National Park SENIOR Pass to go up 8X soon

[CrystalPistol]

Heads Up Guys & Gals .... the price is gonna go up by a factor of 8.

Back in 2015 while at a well attended Chapter Dinner with some friends who knew I was gonna be there up on Afton Mtn at the lower gate for The Skyline Drive (in the Shenandoah National Park) ... on my 62nd .... birthday started a vicious rumor that the price of the "U S National Parks Senior Pass" was going up to like $50 as well as the age to 65 .... I know, it was a really vicious trick. I first figured it was a joke, but when the CD's wife chimed in, I admit I got worried. I had been talking about it since I was in my 40s ... $10.00 for a lifetime pass.
Well, earlier this year I turned 62 and while a snow storm kept me off Afton Mountain on my birthday, I was up there within a couple days and got my $10 life time Senior Pass to all National Parks. I later gave my still current (exp August) regular year pass to the CD's wife ..... they got some use out of it and I had only signed one line so all they had to do was sign the other.
Well .... it's NO JOKE now!
I see a story today that it actually is going to go up soon ....from $10 currently all the way to $80 ....so if you are 62 and haven't already gotten yours ...what are you waiting for?
You can do it in person at $10 or on line or USPS for $20.
http://www.nationalp...0-buy-it-now-10
More info on the pass itself .....
https://www.nps.gov/...isit/passes.htm
Have a Safe & Very Merry Christmas!!!

[hogmemberisold]

I went to Mammoth Cave National Park on my birthday this year and picked my pass up.
Plan on at least using it enough to get my money's worth.

One of the hidden gems...

[Gold Rush]

When did they start charging for it???? In 2010 several of us from San Angelo spent two weeks riding and camping in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. While visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnisons, the gate attendant asked if I had a "Senior Pass" NOPE.. Well, she fixed me up with one for $0.00.... Four of the five guys left there with passes. Guess those days are gone. .... I have used mine several times over the years. Also have the Texas State Park Senior Pass...

[ray6576]

If you are disabled I believe that they are no cost to you. Just bring proof of your disability. In my case it was my letter from the VA.

[FRR]

I am 71 1/2. When I was 61 the National Park system threatened the same thing. I think they have said they were going to do that for years. So far, been a lot of hot air. BUT, with that said, it would certainly make sense to get one is a person is eligible. Who knows that will happen with anything after Jan 20.

[MikeyTX]

I'm on my second one ............ for free. They can do it on site now evidently. Mine was cracking in half from use. All the colonies of TX to the west and nw have national parks in them ...........

[lzski326]

I just sent an order in for one, and it cost 20.00 for a senior pass.
usgs.gov

[Jack Klarich]

Got mine 2 years ago @ 10 bucks I am disabled but can still ride

[CrystalPistol]

When did they start charging for it???? In 2010 several of us from San Angelo spent two weeks riding and camping in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. While visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnisons, the gate attendant asked if I had a "Senior Pass" NOPE.. Well, she fixed me up with one for $0.00.... Four of the five guys left there with passes. Guess those days are gone. .... I have used mine several times over the years. Also have the Texas State Park Senior Pass...

Far as I know, always been $10.00 ....Had y'all already been into another Nat Park?
If so, they maybe took your receipt and gave a credit.

Like say, you maybe paid $20 the day before for a day pass while in a line of traffic ... and the Ranger didn't catch your age .... and then this one caught it .... and gave you a credit. They will not give back money as far as I know. Like in 2006 Wife and I were traveling and I plumb forgot about a year pass. I paid an entrance fee at The Petrified Forest ..... then when I drove up to the Grand Canyon a day or so later, I was digging for more money and the Park Ranger asked if I had visited any other NPs on the trip. I said yes .... she asked to see that receipt and I pulled it out ....

she gave me full credit for that amount towards a season long pass and I just paid balance. Saved me a bundle on that trip.

Like even after these new fees for the Senior pass go in ... if one is 62 or older say .... after the increase .... if they can't see paying the full $80 up front, they will be able to purchase a $20 day pass four times after they are 62 .... and then swap those receipts for a $80 Senior pass.

[knob]

If you are disabled I believe that they are no cost to you. Just bring proof of your disability. In my case it was my letter from the VA.

It's free but it must be a permenant disability. A letter from your doctor is enough as long as they indicate that it's permenant. It's called an America the Beautiful pass if I remember correctly. If I'm on two wheels they always ask for my ID and my drivers license but oddly enough when on the trike they only need my park ID.

[leo3wheel]

https://www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvis...ime-passes.htm

[Woolie]

I got mine when I was 62, about 10 years ago, at Zion Natl Park. We were just passing through, going north, and the card was about the same price as admission. It was about 25 dollars, good investment.

[BinIdaho]

Got my $10 "senior pass" long time ago while living in Northern Idaho. Went to Arches Nat'l Park this July and forgot to take my pass. The entrance fee for motorcycles was $18....the nice gentleman at the booth said I could buy another "senior pass" (that's what he called it) for $10 which replaces my original one! I know the wording "senior pass" has been discontinued, but the new wording for us seniors and the pass is $10 (lifetime membership)!!!!

[BillR]

After reading this thread, I took my wife out to lunch Wednesday. Afterwards, I drove us to the Yorktown Va. visitors center and bought passes. We watched the movie and toured the museum and raided the gift shop. The surprise made her day. Kind of a lunch date. We got our moneys worth in one trip, now the rest are free.

[frostbite51]

And getting in free makes the kids want to take Grampa along more often...

[MikeyTX]

And getting in free makes the kids want to take Grampa along more often...

Yeah .............. Till the ulterior motive comes out "I'm hungry ............... Can we go to McDonalds ?"