America the Beautiful Access Pass
Disabled Receive Free Lifetime Entrance Permit to US National Parks
Nov 29, 2008
The America the Beautiful Access Pass, administered by the US Geological Survey and available at any National Park, provides free access for the disabled to recreation areas managed by five Federal agencies.
The pass also provides free entrance to up to four adults traveling with the pass owner and discounts on some attractions’ expanded amenity fees. The pass is free and valid for the owner’s lifetime.
America the Beautiful Access Pass Eligibility
United States citizens or resident aliens that have a permanent, documented medical disability, regardless of age, qualify for an Access Pass.
A disability is a physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. Requirements are not based on percentage of disability; but the disability must be permanent.
Examples of acceptable disability documentation include:
- Statement by a licensed physician
- Document issued by a Federal agency, e.g. Veteran's Administration, Social Security Administration
- Document issued by a State agency, e.g. Vocational Rehabilitation
How to Obtain an America the Beautiful Access Pass
An Access Pass must be obtained in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office so the official issuing it can review disability documentation and proof of residency. Organizations that issue and honor Access Passes are:
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- Fish & Wildlife Service
- USDA Forest Service
- National Park Service
Golden Access Passports (forerunner to the Access Pass) are valid for a lifetime and may be exchanged free of charge for the new Access Pass with proof of identification.
What the America the Beautiful Access Pass Covers
The Access Pass admits the pass owner (verified with a photo ID) and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas, and pass owner and three adults, no more than four adults total, where per-person fees are charged. Children under 16 are admitted free.
The Access Pass also provides discounts on some expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.
In general discounts are as follows:
- Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass owner, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass owner's party.
- Campsites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged separately, there is no discount. The discount may apply if the utility fee is combined (seamless) with the campsite fee.
- If a Group Campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass owner receives a discount; others using the site pay the full fee.
- Guided Tours: The pass offers discounts on some guided tours to the pass owner only.
- Transportation Systems: (Inquire Locally)
- Concessionaire Fees: (Inquire Locally)
- Special Use Permit Fees: (Inquire Locally).
America the Beautiful Access Pass Restrictions
The Access Pass is valid only at participating Federal recreation sites.
The Access Pass does not cover discounts in on-site bookstores or gift-shops.
For families traveling in two cars, only the vehicle with the pass owner is covered. The second vehicle must pay an entrance fee, or buy a second pass. For spouses riding motorcycles or scooters, the pass covers just the owner’s vehicle.
A new Access Pass may be issued (in persons and with ID and documentation) in the event of theft, loss, or damage.
The America the Beautiful Access Pass opens up many of the nation’s top parks, monuments, historic sties, and recreation areas to the disabled, their families, and caregivers.
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