If you're looking into purchasing a National Park Service (NPS) Senior Pass, you can use this article as your guide for all there is to know about the pass and its benefits. You're one step closer to a world of adventure!
What Is the National Park Senior Pass?
The NPS pass covers senior entrance fees and day-use fees, and it offers discounts on other expenses for 63 national parks and 423 national park sites. The pass is also eligible for entrance to over 2,000 federally owned recreation sites. All U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and over are eligible to purchase.
The Senior Pass is located under the America the Beautiful pass series. This series also includes:
- Annual Passes
- Military Annual and Lifetime Passes
- 4th-Grade Passes
- Access Passes
- Volunteer Passes
How to Get a National Park Pass
You can purchase an NPS pass in person at most parks and federal recreation sites. Make sure to call and verify the office's hours to confirm it will be open when you're planning to visit.
Senior Passes are also available for purchase through the USGS online store. Please note that this option will require an extra $10 processing fee, and your order can take around 10 business days to ship to you.
How Much Is a National Park Pass?
NPS offers two options of park passes for seniors — the annual pass or the lifetime pass. If you would prefer to purchase passes each year, the annual pass is $20. A lifetime pass is $80.
If you've purchased four annual passes in previous years, you can also exchange them in person for a lifetime pass. This is a great option for those who don't want to commit to a lifetime pass right away but could want to upgrade later.
The Best National Parks for Seniors to Visit
Of all the national parks available with the Senior Pass, the following offer some of the most easily accessible hiking options and amenities.
Acadia National Park in Maine
Maine's gorgeous coastal ocean views and historical lighthouses draw many to Acadia National Park every year. The park has several accessibility options to ensure everyone has a chance to experience Acadia. The most popular choice for getting around is the Island Explorer shuttle bus. These buses help people travel to and from popular park destinations, local hotels, and some Bar Harbor locations.
Acadia also offers easy access to several trails, visitor centers, nature centers, beaches, restaurants, and picnic areas. Check out Acadia's accessibility guide to maximize your experience!
Everglades National Park in Florida
Everglades National Park is located along the southern tip of Florida, which is abundant in marshlands. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can experience subtropical views and sightings of endangered species, such as the manatee, Florida panther, and American crocodile.
Everglades National Park has several paved trails and boat tours that offer wheelchair, walker, and cane access. Search the park's available tours to find something you may be interested in!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has always been a popular location for families, with large cabins and campsites to accommodate large groups. The park also offers various trail difficulty levels to suit all ages. Most of the park's most popular sites can be visible from a car, making it even easier to get around safely.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the most extensive cave system in the world. To maintain its natural beauty, this park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
Visitors can explore deep within the caves — two tours are paved and available for wheelchair, scooter, and cane access. The park also has elevators and a shuttle service to decrease walking time.
Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana
The Indiana Dunes National Park is home to beaches, rivers, wildlife, and wetlands — and dunes, of course. While the large sandy hills are not all accessible, the park offers easy beach and trail access with large-wheeled wheelchairs.
This park is often the busiest in the summer months, but it's open year-round. Enjoy fishing, sports and a nice meal on the beach with accessible areas designated for picnics.
Yosemite National Park in California
Yosemite National Park is a popular hiking and sightseeing destination, complete with granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, and abundant waterfalls.
This park offers multiple accessibility options, including physical access, assisted listening devices, Braille, and sign language services. Look at the accessibility map for parking areas, trails, restrooms, and more.
Benefits of the Senior Pass
The Senior Pass offers several benefits for cardholders and their families. With an annual or lifetime Senior Pass, you can:
- Enjoy free entrance: The pass holder can enter the parks for free along with those traveling with them. This benefit specifically applies to the cardholder and up to three additional passengers in a noncommercial vehicle.
- Save with discounts: Many sites allow cardholders to access exclusive discounts for camping, guided tours, and swimming.
- Support other projects: NPS uses all the proceeds from the passes to fund other park projects, the National Park Foundation Endowment, and a National Park Centennial Challenge Fund.
So, Is the National Park Service Senior Pass Worth It?
In short, yes! With all the discount benefits and complete access to national parks, the NPS Senior Pass is a great deal. Take advantage of this opportunity to take yourself and your family on an adventure!
Stay Safe While Staying Active With the MGMove
Accidents can happen when traveling, especially when hiking is on the agenda. With the MGMove from Medical Guardian, you can track your activity progress while having a medical alert system on hand at all times.
Whether you're at home or in nature, you can do the following when wearing the MGMove:
- Check the weather: Before heading out for a walk in a park, you can access the weather in your area on your watch so you know exactly what to expect.
- Track your steps: Set and reach your step goals when your MGMove is paired with the access of a national park pass.
- Communicate with loved ones: With the voice-to-chat option, keeping up with your loved ones via text is simple.
- Alert emergency services: If you fall or harm yourself in any way while out on the trail, help can come at the push of a button. This built-in service will call an emergency service agent who will assist you in every way they can.
Medical Guardian Can Help You Adventure Without Limits
Age doesn't have to limit your individuality and adventure. Go ahead and invest in a National Park Service Senior Pass — the experts at Medical Guardian have you covered!
Medical Guardian offers three mobile systems and two primary home systems to keep you or your loved ones safe on the go or at home. We care about your safety, which is why our products are created with the most advanced technologies.
If you have any questions, our customer service agents are here to help. You can also take our product quiz to find the right medical alert device to suit your individual needs. Browse our selection today and begin embracing the next chapter of your life.
