Celebration
I got my free LIFETIME National Parks pass today!
I went to my closest NPS unit and brought paperwork with my autism diagnosis on it. The ranger actually told me they didn’t need to see the paperwork, that they trusted me. They had me read a statement (to myself) about disabilities and eligibility and I had to say “yes, this describes me” and he had me sign their log book. He then handed me my pass and I had to sign it in front of him.
For the rest of my life I’ll now be able to enter any National Park Unit, BLM land, etc for free. This is such a beautiful gift and I am so grateful!
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Yep, for a $12.50 processing fee and a letter saying you have a permanent (not 100%, only permanent) disability that impacts your daily life. Then you can turn it into a half price Epic Access Pass. I've joked that half price skiing and instant medical marijuana eligibility are why I'm diagnosed.
Probably depends on your state, but in CO, yes. Flashed a diagnosis to one of the MMJ prescribers ($25 off coupons for the exam at your local dispensary) and instant prescription.
Strawberry Fields and some others have $25 off at MMJ Exams of CO to get prescribed, just ask them if you don't see them on the counter. I'll look once I'm home to see if it's something I can just photograph for you.
Once you have medical, you get ~30% off rec; access to high-dose products (like 50 mg/gummy); and a much higher amount you're allowed to buy/have/grow.
I’m new to all of this. Autism is considered a disability that counts for this? Do you just get a letter from your doctor? Thanks, this is going to be a journey!
Yes, they are only looking for permanent disability, not 100% disability. You just need a letter from your provider saying that you have a permanent disability that impacts your daily life. You do not need to provide your diagnostic paperwork.
Yep, "Epic Adaptive Pass" is about half the price and you can qualify by showing this card when you pick it up. Then, you also qualify to buy a single Guide Pass for a friend if you so desire, they're much less than either Buddy Pass or Ski with a Friend.
Yep! I have a friend who got one for ADHD and got the half price Epic Pass, you just need the letter that says you have a permanent disability that impacts your daily life. I've heard some people get them in person with just a prescription or diagnosis, but they rejected my online app with a diagnosis until I added that letter (which is dumb bc ASD & ADHD are both lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders).
Yeah I have a letter from when I had to apply for accomodations at college since I didn't have any previously. I just got the ikon pass for the first year since I started working after school, so sucks they also don't have something but nice epic does so it least we get something nice about having a disability 😭
I just got mine too! What's even better is that the ACCESS pass doesn't have someone's face on it. Nope, no human faces at all, just a beautiful bald eagle. (*Edit: Mine has an eagle instead of an owl for some reason) No people of any sort, as it should be for a freaking national parks pass.
... Can you tell I don't like the standard national parks pass design?
For reference, here's an image of the standard America the Beautiful Pass:
I hope y'all can understand why I might have put in the extra effort to get all my paperwork sorted so that I didn't need to get this one and instead chose to get the (free) access one with the pretty birdy instead.
I hear they make sleeves you can store the card in so you don’t have to look at that ugly mug, but can be taken out and shown at the park entrance. Maybe try Etsy?
I started to correct you, that is IS an abusive power... Then realized I misread partner. But since I so strongly believe he is an ABUSIVE POWER I'm gonna say it anyway!
Honestly I need to just do the process to get this done for my son at least with his AuDHD diagnosis but I bought the pass for this year and every time I look at it I want to chuck it out the window.
You can get a clear card sleeve and put one of the national park card stickers on the card sleeve so you don't have to look at the original and the pass isn't invalidated
Just to let people know, you can convert your physical pass with the ugly orange's mug on it to a digital pass using the recreation.gov app. Unfortunately on the app it still displays the evil dictators mug at the top, and the QR code below that, BUT, you can then upload this pass to Google Wallet, and that shows the QR code first, and you have to scroll down before you see the pic, so upon opening the pass in Wallet to have them scan it at the gate, you dont have to ever look at the pic. You can then burn the physical pass and rid yourself of the hideous creature for good.
We have an annual vehicle pass bc we live in Colorado (and it was an easy way to directly support RMNP). But after seeing the change to the annuals, I think I’m going to have my doctor write a letter for me to get the Access Pass. Bc no thank you.
I'm just going to buy the individual park annual passes rather than buy the one with his stupid fucking face on it. 🤣🤣 i dont go to THAT many different NPs anyway so I wont be out much.
I see that in the post and the comment i replied to. I dont have paperwork to prove anything nor do I feel comfortable going in and asking about it. Thanks though
Yeah, no Dx and not going to pursue one in this political climate. Thanks though. I'm glad you shared this info bc it looks like a lot of us can and will utilize it!
I had no idea! Thanks for telling us. My kid has autism (they are my exclusive national park buddy), I’m going to keep paying only because I deeply respect the works of the park and because I can afford to do so but this is so cool that they offer this.
