America The Beautiful Pass: yes or no?

I’m willing to bet that you’ve planned to visit several national parks on your upcoming USA road trip!

In that case, buying the America the Beautiful pass is your best option.

Let me tell you more about this pass, which could become an essential for your stay in the great American outdoors.

What is the “America the Beautiful” Annual Pass?

The America the Beautiful Pass is like a golden ticket for XXL-sized nature lovers. It grants access to over 2,000 sites managed by US federal agencies: national parks (like Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Arches), national forests, historic monuments, and other natural gems.

Basically, this pass covers entry fees for an entire private vehicle. And good news: children under 16 never pay!

Once the pass is purchased, you can visit as many partner locations as you like, as often as you wish, for 1 year, without paying extra.

The money collected goes to the maintenance of the parks and their facilities, but also to the protection of wildlife and plants. In other words, by buying this pass, you’re helping to preserve these wild American places.

Do not confuse with State Parks, which are not included.

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What is the price of the pass and where can you buy it?

Starting January 1, 2026, the price of the pass increases from $80 to $250 US for non-US residents. A fixed, clear price, and quite cost-effective depending on your road trip stops.

You have 2 options to purchase your pass:

• Online at Recreation.gov
• In person, from an agent at a park Visitor Center

Authentik Tip: If you choose the digital version, be sure to download it as a PDF on your mobile or add it to the Recreation.gov mobile app, so you can easily find it even without internet access. We also recommend printing it to keep a copy in your vehicle.

How long is the America the Beautiful pass valid?

The pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase and expires on the last day of that month.

For example, if you buy it on August 3, 2025, it will be valid until August 31, 2026.

Which parks are included in the America The Beautiful Pass?

The pass gives access to all National Parks, but not only that! It also covers:

• National Monuments (e.g., Devil's Tower)
• National Forests (e.g., Sequoia National Forest)
• National Recreation Areas (e.g., Lake Mead)
• National Historic Sites

Is the America The Beautiful pass worth it? Calculations and examples

Depending on the number of people, if you visit 2 or more national parks, the pass becomes a strategic choice.

In fact, starting January 1, 2026, a mandatory $100 surcharge per person will be required for all non-USA resident visitors in the following 11 parks: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.

This surcharge is not applicable if the visitor already has a valid annual pass.

Typical example:

• Grand Canyon: $35 per vehicle + $100 surcharge per non-resident person
• Bryce Canyon: $35 per vehicle + $100 surcharge per non-resident person
• Zion: $35 per vehicle + $100 surcharge per non-resident person
• Arches: $30 per vehicle
• Yosemite: $35 per vehicle + $100 surcharge per non-resident person

Total without pass: $570 Total with pass: $250

Savings: $320—imagine all the little extras you could enjoy with this amount during your trip!

Who is the America the Beautiful pass for?

This pass is ideal for:

• Families planning a road trip with multiple stops in the American West.
• Couples in a van or car who want to maximize their natural discoveries.
• Hiking, photography, or wildlife enthusiasts exploring lesser-known areas.

With the pass, do I need to pre-book park entry?

Some national parks have implemented a reservation system to control park entries (to avoid congestion). So even if you have the pass, it is highly recommended to book your access to these parks in advance. If you do not book your entry in advance, there is no guarantee you'll get a spot (especially in high season). Here are the parks concerned:

• Yosemite National Park
• Arches National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Mount Rainier National Park

My feedback after experience (Authentik bonus!)

At Authentik USA, we've been creating tailor-made itineraries for years. And if there’s one constant, it’s that the pass is almost always worth it.

As soon as you visit more than 2 national parks (especially those with the $100 per person surcharge), it’s almost automatic. And for our clients, it also brings peace of mind: no need to reach for your credit card at every gate.

Even in an RV, the pass is valid! As long as you enter through a standard road entrance, there’s no issue.

In short: the America the Beautiful pass, a valuable ally for your road trip

Whether you dream of watching sunrise over the Grand Canyon, walking among giant sequoias, or exploring Utah’s red arches, the America the Beautiful pass is clearly one of the best investments for discovering the natural treasures of the United States.

At $250, it offers total freedom, travel simplicity, and a great savings plan for the vast majority of USA road trips. Above all, it opens the doors to an exceptional heritage, passionately preserved by Americans.

Our expert opinion: the most beautiful memories are often found at the entrance to a park you hadn’t planned to visit… but for which you have the pass.

So, will you consider getting it for your next road trip in the United States?

I’m willing to bet you will!

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to write to us in the comments area below our FAQ.