The America the Beautiful pass 2026 is the annual pass that covers entrance and standard amenity fees at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including every national park. For 2026 there are important changes, especially for international visitors. Here is what the pass costs, what it covers and whether it is worth buying.
2026 prices at a glance
| Pass | Price | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Annual pass (US residents) | $80 | Anyone visiting three or more fee parks in a year |
| Annual pass (nonresidents) | $250 | International visitors |
| Senior lifetime pass | $80 | US citizens and permanent residents aged 62+ |
| Senior annual pass | $20 | US citizens and permanent residents aged 62+ |
| Military pass | Free | Current members and eligible veterans and Gold Star families |
| Access pass | Free | US citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities |
| Every Kid Outdoors | Free | US fourth-graders and their families |
From January 1, 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and older also pay a $100 surcharge per person at 11 of the most-visited parks (Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion) unless they hold the nonresident annual pass. Always confirm current prices on nps.gov or recreation.gov.
What the pass covers
The pass covers entrance fees for the pass holder and passengers in a single private vehicle at per-vehicle sites, or the pass holder plus up to three adults at per-person sites. Children under 16 enter free. It does not cover camping, timed-entry reservation fees, permits (such as Angels Landing or Half Dome), tours or concessions.
Our hiking gear picks
- Outdoor and hiking gear picks BuyrSkip
Trekking poles, headlamps, hydration packs and layers for park trails. - Smartwatches with GPS and altitude tracking VerdictFox
GPS, altitude and heart-rate tracking are genuinely useful on big park hikes. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Is it worth it?
Entrance fees at popular parks are $30–35 per vehicle, so the $80 pass pays for itself on your third park visit. On a road trip such as our Utah’s Mighty 5 road trip, it often pays for itself within a week. If you only visit one park, buy a 7-day entry instead.
How to buy and use it
- Buy online through the USGS store or recreation.gov, or in person at park entrance stations.
- Digital passes have been introduced; carry the pass and photo ID.
- Sign the pass; two people can sign as co-owners, which is useful for couples who travel separately.
- The pass is non-transferable and valid for 12 months from the month of purchase.
Free entrance days
The NPS designates several fee-free days each year. The 2026 calendar was revised alongside the fee changes, so check nps.gov for the current list before planning around them.
Parks where you will use it most
| Park | Best time | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon National Park | March to May and September to November | $35 per vehicle (7 days); America the Beautiful pass accepted |
| Yellowstone National Park | Late May to September (most roads open); winter by snowcoach | $35 per vehicle (7 days) |
| Yosemite National Park | May to June for waterfalls; September to October for fewer crowds | $35 per vehicle (7 days) |
| Zion National Park | March to May and September to November | $35 per vehicle (7 days) |
| Bryce Canyon National Park | May to October; winter for snow on the hoodoos | $35 per vehicle (7 days) |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | April to May for wildflowers; late October for fall colours | No entrance fee; parking tag required |
| Glacier National Park | July to September | $35 per vehicle (7 days) |
| Acadia National Park | June to mid-October; early October for foliage | $35 per vehicle (7 days) |
Parks where the pass pays off fastest
Zion National Park
Zion is a canyon of soaring sandstone walls in southern Utah, famous for Angels Landing, The Narrows and its shuttle-only scenic drive. Read our Zion National Park travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours from Las Vegas; 1.5 hours to Bryce Canyon
- Don’t miss: Angels Landing, The Narrows and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is an amphitheatre of orange hoodoos at around 8,000–9,000 feet, magical at sunrise and under its exceptionally dark skies. Read our Bryce Canyon National Park travel guide.
- Best time: May to October; winter for snow on the hoodoos
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Zion; 4 hours from Las Vegas
- Don’t miss: Sunrise and Sunset Points, Navajo Loop and Queens Garden and Inspiration Point
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)
Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, with red-rock arches, mesas and world-class mountain biking and off-roading. Read our Moab (Arches and Canyonlands) travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to October
- Getting there: About 4 hours from Salt Lake City; 1.5 hours from Grand Junction
- Don’t miss: Delicate Arch, Arches timed entry and Mesa Arch
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River, one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth. Read our Grand Canyon National Park travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Flagstaff; 4.5 hours from Las Vegas; 3.5–4 hours from Phoenix
- Don’t miss: South Rim viewpoints, Bright Angel Trail and Desert View Watchtower
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our road trip gear picks
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is the America the Beautiful pass in 2026?
$80 for US residents and $250 for nonresidents.
Does the pass cover camping?
No. It covers entrance and standard amenity fees only.
Can two people share one pass?
Up to two people can sign as owners; it covers everyone in one private vehicle at per-vehicle parks.
Is there a senior discount?
Yes: $80 for a lifetime pass or $20 a year for US citizens and permanent residents aged 62+.
Does the pass cover the new nonresident surcharge?
The nonresident annual pass ($250) is the way international visitors avoid paying the per-person surcharge at each of the 11 parks.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Best Time to Visit US National Parks: A Park-by-Park Guide
- How to Plan Your First National Park Trip: Reservations, Lodging and Tips
- Best US National Parks to Visit in 2026