National Park Week is a nine-day event that runs from April 20 to April 28, where visitors will get free admission to national parks. This initiative is a part of the celebration to commemorate the start of National Park Week. The National Park Service, which oversees 429 park sites in the U.S., offers free entrance to 63 national parks and other national sites, such as national monuments, national battlefields, and national historic sites.
While most national parks offer free entrance all the time, some popular parks like Grand Canyon, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and Glacier national parks have entrance fees ranging from $20 to $35 per vehicle. However, on April 20, entrance fees will be waived at these parks, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of these natural landscapes without any additional cost.
In addition to the free entrance on April 20, there are five other days in 2024 when access is free to all national parks. These days include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Juneteenth, the Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day. However, some parks may still require reservations for entry, even on free access days. For example, Yosemite National Park in California requires reservations to enter during peak hours between April 13 and June 30, and every day from July 1 through August 16. The reservations cost $2, are nonrefundable and are valid for three consecutive days.
While visitors can enjoy free access to national parks on designated days, it may be more beneficial for frequent explorers to purchase an annual national park pass. The $80 annual pass grants unlimited entrance to national parks and other federal recreation areas, making it a cost-effective option for those planning multiple park visits throughout the year. Some groups may even qualify for reduced-price or free annual passes based on certain criteria.
Mary Cropper, a travel advisor and senior U.S. specialist at Audley Travel, recommends visitors to evaluate their trip itinerary and consider the financial implications of purchasing an annual pass. Depending on the number of parks they plan to visit and the duration of their trip, an annual pass may offer more value compared to paying individual entrance fees. Cropper emphasizes the importance of doing the math and making an informed decision based on their specific travel plans.
National Park Week offers a great opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore the beauty of national parks without worrying about entrance fees. Whether visitors choose to take advantage of free access days or invest in an annual pass, the key is to plan ahead and make the most of their outdoor adventures in these breathtaking park sites.
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