If you would have asked me one year ago about anything outdoors related, I probably would have laughed and told you to go away.
These days, I talk about the outdoors and my love for it so much on my blog that I'm probably annoying everyone.
I love the outdoors now. I love hiking, rock climbing, mountains, camping and more. The outdoors are beautiful, and the United States offers so much, especially when it comes to national parks and recreation areas.
So, when I found out that we could get an annual parks pass for just $80 a year (for the both of us), I knew we had to get it. No, it's not the cheapest thing on earth, but if you plan on hitting up many national parks in one year, the price can be well worth it.
How the annual park pass saves us money.
In 2014, we went to several national parks. We went to Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado National Monument, Joshua Tree National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and a few others.
Paying the entrance fee separately each time would have equaled over $100, but last year we decided to buy an annual park pass.
The fact that we can go on many vacations for a full year and not have to pay the entrance fee because of this pass is a huge plus. We can go on unlimited wonderful hikes, see beautiful scenery, summit mountains, and more and it's all included in this one pass. Also, since we take part in credit card rewards, our vacations are nearly free and absolutely amazing now.
The annual parks pass (America the Beautiful is what the pass is called) is $80 and is a GREAT value, especially if you live near national parks and/or want to visit them often. We still have over half a year on our annual parks pass left, and we plan on using it several more times.
I highly recommend this pass to anyone who loves the outdoors. The United States is absolutely beautiful, and there are so many amazing places to visit right around where you live most likely!
Some information on the America the Beautiful annual park pass in case you are wanting one as well.
The America the Beautiful annual parks pass allows you to enter more than 2,000 federal recreation areas. It covers you and anyone else in your car. Also, if you are a senior, you can actually get a lifetime pass for just $10! Awesome, right?
You can buy your annual park pass by driving up to an entrance and simply paying for one. It takes just a few minutes and you don't have to give them any information so it is really quick!
What's the best thing you've bought recently? Has it saved you money?
Do you have an America the Beautiful annual park pass?
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Thomas @ i need money ASAP! says
January 2, 2015 at 2:52 amThat is amazing value! As I said before, your pictures of Joshua Tree were beautiful and have inspired me to plan a visit soon. My wife and I have always loved camping and hiking. Such a wonderful way to be healthy, frugal and fun. This pass just makes it even easier 🙂
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:24 pmThanks Thomas! 🙂
Michelle says
January 2, 2015 at 3:09 amI actually think that’s a really good deal! I love going to Rocky Mountain National Park, have been to Canyonlands, and hope to got to White Sands in New Mexico. I really need to look into this.
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:24 pmYes, you definitely should!
G says
January 2, 2015 at 3:42 amGood deal!!! parks is been a very good choiche!!!
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:24 pmI agree 🙂
Andy says
January 2, 2015 at 3:54 amI’m in the process of setting up a WordPress blog about our RV travels all over the country over the last six years, and couldn’t resist endorsing your post about the annual parks pass! The National Parks are right at the top of our list of phenomenal places to visit… we’ve been to over 50, and we’re nowhere near finished. The annual pass is an incredible value, and as soon as we each reached 62, we bought lifetime Senior passes. Of course, one pass covered both of us (AND a couple of friends who joined us at Arches and Canyonlands), but my wife wanted her own pass because of the additional discounts available only to the cardholder – 50% off tour tickets at Mammoth Cave, and other fee based tours at several parks, for example!
You are absolutely right – I never thought of myself as a lover of the outdoors either, until I discovered how great the “Great Outdoors” really Is… and there are no greater places than our own National Parks, Monuments, and historic treasures, no two of which are the same. We plan to begin sharing our photos and adventures online in the very near future, and hope it will inspire others to visit the spectacular places we’re seeing.
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:25 pmThank you Andy 🙂 Sounds like you had an amazing past 6 years.
Sara @ Debt Camel says
January 2, 2015 at 4:04 amI am totally jealous. If I lived in the US I would be buying that every year – as it is, it would cost me a fortune in airfares!
Joshua Tree is one of my favourite places on earth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjZ1AQf6T-k). Have you been to Zion?
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:26 pmYes, I love Joshua Tree. I haven’t been to Zion but I REALLY would like to soon.
dojo says
January 2, 2015 at 6:09 amOh, I wish we had this here. We visited US few years ago and I loved the idea of getting a pass to pay for multiple visits. Sure, if you’re going once or twice you’re losing money, but more trips do make sense to be paid for with such a pass.
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:27 pmYes, just once or twice wouldn’t make the pass worth it. However, it would be hard to just stop at one or two if you lived in the US.
Amy says
January 2, 2015 at 6:26 amThat’s a fantastic deal! Our state (NY) offers something similar for state parks, as well. I’m seriously considering investing in one next summer. It’s an up-front costs, but pays for itself pretty easily.
