Seniors: Get your $10 lifetime pass for National Parks before price hike

If you’re over 62 years old and love the great outdoors, the time is now to get the deal of a lifetime.

Right now, senior citizens can get a lifetime pass to visit national parks for $10. But that’s going to change on Aug. 28 – with the price rising to $80.

An annual pass will cost them $20, which they can apply to the cost of a lifetime pass at a later point if they decide they want one. Follow this link for the application.

Money raised from the price increase will go to the enhancement of the national parks. There are more than 400 national parks across the country.

Here's a Q&A from the National Parks Service on the price increase:

Why is the price of the Senior Pass increasing?

The price of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass is increasing as result of the Centennial Legislation P.L. 114-289 passed by the US Congress on Dec. 16, 2016.

When was the last time the price increased for the Senior Pass?
The Senior Pass has been $10 since 1994.

How much is it increasing?
The lifetime Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80.

Why $80?
The legislation states that the cost of the lifetime Senior Pass be equal to the cost of the annual America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which is currently $80.

What if a senior citizen is on a fixed budget?

The legislation also establishes an annual Senior Pass for $20. That pass is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Four annual Senior Passes purchased in prior years can be traded in for a lifetime pass. Additionally, access to the majority of National Park Service sites remains free—only 118 of 417 National Park Service sites have an entrance fee.

What if I have a current Senior Pass?
The current passes are lifetime passes and will remain valid.

Will the benefits of my Senior Pass change?
No. All benefits of the current Senior Pass stay the same.

What if my current Senior Pass is lost or stolen?
Passes are non-refundable and non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
If lost or stolen, a new pass will need to be purchased.

Who is eligible for a Senior Pass?
US citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older are eligible for the Senior Pass.

Cox Media Group