National Park Senior Pass Increasing from $10 to $80

The time to buy a lifetime Senior Pass to our national parks is now — or at least before August 28, 2017, when the price will increase from $10 to $80.

The pass grants seniors over the age of 62 with lifetime access to the more than 2,000 sites and parks managed by the National Park Service, including Santa Barbara County’s prized Channel Islands National Park. Following legislation passed by Congress in December 2016, the price hike will pay for critical maintenance projects. The legislation also introduces a new $20 Annual Senior Pass, which, if bought four years in a row, will be exchangeable for the lifetime pass.

All previously purchased Lifetime Senior Passes, as well as those purchased for $10 between now and August 28, will be honored. Passes can be purchased at all national parks and federal recreation areas with day use fees. Seniors can also purchase online or by mail (postmarked by August 28), but will be charged an additional $10 processing fee.