The National Parks Access Pass makes nature more inclusive.
The Access Pass—a free, lifetime ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites—has been quietly breaking down barriers for Americans with disabilities since the 1960s. This little-known program ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty of America’s national parks.
What Is the Access Pass?
“People sometimes mix up the Access Pass with other passes in the America the Beautiful series,” says Cynthia Hernandez, a National Park Service public affairs specialist. “The Access Pass is only for individuals with a permanent disability.”
One of the program’s standout features is its inclusivity. “There is no age requirement for the Access Pass, which means that kids with disabilities can qualify for this pass,” Hernandez adds that pass holders can use the pass to bring their families and friends to public lands too.
While it’s relatively unknown, the Access Pass has a long history. The current pass system was launched in 2007 under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, but its roots go back to the “Golden Access Passport,” introduced in 1965.
Who Qualifies for the Access Pass?
If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a permanent disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, you may qualify for the Access Pass. Disabilities can include permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairments. Those who qualify for the access pass range from those with cerebral palsy to those diagnosed with ADHD and autism. The key is that the disability must significantly impact daily life activities and be verified with documentation from a licensed professional, such as a physician or federal agency.
Continue Reading Article After Our Video
Recommended Fodor’s Video
For Amy Geldean, the Access Pass has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. “My dad actually got me the Golden Access Pass when I was just 6 years old, and I’ve had it ever since,” she shares. Now 26, Geldean, who has mild cerebral palsy, has spent two decades exploring the nation’s parks.
“I’ve been using this pass for 20 years now, and I hit up national parks at least two or three times a year,” she says. “When I lived in Colorado, I would drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park every month just to soak in all the beauty and check out the wildlife. I’m actually on a mission right now to visit all 63 national parks before I turn 30—I’m 26 now with just 11 parks left to go!”
Benefits and Challenges of the Access Pass
The Access Pass comes with significant perks. “With the pass, I can save big on entrance fees and get discounts for individual campsites—those are the major wins in my book,” Geldean explains. “It’s also fantastic that I don’t have to worry about yearly renewals since it’s good for life.”
Geldean also notes occasional confusion among park staff. “Sometimes park employees don’t recognize my pass because it’s so old. They often mistake it for the Golden Age Pass (that’s the Senior Pass), and I have to explain what it is since it looks different from the newer ones.”
Looking ahead, Geldean has ideas for enhancing the program. “It would be awesome if the bigger parks could let pass holders bypass the regular line with equipment that can scan your pass and then let you enter—kind of like the Rocky Mountain Transponder system,” she suggests.
A Growing Movement?
There’s also room for improvement when it comes to awareness. The Access Pass is still relatively unknown. There’s not much public marketing about disability-related park access programs, and it’s often buried in park websites or administrative documents. Some people with disabilities might not even know they qualify, and the application process could seem daunting.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Access Pass program saw record interest in 2020, with 40,121 passes issued through mail-in and online orders alone. While those numbers have moderated in recent years, 2024 is already showing signs of renewed interest, with a total of 19,588 passes issued from online mail-in orders, surpassing the previous year’s total of 16,203.
Planning Your Next Adventure
Getting an Access Pass requires proper documentation, but the process is designed to be straightforward. You can provide documentation in several ways: through a statement from a licensed physician, a document issued by a Federal agency such as the VA, Social Security Disability Income, or Supplemental Security Income, or documentation from a State agency like a vocational rehabilitation agency.
The documentation must verify that you have a permanent disability substantially limiting one or more major life activities. While the term “permanent disability” might sound restrictive, it encompasses a wide range of conditions. This includes physical disabilities like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, developmental conditions like autism or Down syndrome, chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease that limit major life activities, permanent sensory impairments affecting vision or hearing, and neurological conditions like epilepsy. Many mental health conditions that substantially affect daily functioning may also qualify.
Once you have your documentation, you can either apply online or by mail. To apply online, you can create an account and upload your documents at store.usgs.gov/access-pass. There’s a $10 processing fee for mail orders. To apply in person, bring your documentation to a location that issues passes. You can check this list to find the nearest site.
Before planning your next national park adventure, it’s worth contacting your destination park to discuss any specific accessibility needs. Parks offer various accommodations: tactile maps help visitors with visual impairments navigate trails, wheelchair-accessible paths traverse scenic routes, and trained staff provide specialized programs. Sign language interpreters, accessible campsites, and adapted transportation options make parks more welcoming for everyone.
