In preparation for visiting four National Parks on our upcoming trip, we purchased an America The Beautiful pass good for one year’s worth of entrance fees. The parks generally cost between $5 and $25 per car to enter, so if you plan on visiting multiple parks in a year, it might save money to buy this pass. For $80 you can enter over 2,000 Federal recreation sites (parks, monuments, forests, wildlife refuges, etc.) It is valid for one year from month of purchase, expiring at the end of that month. For example, our pass will cover our entrance fees through the end of March 2013. It is valid for one car or four people, if the site charges by person. They are available for purchase online at store.usgs.gov/pass or in person at most major Park Service sites. Get more information on this and other passes at nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.

Our America The Beautiful Pass has arrived.