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Spring flowers are blooming, the summer travel season quickly approaches and Veterans are joining the 330-million yearly visitors enjoying U.S. National Parks.
Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal parks for free with the Lifetime National Parks Access Pass from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Good for entry into 400+ National Parks and over 2,000 recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of Veterans with disabilities.
The Access Pass admits disabled Veterans and any passengers in their vehicle (non-commercial) at per-vehicle fee areas; and, the pass owner plus three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. In addition to free entry at participating parks, the Access Pass includes discounts on expanded amenity fees; such as camping, swimming, boat launching and guided tours.
Veterans who have a VA disability rating, (10 percent or higher) are eligible for the Lifetime Access Pass—with two ways to apply.
First, disabled Veterans can apply in person at a participating federal recreation site. Simply present photo identification (Drivers license, State ID, Passport) and documentation proving a permanent disability (VA awards letter, VA ID with service connected annotation, VA summary of benefits, or receipt of Social Security disability income). That’s It. The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry.
Second, if applying by mail, send a completed packet and $10 processing fee to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The packet should include:
-The Access Pass application form
-Proof of residency
-VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income
Pass delivery expected 10-12 weeks after receipt.
Make sure to have photo ID available when using your Lifetime Access Pass and enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant recreational opportunities our National Parks provide.
Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal parks for free with the Lifetime National Parks Access Pass from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Good for entry into 400+ National Parks and over 2,000 recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of Veterans with disabilities.
The Access Pass admits disabled Veterans and any passengers in their vehicle (non-commercial) at per-vehicle fee areas; and, the pass owner plus three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. In addition to free entry at participating parks, the Access Pass includes discounts on expanded amenity fees; such as camping, swimming, boat launching and guided tours.
Veterans who have a VA disability rating, (10 percent or higher) are eligible for the Lifetime Access Pass—with two ways to apply.
First, disabled Veterans can apply in person at a participating federal recreation site. Simply present photo identification (Drivers license, State ID, Passport) and documentation proving a permanent disability (VA awards letter, VA ID with service connected annotation, VA summary of benefits, or receipt of Social Security disability income). That’s It. The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry.
Second, if applying by mail, send a completed packet and $10 processing fee to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The packet should include:
-The Access Pass application form
-Proof of residency
-VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income
Pass delivery expected 10-12 weeks after receipt.
Make sure to have photo ID available when using your Lifetime Access Pass and enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant recreational opportunities our National Parks provide.
National Park Service
Hiking
Camping
Travel
Disabled Veterans
Responses: 45
Just talking Parks - not monuments, historic sites, battlefields, etc - I've been able to visit Saguaro, Glacier, Acadia, Volcanoes, Yellowstone, Denali, and Grand Canyon. I loved Glacier but it'd be hard to say which one I like best. I hope to get to all the parks someday. Gates of the Arctic would be an awesome adventure.
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Been to Glacier and Yellowstone. Been to Petrified Forest in AZ. Been to Grand Canyon, then Mesa Verde, and Acadia. Also been to a few National Monuments / Historic Sites - Canyon de Chelly (pronounced Dee-Shay) on the Navajo Nation; Gila Cliffs National Monument; Cape Cod National Sea Shore; Lexington and Concord National Military Historic Park; etc... So I really don't have a favorite.
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I went to Yellowstone last year and I was very disappointed that there weren't any bears. You go to Yellowstone to see the bears. I remember Yellowstone when I was a child and the bears were everywhere. We had to drive slow to avoid the bears. We even had to stop the car to let bears cross the street. Alas, not anymore. There are no bears in Yellowstone.
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
They have stopped feeding them (which is not a good thing for the bears) so they are more infrequently seen. Want to see bears? Try Smokey Mountain National Park.
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SGM Deni Rainingbird
There is so much beauty and profound reverence. Nature tends to put things into perspective for us. I'd prefer to not see any bears. That's my two cents.
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CPO Arthur Weinberger
MSC(SS) Arthur "Yogy" Weinberger; I visit the SanDiego Zoo. My ex-wives reside there.
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Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
between times in service I was a state and National Park Ranger and this Has to be my favorite between the Mogollon Culture Ruins, Apache Sites and the Amazing Gila Wilderness that surrounded it All , oh and Pines, Hot springs, CAVES fishing hunting, light breezes mild winters Spectacular summer thunderstorms, floods droughts, all of it !!!
between times in service I was a state and National Park Ranger and this Has to be my favorite between the Mogollon Culture Ruins, Apache Sites and the Amazing Gila Wilderness that surrounded it All , oh and Pines, Hot springs, CAVES fishing hunting, light breezes mild winters Spectacular summer thunderstorms, floods droughts, all of it !!!
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I loved visiting Yellowstone, Arcadia (Maine), Smokey Mountains, Everglades, and the Grand Canyon. Great deal for veterans!
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Grand Canyon, without a doubt.
I’ve used my pass to enter Lake Mead, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Petrified Forest, Organ Pipe, Walnut Canyon, Montezuma's Castle, Wupatki and Sunset Crater, Vermilion Cliffs, and of course the Grand Canyon, and others I’ve forgotten.
Great benefit!
I’ve used my pass to enter Lake Mead, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Petrified Forest, Organ Pipe, Walnut Canyon, Montezuma's Castle, Wupatki and Sunset Crater, Vermilion Cliffs, and of course the Grand Canyon, and others I’ve forgotten.
Great benefit!
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Love the Smokey Mountains. Grew up near there and spent a lot of time there in my youth. When I go home to visit, try to head up there if only for a short visit. Love the brooks and the peacefulness of those beautiful mountains. Brings back memories and better times.
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I'm a non-service connected disability of 80%. I served in Viet Nam and have a bronzed star medal. I received non-service connected disability due to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010. Would I be able to attend or received rights to a National Parks pass? Thanks for your assistance with this matter.
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