America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass

It’s a bargain to visit our National Parks and other Recreational Lands, but here’s a way to make a great bargain an even better one.  

The Annual 2009 “America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass” goes on sale December 1st and with a special holiday offer is valid from December 1st, 2008 through January 31st, 2010. 

That’s 14 month of access to to over 2,000 sites! 

The annual pass covers entrance fees at participating sites managed by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.  This includes places like Crater Lake National Park, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (in photo), and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area.  Check out the full listing of sites at the US Geological Service site.

The Annual Pass sells for $80, and covers entrance for the holder and all accompanying passengers in a single, non-commercial vehicle.  Where per person entry fees are charge, the pass cover the holder and three accompanying adults (children 15 and under are free).

To get the special holiday offer, you’ll need to order through the USGS website, via email to fedrecpass@usgs.gov, or by calling 1-888-275-8747, option 1.

This makes a great personal purchase as well as a terrific gift for any outdoor enthusiast on your list.  The USGS also offers an online shop with lots of other gift ideas.

Photo credit:  wikimedia