National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic TrailTwo children sit in bright sunshine next to earthen horno and chili bowl
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail
America the Beautiful Passes
America the Beautiful annual pass
America the Beautiful annual pass for 2007

The National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management are participating in an Interagency Pass Program that was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by Congress in December 2004. Other participating agencies include the USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation. 

The four passes in the interagency program are:

1) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass - Cost $80

This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

2) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass. - Cost $10.

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

3) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass - Free.

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

4) America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Volunteer Pass - Free.

This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). 

For the former pass program passes:

Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram

These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass.

Golden Age Passport

This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass

Golden Access Passport

This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the passes are available at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html

Traces of a dirt road, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, stretch across a southern New Mexico desert landscape  

Did You Know?
Brought to the New World by Spaniards, horses first arrived in New Mexico in 1598. For years afterward, many more horses were brought in via El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Indian tribes captured thousands of them, which were dispersed across the plains and integrated into American Indian culture.

Last Updated: April 06, 2009 at 23:34 EST