This last weekend was an important one for us, because when we entered the park through the Big Oak Flat entrance station, I was able to show his ID and purchase a Senior Pass for $10.

According to the USGS store that sells them:

A Senior Pass is a $10.00 lifetime pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.

It allows me (and anyone with me) to enter any National Park in the USA for free. Plus it qualifies me for discounts on other costs like campground fees. Very cool.

Here’s a link to the FAQs about the Senior Pass. Spread the word.

http://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html

Having the Senior Pass also means you don't have to buy a Forest Service parking pass (such as the Northwest Forest Pass) any more. It gives you a 50% discount on USFS campgrounds as well. It also gets you into federal (not state) wildlife refuges and any BLM sites that charge entrance fees.

If, like me, you bought yours back when it was called the Golden Age Pass (with no pretty flowers on the card), it's still good--it's a lifetime pass!

Be sure to get it as soon as you turn 62--it's one of the best rewards for getting old! You do have to buy it in person because you have to show your iD.

I've had one now for over 15 years and it has saved me literally thousands in parking, park entry and permit fees. Best $10 I ever spent!

Great bargain. Like OM I got mine when it was Golden Age. I have worn the numbers off twice now from carrying it around in my wallet. A couple of weeks ago I was at a Notional Park here in Michigan and I complained that I could not read the numbers anymore and the ranger who had younger eyes than mine said that she could still read it and would not replace it yet. Later that day I was at NP headquarters and asked the ranger there and she replaced it immediately. You need the numbers when you register at campgrounds without a ranger station and just a fee pipe.

The pass and cheap coffee at McDonald's are the perks I use the most.

When I read the title of this thread, I thought "senior pass" was when you let odd behavior slide.

I was thinking some unknown XC route in the Southern Sierra--Señor Pass.

I guess I can get one next year. Too late for the season by the time late Sept rolls around.
Duane

Never any good reason to put this off. I intend to purchase mine within days of my qualifying birthday, the one that turns me 62.

They are a lifetime pass so they do not expire and they are good at some places open in the winter like cross country ski areas etc.

The passes are one of the good things done by the government. I was afraid that when they replaced my unreadable Golden Age pass with America the Beautiful that I might loose some benefits but they seem to be the same thing. I am a little suspicious when the government or business comes out with a new improved version.

Sounds like a great pass. I will probably get one in about 25 years. Hopefully they are still around.

Me too FM. I guess we're about the same age.

I'm thinkin I need a trip to Yosemite in Jan when I turn 62 so I can celebrate by picking up my new pass!:)