The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched the ‘America the Beautiful’ passes, beginning January 1, 2026. This initiative, designed to prioritize American families, introduces a resident-focused fee structure. U.S. residents can access the parks annually for $80, while nonresidents will pay a higher rate of $250. The program includes free passes for military personnel, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and fourth-grade students under the Every Kid Outdoors initiative. Federal volunteers who complete 250 hours of service will also receive free passes.
According to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the changes are intended to make national parks more accessible, affordable, and efficient for U.S. taxpayers. The policy emphasizes that nonresidents will pay a surcharge to support the maintenance and enhancement of America’s parks, which are crucial for future generations. Meanwhile, nonresidents without annual passes will face a $100-per-person fee to enter 11 designated parks in addition to the standard entrance fees. These parks include iconic locations such as Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.
The 2024 annual visitation of over 330 million people highlights the economic impact and importance of national parks. Funds from the passes will be used to support the entire National Park System, with online purchases benefiting the system as a whole and on-site purchases focused on individual parks. The spokesperson for the Department of the Interior noted that the revenue will aid in addressing the maintenance backlog and upgrading visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and improving services nationwide. The initiative aims to create a more sustainable and enjoyable experience for all visitors, while also supporting the preservation of these natural landmarks for future generations.