What’s your favorite national park?

2019-05-22T12:20:00-04:00

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.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made May 22 at 2019 12:27 PM

2019-05-22T12:27:31-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 22 at 2019 1:22 PM

2019-05-22T13:22:29-04:00

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.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2019 1:37 PM

2019-05-22T13:37:06-04:00

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.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 22 at 2019 6:34 PM

2019-05-22T18:34:28-04:00

I loved visiting Yellowstone, Arcadia (Maine), Smokey Mountains, Everglades, and the Grand Canyon. Great deal for veterans!

Response by HN Rick Strul made May 22 at 2019 8:08 PM

2019-05-22T20:08:18-04:00

There indeed are bears in Yellowstone! There are plenty in the back country.

One of my most important achievements is that I have taken my children to national parks, battlefields, monuments, and historic sites in every state in the United States! I have also had them on many tribal reservations, state historic sites and parks. It has made them more well rounded than many of their peers and all of them love the outdoors.

I love many of the national parks but my favorite is still Yosemite.

Response by Sgt Wesley Ziebell made May 22 at 2019 8:21 PM

2019-05-22T20:21:43-04:00

Grand Canyon

Response by CPL David Justian made May 22 at 2019 8:29 PM

2019-05-22T20:29:48-04:00

Sleeping Bear

Response by PFC Frederick Smith made May 22 at 2019 8:30 PM

2019-05-22T20:30:13-04:00

Is there any parks in Cincinnati that is free for veterans

Response by TSgt Robert Blannin made May 22 at 2019 8:39 PM

2019-05-22T20:39:21-04:00

This is a wonderful blessing

Response by LCpl Walter Larson made May 22 at 2019 8:49 PM

2019-05-22T20:49:33-04:00

Denali National Park is unsurpassed.

Response by TSgt Lawrence Swinton made May 22 at 2019 8:58 PM

2019-05-22T20:58:19-04:00

Kitty HAWK, nc

Response by PO3 Brian Kraynik made May 22 at 2019 9:13 PM

2019-05-22T21:13:48-04:00

Crater Lake

Response by CW4 Mike Soule made May 22 at 2019 9:19 PM

2019-05-22T21:19:42-04:00

Grand Canyon is by far my favorite.

Response by CDR S Eagle made May 22 at 2019 9:29 PM

2019-05-22T21:29:14-04:00

Favorite Park sites: Arches National Park (Utah); Dry Tortugas National Park (aka: Fort Jefferson, Florida); Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado); Fort McHenry National Battle Monument (Maryland); Yosemite National Park (California); and Olympic National Park (Washington state -3 parks in 1). Two great "clusters": Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, & Canyonlands) -- and Florida (Everglades, Big Cypress, & Biscayne). NOTE: the National Park System only has about 60 "parks" (the number changes). There are currently 417 sites managed by NPS, including parks, battlefields, monuments, historic sites, etc. We are blessed to have them in our country!

Response by A1C Roger Dock made May 22 at 2019 9:34 PM

2019-05-22T21:34:55-04:00

The Dunes State Park in Indiana

Response by AB James Stone made May 22 at 2019 9:35 PM

2019-05-22T21:35:33-04:00

Yellowstone

Response by A1C Roger Dock made May 22 at 2019 9:36 PM

2019-05-22T21:36:40-04:00

Indiana Dunes National Park

Response by A1C Roger Dock made May 22 at 2019 9:37 PM

2019-05-22T21:37:07-04:00

Dunes National Park

Response by A1C Roger Dock made May 22 at 2019 9:37 PM

2019-05-22T21:37:26-04:00

Indiana Dunes National Park

Response by SPC Richard Malinowski made May 22 at 2019 9:43 PM

2019-05-22T21:43:37-04:00

starved rock

Response by SSgt Anita Elder made May 22 at 2019 9:48 PM

2019-05-22T21:48:18-04:00

I've had my pass for years! My favorite park is Mt. Rainier.

Response by SPC Madeline Rivera made May 22 at 2019 9:50 PM

2019-05-22T21:50:37-04:00

Yellowstone Park

Response by PO3 Betty Wiley-Avila made May 22 at 2019 11:23 PM

2019-05-22T23:23:13-04:00

I have visited many National Parks. Each has their own features that are spectacular. It's hard to pick just one.

Response by SSG Ken McClurg made May 22 at 2019 11:23 PM

2019-05-22T23:23:35-04:00

glacier been to many parks including Denali, Yellowstone.and Yosemite but keep coming back to Glacier.

Response by PO3 Adolfo Bacicha made May 23 at 2019 1:06 AM

2019-05-23T01:06:33-04:00

Grand Canyon

Response by MSgt Glenn (Eddie) Barker made May 23 at 2019 2:43 AM

2019-05-23T02:43:21-04:00

Glacier National Park

Response by FN Steve Heglmeier made May 23 at 2019 7:16 AM

2019-05-23T07:16:30-04:00

It's between Brice Canyon and Zion NP. Climbing up to Angel's Landing.

Response by PO2 Jerome Fischer made May 23 at 2019 7:31 AM

2019-05-23T07:31:38-04:00

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Response by SN William Coats made May 23 at 2019 8:21 AM

2019-05-23T08:21:48-04:00

Granfather Mountain North Carolina

Response by PFC Robert Kelly made May 23 at 2019 10:31 AM

2019-05-23T10:31:51-04:00

Locust Lake Park

Response by Sgt Turner Simmons made May 23 at 2019 10:41 AM

2019-05-23T10:41:32-04:00

Love you all,have a great day.

Response by PO3 Elzie Gray made May 23 at 2019 11:01 AM

2019-05-23T11:01:20-04:00

My favorite is Yellow Stone.

Response by Capt Dan Cagle made May 23 at 2019 11:11 AM

2019-05-23T11:11:10-04:00

Yellow Stone

Response by PFC Jim VanDemark made May 23 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-05-23T11:16:04-04:00

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Response by Sgt William Head made May 23 at 2019 11:29 AM

2019-05-23T11:29:10-04:00

Zion

Response by PO2 Michael Phillips made May 23 at 2019 2:21 PM

2019-05-23T14:21:02-04:00

Yosemite National Park is my favorite park. I haven't been there over 10 years. It is a little over commercialized but is still close to my heart.

Response by LTC Robert Clingan made May 23 at 2019 2:42 PM

2019-05-23T14:42:27-04:00

Vicksburg National Military Park

Response by SP5 Charles Grymko made May 23 at 2019 2:57 PM

2019-05-23T14:57:57-04:00

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 !!!

Response by SSgt Ronald Davis made May 23 at 2019 4:24 PM

2019-05-23T16:24:42-04:00

Yosemite is one of many favorites.

Response by SFC Jan Goodman made May 23 at 2019 6:42 PM

2019-05-23T18:42:45-04:00

Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert.

Response by SPC Michael Matthews made May 24 at 2019 1:26 PM

2019-05-24T13:26:50-04:00

supply

Response by SN Cedric Hill made May 24 at 2019 6:00 PM

2019-05-24T18:00:03-04:00

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.

Response by SSgt Chuck Zirkle made May 26 at 2019 8:50 AM

2019-05-26T08:50:00-04:00

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.

Response by MCPO Hilary Kunz made Jun 13 at 2019 2:43 PM

2019-06-13T14:43:23-04:00

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!

Response by CW2 Cornelius Williams Jr made Jul 17 at 2019 6:04 PM

2019-07-17T18:04:39-04:00

Grand Canyon