National parks entrance fees waived for troops, get your free pass starting Saturday (May 19)

By

Staff

** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **A backpacker views Half Dome, the 8,842-foot symbol of Yosemite National Park, May 30, 2004. A popular trail to the summit of Half Dome approaches from the ridgeline at top left. Cables assist hikers on the final 400-feet, over the steep section in shadow just left of the peak. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

It’s a great deal to the great outdoors.

Beginning May 19 — Armed Forces Day — active-duty troops and their families can get a free military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass. Part of the White House’s Joining Forces initiative, the pass costs $80 for civilians.

The pass is accepted at all sites run by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and some U.S. Army Corps of Engineers locations.

Better yet, friends can come along for free, too. The pass is good for any accompanying passengers in areas that charge per vehicle; or the pass owner and up to an additional three adults at sites that charge per person.

You can pick one up at any national park or wildlife refuge that normally charges an entrance fee.

Find more information here.