With DOGE Making Cuts at National Parks, Can You Still Use Your Senior Pass?
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident 62 or older, you can still use your Senior Pass at any and all National Parks in the U.S. Here's what the Senior Pass is and how to use it.


If you’re a senior over the age of 62 planning a vacation to the Grand Canyon, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Yellowstone, or any other national park, you may be wondering, as a result of recent government staffing cuts, if your Senior Pass is still valid.
You’ll be happy to know that yes (at least for now), the National Parks Senior Pass — which grants U.S. citizens 62 or older access to thousands of federal sites and national parks — is still available.
In 2024, nearly 332,000,000 people visited our nation’s national parks. The parks remain among the most popular U.S. travel destinations for retirees and others and are staffed by a mix of full-time, part-time and seasonal employees (and volunteers).
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
In mid-February, the Trump administration fired around 1,000 National Parks Service employees following spending cuts recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency — DOGE. This has raised some concerns about the accessibility and safety of the parks.
However, the National Park Service announced recently that 7,700 seasonal jobs that were put on hold during Trump’s spending freeze this past January would be reinstated, according to the Associated Press.
Although the staffing situation may continue to evolve, the National Parks Senior Pass is still available. Here's what it is and how it works.
What is the National Parks Senior Pass?
The National Parks Senior Pass, also known as the America the Beautiful Pass, is a yearly pass that grants U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older access to over 2,000 federal sites, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests and more. However, the pass doesn’t allow entry to every park in the country.
State parks that are managed by individual states typically have their own entrance fees. Then again, 34 states do offer reciprocity with the National Parks Service, so your senior pass can be used to gain entry into their state parks. It’s a good idea to check with the individual state park’s website or contact their office to confirm the reciprocity agreement is still in place before you head out.
What does the National Parks Senior Pass cost?
The National Parks Senior Pass comes in two sizes — the Senior Lifetime Pass and the Senior Annual Pass. The Senior Lifetime Pass gives you unlimited access to any national park with no expiration date and costs $80 (plus service fees). The annual pass delivers identical benefits for one year from the date of purchase and costs $20 (plus service fees). The Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to the Lifetime Pass at any time, in-person, at participating federal sites that sell Senior passes. Note: Neither National Park pass is transferable.
How does the National Parks Senior Pass work?
Both the Annual Senior Pass and Lifetime Senior Pass cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees at any of the 63 National parks (and some State parks) in the U.S. that are managed by these six federal agencies:
- National Park Service
- US Forest Service
- Bureau of Reclamation
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Bureau of Land Management
Children under 16 are always admitted for free. The Senior Passes may also provide discounts on some expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours for the passholder only.
How do you get a National Parks Senior Pass?
You can purchase a Senior Pass at participating federal recreation sites, including national parks, that charge an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee. Proof of age and residency is required. You can also order a Pass online or through the mail from USGS for a $10 processing charge. If ordering via mail, allow three weeks for delivery. Keep in mind that Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. If your Senior Pass is lost or stolen, you will have to purchase a new pass.
If you have an older version of the Senior Pass, such as the Golden Age Passport, you can exchange it in person at a park for a new Senior Lifetime Pass at no charge. Remember to bring your Golden Age Passport with you.
You’ll be happy to know that the funds from all Senior Passes purchased in a national park go to the National Park Foundation Endowment and the National Park Centennial Challenge Fund, both authorized by the Centennial Legislation.
Bottom line
Advocates for the national and state parks say the staff cuts by DOGE will leave hundreds of national parks — including some of the most well-known and most heavily-visited sites understaffed. Restrooms may go uncleaned, garbage may pile up and you may have to navigate around a few potholes on park roads, but at least for now, your Senior Pass is valid, and you are free to go out and explore the many parks our great nation has to offer.
Realted Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

For the past 18+ years, Kathryn has highlighted the humanity in personal finance by shaping stories that identify the opportunities and obstacles in managing a person's finances. All the same, she’ll jump on other equally important topics if needed. Kathryn graduated with a degree in Journalism and lives in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Kiplinger in 2023 as a contributor.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly States for Investing in 2025 (Hint: There Are Two)
State Taxes Living in one of these places could lower your 2025 investment taxes — especially if you invest in real estate.
-
Want To Retire at 55? See If You Can Answer These Five Questions
Who said you can’t retire at 55? If you say yes to these questions, you may be on your way to an early retirement.
-
Want To Retire at 55? See If You Can Answer These Five Questions
Who said you can’t retire at 55? If you say yes to these questions, you may be on your way to an early retirement.
-
I'm 57 With $4.1 Million and Plan to Retire Abroad in a Few Years. Can I Stop Contributing to My 401(k)?
We ask financial experts for advice.
-
Potential Trouble for Retirees: A Wealth Adviser's Guide to the OBBB's Impact on Retirement
While some provisions might help, others could push you into a higher tax bracket and raise your costs. Be strategic about Roth conversions, charitable donations, estate tax plans and health care expenditures.
-
One Small Step for Your Money, One Giant Leap for Retirement
Saving enough for retirement can sound as daunting as walking on the moon. But what would your future look like if you took one small step toward it this year?
-
This Is What You Really Need to Know About Medicare, From a Financial Expert
Health care costs are a significant retirement expense, and Medicare offers essential but complex coverage that requires careful planning. Here's how to navigate Medicare's various parts, enrollment periods and income-based costs.
-
The 'Me-First' Rule of Retirement Spending
Follow the 'Me-First" rule and you won't have to worry about running out of money when the stock market goes south.
-
How to Plan Your First International Trip After Retirement
Retirement paves the way for a world of exciting (and intimidating) experiences. An overseas journey can be an ideal way to embrace this new phase of life.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Could Partial Retirement Be the Right Move for You?
Many Americans close to retirement are questioning whether they should take the full leap into retirement or continue to work part-time.