The Department of the Interior (DOI) is launching the ‘America the Beautiful’ passes on January 1, 2026, offering U.S. residents a $80 annual pass to access the nation’s cherished national parks. Nonresidents will pay a significantly higher annual fee of $250, as announced by the Department of the Interior. This initiative aims to prioritize American families by making the parks more accessible and affordable, while ensuring that international visitors contribute their fair share to park maintenance and improvements for future generations.
Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, emphasized in a press release that these changes are intended to enhance access, affordability and efficiency, making the national parks more enjoyable for all users. The DOI stated that the new policies will ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable pricing, while nonresidents will pay a higher rate to support the care and maintenance of America’s parks.
For Americans, the passes are priced at $80 annually, with special offers for seniors, who can purchase an annual pass for just $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. Free passes are available to military members, veterans, and individuals with permanent disabilities. Additionally, fourth-grade students can obtain a free pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program, which aims to promote outdoor education and exploration for young learners.
The nonresident annual pass fee of $250 is intended to allocate the funds effectively, with the DOI noting that these higher fees are a small fraction of the total trip costs (airfare, lodging, and transport) for international tourists. Nonresidents without passes must pay an additional $100 per person to enter 11 designated national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fees. These parks include notable sites such as Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), over 330 million visitors explored America’s national parks in 2024, underscoring the importance of sustainable funding for these recreational areas. The revenue generated from the passes purchased online will support the entire National Park System, while fees collected on-site will primarily benefit the specific park. This approach ensures that the funds are directed towards essential maintenance, visitor facilities, and improved services nationwide, contributing to the long-term sustainability of these natural and historical landmarks.
The passes also feature images of iconic animals, parks, and historical figures linked to the national parks, including President Donald Trump with George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt, who is most associated with the creation of the park system. The new pass also includes coverage for two motorcycles, further expanding access and usability for recreational activities. The DOI’s spokesperson noted that the revenue from these new fee policies will directly support upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and enhanced services nationwide, ensuring that America’s national parks remain a cherished and well-maintained resource for future generations.