I am visiting my daughter, son-in-law and new grandson here in Idaho. Yesterday we went into Yellowstone and did some exploring. Since I am 62, I was able to get my lifetime pass to the National Parks for $10. Sometimes, it is nice to get older. However, the aches and pains and wearing glasses etc. also gets old!

It costs $25 for a week pass to Yellowstone. And as you know, there are several parks that cost as well as those which do not. The annual pass used to be $50. I would buy one at times. But it went up to $80. So last time, I said, "No Thanks!". I thought it was 65 for the senior pass. But alas, it is actually 62.

Without a doubt, my favorite park is Yellowstone. I visited it for the first time in 1977. And did not return until 2000. Now, I visit it every year. Yeah, it is getting busy and the people will stop in the middle of the road (which is against safety rules) if there is wildlife within sight.

Cheers,

Now I have something to look forward to in 5 years.

Bob

Yeah Bob. Living in the East Bay area where you are, you have many parks that are day trips. Actually, I am visiting my daughter who works at UC Berkley. "Howdy Neighbor!"

The pass is a great deal at $10 for a lifetime pass. I got mine a couple of years ago and have used it in South Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico along with other places that don't come to mind right now. I've been able to use it to take my daughter and son-in-law and others into National Parks at no charge to them. We've already had several hundred dollars in savings since my wife and I purchased ours. If a couple, each should get one. You can gain admission for others as long as they accompany you. My wife and I will separate to get two groups into a park when we have more than our kids.

Pat

Don, et al...

If I'm understanding all of this correctly, a single one-time purchase of a senior citizen life-time pass is good for ALL visits to ALL National Parks. --or-- Does one purchase a senior citizen life-time pass separately for each of the National Parks you choose to visit?

Bruce
"Keyop"

Well, you picked a weekend with good weather. I'm going to the Giants game tomorrow and I'm worried about roasting. You're right, there are lots of National Parks within a day's drive -- Yosemite, Sequoia, King's Canyon, Redwood, Lassen, not to forget the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, and Point Reyes National Seashore. Death Valley is within a long day's drive too.

Bob

Ill be there in 20 years I hope I live that long but what will the world be like then??

The National Park Senior Pass is a lifetime pass for the holder, good at all National Parks, forever. No admission charges. You may encounter parking fees if the service is contracted out but entry is free. You need to take picture ID with proof of age (my wife and I used our passports) and you are issued a plastic pass. Call ahead to the park you plan to visit because the pass is only sold at certain parks. We got ours at the Black Hills National Park (Badlands entrance). If you lose it, you have to purchase a new one. You also have to show additional ID with the pass to prove you are the pass-holder since there is no picture on the pass. It's a deal that can't be beat.

Pat

I used my Senior Pass in the forest last year on my motorcycle. It "disappeared" and they have no record of me so I bought another. Made a few copies (front/rear) as directed by the ranger that gave it to me. Do it just in case.

Not only do you get into the parks but get 50% off on camping sites. Here in Wyoming it also works on forest service camp sites outside of the park.My wife and I have one of the little mini Toyota wind up toys and spend 6-8 weels in Yellowstone each year. So far rain rain rain and fishing is lousey as the rivers are bank full.
Joe

I thought they provided a sticker to put on either your front bumper or windshield to show you have the pass. Or maybe the sticker has been discontinued? I remember going to Glacier National Park every summer for a number of years and camping in the same campground, Three Rivers, for the Glacier/ Waterton Hamfest and a lot of rigs there would have the stickers on them.
Curt

Curt they require you present the card plus a photo ID.
Joe

Our CA Senior Adventure Pass is a plastic card that fits in a cardboard "hang tag" hung on your inside mirror. On motorcycles it's out in the open so it can get lost or stolen. I scanned, printed then covered with clear shipping tape. Looks like the original. They did away with stickers.

Just remember to have the card with you when entering National parks. If not you will need to buy another. I have two.

If you keep it in the car don't forget to take it with you when going somewhere by plane.

Too bad about the stickers going away. I guess Homeland Security probably had something to do with that. Like some undesirable person borrowing your vehicle and such.

Norm- did you learn the hard way?
Curt

Well, you guys nailed it. Yes, one time purchase for $10.00. And if you loose it, too bad but the price is right. What they do is look at the plastic card that you buy and compare the signature of the card to your ID. I used it again today. We went into Yellowstone via the west entrance and drove to Mammouth Hot Springs and the north entrance. The park was absolutely stunning today, great weather.

Don I am glad to hear that. I live in Cody at the east entrance and we spend several days each week in the Park during the short summer months. The last to weeks we have been rained on every day. You probably noticed how high and cloudy the streams were. We are planning to come back up later this week and try the flyfishing again. Sorry we did not know any ARF members were in the area as we might of made arrangements to meet you.
Joe

My daughter and I took many, many photos yesterday. In about two weeks, I should be finally home for some time. I will post a few pictures for those of us who have not experienced the Yellowstone National Park. Now, I have been all but the North East entrance. Sounds like I may have to come back again!

Weather here in Island Park Idaho is looking with a high of 66 degrees. We went to the park yesterday because it appeared to be the best day this week and we were not disappointed. I leave on Friday, drive to Salt Lake City and fly back to Baltimore.