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:27 pmI agree 🙂
Brian says
January 2, 2015 at 8:32 amI don’t really live near any national parks so it doesn’t help me much. My father in law has the $10 lifetime pass which they use all the time.
We just get an annual state parks pass here and it is awesome!
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:28 pmThe $10 lifetime pass is such a great deal!
Elroy says
January 2, 2015 at 8:46 amI usually just get to “the park” entrance before they man the booths. A little known secret, even those working RMNP keep close to their chest. But, I do have a state’s park pass! The only way I’ve ever found to save a few bucks is to buy a discounted REI gift card, saves a few bucks, but it works.
I live about 15-20 mins from Eldorado Canyon, if you want to climb next summer, let me know. My climbing stretch goal for next summer is the “Casual Route” on the diamond….
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:29 pmSounds like we may have to have a blogger climbing meet up 🙂
Becky says
January 2, 2015 at 9:02 amI love National Parks. We’ve got Mahoney National Park just outside of Omaha, and it’s been my favorite ever since I went to Day Camp there when I was 10. It’s got a wicked water park, and amazing camp sites and cabins. We actually spent my grandparents’ 50th anniversary week at this park, and it was amazing. Buying passes, if you intend to go, is always a great way to save money. I’d like to get a Zoo pass at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo this year. I think it’s about $80, but it gets you in, gets you into the IMAX for free, and I believe also gives you discounts on merchandise around the park. My parents got one last year, and used it enough times in a month that it was worth it.
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:31 pmSounds like a great deal!
Kayla @ Femme Frugality says
January 2, 2015 at 10:21 amSounds like you made good use out of your $80 pass so far. Great that it’s still good for another 6 months. 🙂
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:32 pmThanks Kayla!
Ree Klein says
January 2, 2015 at 10:57 amHi Michelle,
I’m very excited at the prospect of getting our own National Parks pass when we are ready to start traveling more. For now we have an annual pass to the California State Beaches. We love to walk on the beaches and most of them require an entrance fee unless you park outside the park and walk in (a good idea if you’re trying to pay off debt!).
To answer your question about the best thing I bought recently that has saved me money, I have to say without a doubt it is my box sizer. Yep, a box sizer!
You see, I’ve been selling on Amazon using their Fulfill by Amazon (FBA) service. I have to ship my product in to Amazon’s warehouses. The box cutter cost me around $16 and it saved me at least that much on the FIRST SHIPMENT alone! The savings come because the box is smaller and lighter. Besides you need less packing material to fill up the void.
I’m a big believer in spending a dollar if it will either, make you money, save money or bring a lot of joy in your life.
Be happy, healthy and wealthy~
Ree
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:32 pmSounds like a great product 🙂
efinancialclub says
January 2, 2015 at 11:00 amGood that your year started with fresh green post on national parks. Can I use a single annual pass on all the naitoanl parks? This is something new and really interesting to hear..I’m planning on some trail hiking, mountian climbing this year and let me share my experiences and how I saved on my trip
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:33 pmYes, one America the Beautiful pass is good at all national parks in the U.S. You can read more about it here- http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm
Deb @ Saving the Crumbs says
January 2, 2015 at 12:00 pmMy parents got the $10 lifetime pass and have probably saved thousands of dollars! In addition, whenever they are traveling with us, we ask them to bring it and then we benefit too. One of the best government deals I’ve run into yet!
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 12:33 pmYes, it’s especially great if you know someone who has one!
Mrs. Frugalwoods says
January 2, 2015 at 12:49 pmThat’s awesome! We absolutely love hiking too and I wish we had more National Parks in our region. I’d like to do more hiking in Colorado someday, but for now, I’m content with my New England mountains. When we lived in DC, the Shenandoah National Park was relatively close to us and became a fast favorite. Here’s to many more hikes in 2015!
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 5:28 pmYes, here’s to many more hikes in 2015!
Jayleen says
January 2, 2015 at 12:55 pmI definitely want to get one of those passes when we go on our next road trip! We did purchase a state parks pass last year and enjoyed Mount Rainier and The Olympic National Park many times!
An item we’ve purchased that has saved a lot is not a quite as exciting as the parks pass but has been a huge savings. It is a mail scale;0) When selling on eBay, you get a cut rate in shipping items when you print and pay for the postage online!
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 5:29 pmSounds like a great money-saving purchase Jayleen. Good job!
Fig @ Figuring Money Out says
January 2, 2015 at 1:41 pmSuper cool idea! If I lived closer to a national park I’d definitely consider it. Or for a road trip. 🙂
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 5:31 pmThanks!
