Happy beginning of summer!  Even though I live in San Francisco about which Mark Twain is reported to have said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”, I’m still thrilled when summer starts.  Last week on June 21^st, I was teaching a class and we all decided it would be fun to mark the official beginning of summer at 1:14 PM  with a collective “Woosh!” to send spring rains packing and welcome summer.  Even though we got busy and missed the mark by a bit, we still did the “Woosh” before we left and wished each other a good summer.

During the day, we shared our plans for summer – travel, camping, hiking, family reunions.  When someone mentioned a visit to a national park, it reminded me of The Golden Access Passport I have recommended for years and which I continue to recommend at the drop of a hat. I think I this is one of the most amazing bargains available to seniors.  Past mentions of this have brought thanks from friends as far away as Japan.  It even brought a smile to the face of a 63 year old friend who hates being 63!  She was happy to learn there really are some benefits to being  “more mature.”

Indeed, the Golden Access Passport is a wonderful deal for senior citizens  It costs just $10 (yes, just $10) for a lifetime pass to most U.S. National parks, forests, refuges, monuments and recreation areas, from Denali National Park in Alaska to the Florida Everglades.

To learn more, just read on, see website, or call the number below.  I hope this idea will make your summer, and the summer of someone you love, even better!

Call 1-888-GO-PARKS for specific information or go to – Senior Pass.

Senior Pass Eligibility
As part of the American the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program, U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 62 years old can purchase a Senior Pass for a one-time processing fee of $10. This Senior Pass to national parks and lands offers benefits to you and your traveling companions.

Senior Pass to National Parks Benefits

• In National Parks that charge an entrance or standard amenity fee, the Senior Pass admits you and the passengers in your car or other private vehicle.
• In National Parks where a “per person” entrance fee is charged, the Senior Pass admits you plus three other adults (who need not be seniors). This is an especially good deal if you are also traveling with grandchildren, because children under 16 have free admission.
• The lifetime national parks Senior Pass also gives seniors a 50 percent discount on federal use fees charged for camping, swimming, boat launching, parking and tours.
• In some cases where use fees are charged, only the person named on the Senior Pass will be given the 50 percent discount.
• The senior pass is non-transferable and does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or concession fees charged by private companies.

How to Buy a National Parks Lifetime Senior Pass
The Senior Pass to national parks cannot be purchased by mail or online. It must be purchased in person at a federal area where entrance fees are charged, or at regional offices of the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Proof of age, such as a valid driver’s license, is required at the time you purchase your senior pass.

For more information about the National Parks Lifetime Senior Pass, call the National Park Service at 1-888-ASK-USGS.

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