If you’re planning a national parks road trip—or even a couple of bucket-list getaways—one small plastic card can unlock some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country.
The America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass costs $80 and provides 12 months of access to most U.S. national parks and thousands of federal recreation sites. At parks that charge per vehicle, the pass covers everyone in the car; at per-person parks, it typically covers the passholder plus up to three additional adults. Kids under 16 are free.
What’s New for 2026
Park rangers across the country have begun selling newly redesigned America the Beautiful annual passes. Instead of the landscape or wildlife imagery the cards have featured since 2004, the updated design highlights Donald Trump and George Washington, along with an “America 250” logo honoring the nation’s upcoming semisesquicentennial celebration.
Design changes aside, the pass works exactly the same—and for travelers, the value is still hard to beat.
Below are five standout national parks where the annual pass pays off fast and delivers unforgettable experiences.
1. Yellowstone National Park
If you want a park where something interesting is happening almost nonstop, Yellowstone delivers. It’s one of the easiest parks to explore without committing to long hikes, and the variety is hard to beat.
And as one of the world’s first and most iconic national parks, Yellowstone feels like stepping onto another planet.
Park Highlights:
- Old Faithful, but also walk the nearby geyser basins—they’re just as impressive and usually less crowded
- Lamar Valley early in the morning or near sunset for wildlife sightings from the road
- Grand Prismatic Spring, ideally from the overlook trail for the full color effect
Go here if you like: variety, wildlife, scenic driving
Good to know: summer crowds are real—early mornings help a lot.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of those places where you don’t need a packed itinerary. The scale alone is the experience.
Don’t miss:
- Mather Point for a first look—it’s popular for a reason
- Walking part of the Rim Trail for changing viewpoints without elevation gain
- A short walk down Bright Angel Trail if you want to step below the rim without committing to a full hike
Go here if you like: dramatic scenery with minimal planning
Good to know: sunset views are incredible, but arrive early for parking
3. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite feels iconic the moment you enter the valley. It’s a park where even the pullouts and short walks feel memorable.
Don’t miss:
- Tunnel View—plan to stop even if you think you won’t
- Yosemite Falls in spring or early summer when snowmelt is strong
- Mariposa Grove if you’ve never seen giant sequoias before
Go here if you like: classic national park scenery and short walks with big payoffs
Good to know: parking and entry can be tight during peak season
4. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton is striking in a quieter, more relaxed way. The mountains rise straight from the valley, and the park is easy to navigate without feeling rushed.
Don’t miss:
- Jenny Lake and the boat shuttle to save time and energy
- Scenic pullouts along Teton Park Road
- Sunrise views of the Teton Range—some of the best roadside scenery anywhere
Go here if you like: mountain views without the crowds
Pair it with: Yellowstone—it’s an easy add-on
5. Zion National Park
Zion feels immersive and vertical, with towering canyon walls that make even short hikes feel dramatic.
Don’t miss:
- The Narrows for a truly unique hike through a river canyon
- Views along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, even if you skip major hikes
- Angel’s Landing only if you’re comfortable with exposure and permits
Go here if you like: adventurous scenery without long distances
Good to know: timed entry and shuttle systems are common during busy months
Is the Annual Pass Worth It?
You don’t have to be retired, traveling full-time in an RV, or flying cross-country every month for it to make sense. Many travelers are surprised by how many parks fall within easy driving distance of where they already live—or where they’re planning a single trip.
The Annual Pass Is Worth It If You…
- Live near a cluster of parks: Many regions have multiple national parks, monuments, and federally managed sites within a few hours’ drive. Even short weekend trips can add up quickly in entrance fees.
- Plan one major trip with multiple parks: A single road trip through places like the Southwest, California, or the Mountain West can easily include two or three national parks. In those cases, the pass often pays for itself on one vacation.
- Take a couple of shorter trips per year: You don’t need a grand, cross-country itinerary. Visiting one park in spring, another in summer, and a third in fall is often enough to justify the pass.
- Travel by RV or enjoy slow, scenic road trips: For RV travelers and long-distance road trippers, the annual pass is one of the easiest ways to reduce recurring travel costs while keeping itineraries flexible.
- Like having the freedom to stop and explore: With the pass already paid for, spontaneous detours into national parks, monuments, or recreation areas become easy decisions rather than extra expenses.
Important Planning Notes
Some popular parks require reservations or timed entry during peak seasons. The annual pass covers entrance fees, but it does not replace reservation systems, so it’s always smart to check ahead on Recreation.gov before you go.
With the redesigned pass sparking a brief viral moment online—particularly posts showing attempts to cover Tump’s face on the card—the National Park Service clarified its guidance. Annual passes must remain unobstructed and readable, and altered or defaced passes may not be accepted at park entrances.
Quick Travel Tips for National Park Trips
- The best time to visit varies by park.
- Spring and fall are ideal for Yosemite and Zion, while summer is best for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
- Always respect wildlife, follow posted safety guidelines, and maintain appropriate distances from animals.
- For international travelers, comparing per-visit fees versus the annual pass can help determine which option offers the best value.
