Ever dreamed of visiting America’s national parks? The America The Beautiful Pass gives you access to over 2,000 parks! Here’s the lowdown.
If you spend a few weeks in the United States, it would be unthinkable to miss out on some unspoilt natural beauty. The sheer size of the country and the diversity of its climates mean that there’s something for everyone! You can discover canyons, majestic waterfalls and hike wonderful trails. But the big parks can be even more surprising: white sand deserts, gigantic redwoods or the ruins of ancient Amerindian remains. Not to mention the diverse wildlife that has thrived in these habitats for thousands of years.
However, each national park has its own entrance fee, generally ranging from $10 to $40 per vehicle. That’s where the America The Beautiful Pass comes in, consolidating your admissions into a single ticket. Let us tell you more!
What is the America The Beautiful Pass?
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The America The Beautiful « National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass » was created in 2007. It is the result of the U.S. Federal Recreation Improvement Act, and is the heir to the Golden Age Passport. The principle of the pass is based on the purchase of a multi-entrance pass that allows you to discover several national parks in the United States.
Initially, its name « America The Beautiful » refers to an American patriotic hymn celebrating the beauty of the American landscape. The great parks reflect a particularly rich biosphere, which must be revealed and made accessible to visitors from the USA and around the world.
Also, some of these parks are in the same state or geographical area. So we had to think of a relevant way of combining visits for tourists.
Activities included in the America The Beautiful Pass
With a list of over 2,000 parks, the America The Beautiful Pass will be a sure ally in your discovery of the great natural sites. Not sure which area to visit with your Pass? We’ll tell you all about it.
The American West
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If you visit the famous « West Coast », you’ll have access to some twenty parks. In California, for example, the ass America The Beautiful will give you access to the arid lands of Death Valley and Joshua Park. You can also hike through the Sierra Nevada mountains on your way to Yosemite Park. Perhaps you’ll come across the famous black bear?
On the Northwest Coast, between Oregon and Washington, a handful of parks are just waiting for you, your hiking boots and your camera. These include Crater Lake and North Cascades.
Southern parks
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It’s mainly in the states of Arizona, New Mexico and southern Utah that you’ll be able to draw your America The Beautiful Pass. First of all, you’ll be tempted to discover the world-famous Grand Canyon. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, it offers incredible panoramic views. From the top of the canyon, you can see how the Colorado River cut its way through the rock.
If you head further north, to Utah, it’s Zion that will catch your eye. The park is famous for its canyons and desert areas, but also for its diverse wildlife. If you’re heading east out of Arizona, make a stop at White Sands. Located in New Mexico, this protected area is a white sand desert. You can fly over it in a hot-air balloon, for example, or take one of the hiking trails.
From the Rocky Mountains
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You can witness the geological wealth of the United States in the Rockies parks. The most famous park accessible with your America The Beautiful Pass is Yellowstone. It’s also the oldest national park in the world! Here you can discover geysers, hot springs and herds of bison. In winter, it’s a great place to test your snowshoeing or snowmobiling skills.
Yellowstone is also next door to Grand Teton, another of the Rockies’ must-see parks. With the America The Beautiful Pass, you can easily combine the two visits on a short stay.
Midwest sites
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The American Midwest, its plains, great lakes and wheat fields… An ideal geographical area for a road-trip through the national parks. With the America The Beautiful Pass, you can explore the Harry S Truman site near Kansas City. A little further south, in Missouri, you can discover the site of the first battle of the Civil War. And if you continue further into Arkansas, don’t hesitate to visit Hot Springs National Park and relax in its hot springs.
North of the Midwest, in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, you’ll find some exceptional sites to visit: Scott Bluff Geological Park, as well as Badland National Park on the Pineridge Indian Reservation.
The East Coast
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The eastern United States is best known for its major metropolises: New York, Boston, Washington and Philadelphia. But if you go a little further afield, you can discover some incredible natural sites. With your America The Beautiful Pass, you can visit the historic sites of Fort McHenry, Great Falls or take a walk on the Harpers Ferry in the heart of the Washington region.
If you’re planning a trip to Florida, then head for the famous Everglades, entry to which is included with your pass. There, you may come across a few crocodiles splashing about in the immense swamps…
Alaska and Hawaii
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The country’s two underdogs are no exception! With your America The Beautiful Pass, you can also visit some of Hawaii’s natural attractions. Among the three parks offered in the Pass, you’ll have the opportunity to hike around the island’s volcanoes.
On a completely different note, Alaska has six parks to visit. So bring out your inner Christopher McCandless and venture into the wilderness of this unique state. But we wish you a happier ending than the hero ofInto The Wild!
Please note: you can find the list of partner parks on the official website.
America The Beautiful Pass rates and duration
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- The America The Beautiful Pass costs $80 (free for children under 15), and is valid for 12 months.
- First of all, note that the purchase of a pass is valid for you and your passengers, up to a total of 4 people. For example, if you’re traveling with family or friends in a single non-commercial vehicle, a single pass will suffice. The same applies if you’re traveling by car, with a companion on a motorcycle.
- The America the Beautiful Pass is not nominative. So you can pass on the benefits to friends and family.
America The Beautiful Pass collection points
You can order your America The Beautiful Pass directly online, in advance of your trip. You can buy it on the USparkpass website, by entering « Pass America The Beautiful USparkpass » in your search engine. Make sure, however, that the site is the official one! Also, order well in advance of your trip. If you order online, you won’t receive a printable PDF version or a mobile code.
The second option is to buy your pass directly at one of the entrances to the various partner parks.
Our opinion on the America The Beautiful Pass
Organizing a trip to the USA’s major parks can be a tedious and, above all, expensive business. The America The Beautiful Pass is a great option if you’re planning to visit three or more parks. For example, if you choose to visit the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion and Arches without the Pass, you’ll pay a total of $140 per vehicle. The fixed price of the pass is $80 per vehicle. So it’s extremely cost-effective!
Next, what really appeals to us about the America The Beautiful Pass is its catalog of available parks. With over 2,000 partner parks across the country, you’re bound to find the great outdoors that’s right for you.
Finally, the ease with which the pass can be obtained is a non-negligible positive point.
So, are you ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Let’s go!