Katelyn @ Diaries of a Wandering Lobster says
January 2, 2015 at 4:28 pm$80 for an unlimited pass to all the National Parks is a super deal! I wish we had more parks closer to Maine that would make the pass worth it for me. Acadia is the closet park, which is absolutely stunning. You’re spolied out west!
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 5:33 pmThere isn’t really anything close to where we live sadly either. We are only able to use our pass on trips.
Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says
January 2, 2015 at 5:20 pmAnnual park pass seems really worth it. Things that I consider really worth it is getting plain tickets in advance for late this year or for next year, this will just simply save lots of money and give us time to prepare for. I have scheduled trip for May, which I prepared for more than a year. Happy New Year Michelle.
Michelle S. says
January 2, 2015 at 5:33 pmHappy New Year Jayson! 🙂 I hope it’s a great one for you.
LeisureFreak Tommy says
January 3, 2015 at 5:51 pmWe have done the same before. When we know we will be spending our vacations in multiple national parks we purchase the pass. We seem to do a Parks vacation year every three years and while I am in the the throws of planning 2015 travels you have reminded me to make this year one to maybe explore the parks again. Great post and money saving tip.
Michelle S. says
January 3, 2015 at 6:19 pmThanks! Yes, you should do another national parks vacation 🙂
Liz says
January 3, 2015 at 6:53 pmYou’re posts and amazing pics are really giving me the itch to visit more parks. Just today we visited a local park and walked about 5 miles of trails. Being outside and enjoying the fresh air is the ultimate frugal and relaxing activity,
Michelle S. says
January 3, 2015 at 7:08 pmGlad I’m making you want to go! 🙂
Even Steven says
January 3, 2015 at 8:10 pmCan’t argue with seeing some great natural beauty, $80 is a steal.
Michelle S. says
January 3, 2015 at 10:23 pmI agree 🙂
kay ~ lifestylevoices.com says
January 3, 2015 at 10:10 pm$80 for a year is such a great deal! Good luck getting cable for $80 a MONTH! Super deal and thanks for the info! 🙂
Michelle S. says
January 3, 2015 at 10:23 pmWelcome 🙂
Jerri Lyn says
January 4, 2015 at 11:33 amDon’t forget to get a “Passport” along with your annual pass!
My son and I would have fun going to the station and stamping our passport at each park we went to. It adds a whole other level of fun.
Michelle S. says
January 4, 2015 at 6:01 pmFun!
catherine says
January 4, 2015 at 12:51 pmWhen we had more time we would buy a Canadian National park pass in the summers for camping but now we don’t go enough to justify it but if we traveled like you guys though we’d definitely get one!
Michelle S. says
January 4, 2015 at 6:18 pmHopefully one day you will be able to again 🙂
No Nonsense Landlord says
January 4, 2015 at 2:03 pmGreat information. As I get ready to retire from my FT job and be FI, I plan on doing some RVing to many of the national parks. It’s a great way to see the country.
Michelle S. says
January 4, 2015 at 6:19 pmI agree! We both want to RV around the country one day as well.
No Nonsense Landlord says
January 4, 2015 at 8:51 pmI have been looking at Keystone Montana’s. Probably a late 2016 purchase.
DC @ Young Adult Money says
January 5, 2015 at 10:35 pmThat’s such a great use of your money! I don’t live that close to many national parks and honestly just don’t have time to make it out to many in a given year, but if I had a different job or was at a different point in life I would definitely buy one!
Michelle S. says
January 6, 2015 at 10:11 pmYes, I love having it. Thanks for stopping by DC!
KK @ Student Debt Survivor says
January 6, 2015 at 8:55 pmMy folks live right by Acadia National park and Eric and I go to sand beach at least once a summer while we’re visiting them. I’m going to have to look into getting the annual pass (or maybe buying one for my folks and/or grandparents who definitely qualify as “seniors”). It would be as cheap as going one day and paying the fee, and they’d get to go as much as they want. Thanks for the tip.
Michelle S. says
January 6, 2015 at 10:13 pmWelcome 🙂
Jenna says
January 7, 2015 at 7:58 pmMy family spent a lot of summers visiting national parks. It was a great way to spend our time — the best memories of our childhood! I hope to the same with my own kids (when we have them) one day.
Michelle S. says
January 7, 2015 at 8:06 pmSame here! When we have children I definitely want to have a national park pass and use it like crazy 🙂
nicole dziedzic says
February 19, 2015 at 7:13 pmWe have a annual park pass, and we use it a lot, especially for family events, or just getting the entire family together. I love having a annual park pass.
Millennial Boss says
February 28, 2016 at 10:20 pmJust bought my fiance the annual pass for Christmas! Can’t wait to put it to use. I feel lucky to live in a place where we have great access to national parks! They just bumped the admission to Rocky Mountain up to $30 which makes the pass even more worth it for us.