America the Beautiful Annual Pass, national parks, rec area, BLM

[fishrdan]

Who's used America the Beautiful Annual Passes and how did they work out? I have to buy lake passes in the next month and noticed that America the Beautiful Annual Passes will work at Lake Mead. I'll be spending $60 for my 2 vehicle stickers, so why not just pop the extra $20 to have access to all national parks? I'll still have to pay an extra $30 for each boat sticker at Lake Mead, but at least I'll have access to all other national parks for the year, for $20. After we go to 1 other park, the pass has basically paid for itself.

Has anyone run into any problems using these passes? The only catch I can see is that you have to show the pass (card) as it's not a sticker that affixes to your vehicle. Forget or loose your pass and you are going to get charged for the fees. I can just see myself forgetting the pass in the other vehicle....

 

[12vMan]

Re: America the Beautiful Annual Pass, national parks, rec area, BLM

Hey Dan

I haven't used the America the Beautiful pass, but I understand it will get you into all 2000 recreational areas where there are entrance or standard amenity fees, and are run by either of BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, or National Park Service. If you're planning a possible trip I'd say go for it.

I know they're good in lieu of Adventure Passes in the National Forests that I frequent, but those are only $30 a year and I only need 1 lake pass. It's too bad that they changed the fees last year. You used to be able to buy the first for $30 then the 2nd for $10.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: America the Beautiful Annual Pass, national parks, rec area, BLM

I have a permanent pass because of my disability, and use it all of the time, it also gets you up to 50% off on camping as well as many areas, I have never left mine in my car, it is always in my wallet just as any credit card or my drivers license is.

 

[JB]

Re: America the Beautiful Annual Pass, national parks, rec area, BLM

I use my Lifetime Golden Age Passport. It is offered by the National Park Service and gives me and my party free access to a variety of Federal lands. It is available to any citizen over 62.

I bought it at Yellowstone in 1999 for $40. It has probably saved me a few grand since.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: America the Beautiful Annual Pass, national parks, rec area, BLM

Just to add, I would have to say, it is one of the few things that the government sells, that is actually worth more than you pay..it can save you big bucks over a period of years..

 

[fishrdan]

Re: America the Beautiful Annual Pass, national parks, rec area, BLM

Thanks guys, I only wished I could get a lifetime pass like MT and JB, along with the added discounts, that would be real nice!

MT, I was reading in area's without fee stations, or unmanned fee stations, that you are supposed to place the pass on the dash of the vehicle, so they can see it. I don't think they even check down here as many people don't pay the entrance fee (pet peave of mine), but better to be safe than sorry.

Guess I'll be ponying up $140 when I get my annual pass and boat stickers this year........