps.gov as suggested.
Oct 28th, 2006, 12:04 PM
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Thanks for the tip Birdie. Makes sense to buy pass if we can save ourselves a bit of time queueing.
Thanks also gail - it will probably encourage us to visit places we may not even have considered - time permitting!
Dotty
Thanks also gail - it will probably encourage us to visit places we may not even have considered - time permitting!
Dotty
Oct 28th, 2006, 02:53 PM
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After reading this post this a.m., I dragged the better half into the car, and off we went to Rocky Mt. National Park, where snow was everywhere, and elk likewise. My pass expires the last day of October, and I was glad to use it this one last time of the year for the wonderful few hours. I'll buy another on my next entrance into the first place that sells them!
Oct 29th, 2006, 02:34 PM
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Sylvia - how I envied you on reading your post! You must have had a wonderful day - lovely to be able to go to the Rocky Mt National Park on the spur of the moment. We have spent the weekend decorating the living room and dreaming of our visit to the US next summer! Can't wait!!
Nov 1st, 2006, 12:26 PM
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Dotty:
Yes indeed, we are very grateful to be so close to a wonderful place (tho it's not even my favorite NP!); I did notice that the annual park pass specific to RMNP had a separate entrance lane (like an express tollway, but you stop and wand your card). However, the Golden Eagle, etc., had to go in the regular way. (Hardly a problem, it took about 20 seconds.) I hope you take advantage of the NP website and try to get advance maps with all the monuments, parks, etc. that are available. (I discovered this past spring in Arizona that there were many ancient sites I'd never heard of, and enjoyed it all immensely.) Have a wonderful trip.
Yes indeed, we are very grateful to be so close to a wonderful place (tho it's not even my favorite NP!); I did notice that the annual park pass specific to RMNP had a separate entrance lane (like an express tollway, but you stop and wand your card). However, the Golden Eagle, etc., had to go in the regular way. (Hardly a problem, it took about 20 seconds.) I hope you take advantage of the NP website and try to get advance maps with all the monuments, parks, etc. that are available. (I discovered this past spring in Arizona that there were many ancient sites I'd never heard of, and enjoyed it all immensely.) Have a wonderful trip.