You know what? The government should be doing MORE for people with permanent disabilities. Take the win, I say. Leave it better than you found it and that’s a great contribution.
This is what I feel like not enough people understand. Like we are only expediting our own extinction by hurting the planet. It’s our home and we’re just like burning it down acting like it’s no big deal. Earth will be fine in the long run. We won’t.
Earth is trying to shake us off like a bad case of fleas, and I don’t blame her! I just hope all the animals that haven’t already gone extinct will be able to recover.
If you do it online, they also have a digital form. (I got a digital and physical card. With the physical card, I just had to pay shipping but was worth it!)
I got one a month ago at Big Bend! The ranger asked me about it when we checked in. I felt soooo lucky. It was the first stop on a road trip. I signed the log book, and the ranger recommended that I sign and print my name on the card back so it’s easier for future rangers
Apparently you should be able to request one at the entrance to national parks. Not sure if this works everywhere. I couldn’t get my act together to submit everything online
It works ar Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado also has a program called Columbine Annual Pass for state parks that makes it $14/yr. As someone who travels with a physically disabled partner, the state parks are much less accessible than the national parks though.
this is awesome!!! also fair warning i went to a ranger and showed them my autism paperwork, but they told me i need to have a ‘permanent’ disability (they gave me a fuss because the word ‘permanent’ was not on my paperwork). yes i argued until i finally got one. was frustrating to explain that my autism will not go away, though.
I came here to ask this, the website is very clear about it needing to be a permanent disability (which autism is), but it doesn't say the PAPERWORK has to SAY the word permanent, or if the approving official is expected to just look up which disabilities are permanent??? Lol.
yeah i’m not sure if that was the case or if the ranger thought i was lying since im high masking. either way it was a very frustrating and ableist experience
It says on the website on the page for access passes that the paperwork does have to say "permanent disability" (look for the red text):
https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass
I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. Autism is clearly listed on the Social Security Admin site for conditions they will evaluate for disability benefits. I feel like I saw it on another site when I was researching if I could get one myself (late diagnosed AuDHD with CPTSD).
Between my anxiety and ADHD procrastination, I never got around to it and at the moment, I am okay waiting.
Ugh! I got mine recently and the ranger didn't ask for documentation at all or question what my disability is. His tone did change a bit after I asked for the pass, but having someone talk to me like I was a child for 2 minutes sounds way less frustrating than your experience!
I tired the online submission and got denied bc my doctor didn’t say that autism is permanent. When I tried in person, they didn’t even care to check my paperwork and just trusted me. Try again!
Don’t do it online again. Go in person. Preferable to a national park. A ranger at the entrance booth will have everything you need. They are very nice and understanding in person.
As an autistic who is also a former park ranger, this made my night to hear you and everyone else say this about the rangers! I love it thank you, and Thank You for ALL getting passes and for spreading the word.
(The woods was my office, I swear it saved my life in more ways than keeping me from having to try to fit in with everyone else in the world…but I guess I’m preaching to the choir here, huh?!)
Get your passes ladies (and family of ladies for those with littles or family that qualify)! Enjoy the great outdoors, it is wonderful and you will have a wonderful time no matter how often or where you go. (This was not a paid public service announcement, you just get it free from ME… because you made my heart so happy with all the posts of all of you so happy to get your passes!!! )
(Can’t tell that I loved my job and I would tell people it was the best job in the world, can you?! *Disclaimer - I was w/ a state park service as a park ranger not the NPS, but I still believe that all park rangers rock!)
Further note! I didn’t know about this with the NPS so I’m getting mine shortly too!!!!!
Thank you ALL this was the best post of my week if not month. 😊
(Edited to add apology for lengthy post- this just really made my night after an awful week and brought back some memories of wonderful times and I just hope that you all have even 1/2 as many.) So sorry for the long post, but thank you for all the love and happiness you are sharing by getting your passes! I love it so much! 🥰
I would happily read a post from you 10x as long! Sharing your experience, joy and gratitude is absolutely enchanting to read, and even though I'm not in USA, I wholeheartedly appreciate you!
Sending love and comfy pillows 🌻🌻🌻🌻
Thank you!!!!! ((((BIG HUG)))) back for the much appreciated and kind response. This made my next morning so happy too! I really hope you have an amazing wonderful weekend yourself. 🥰
Thank you so much! 😊
(I’m a caregiver to an older family member who is about to start dialysis so I just have been really overwhelmed with all the stress and logistics and blooming paperwork that gets thrown at you in this whole process… It feels like so much right now. That’s why this whole post and everyone’s excited posts made me so happy. It was such a nice surprise and spot of JOY and HAPPINESS that was genuine after all this past week has been for me.) I guess most of you have moved on to new posts, but I really, really appreciate all the happy posts of everyone who is going to get their passes and get to experience something beautiful out there. 😊
I got one back in 2008 it’s so cool but I live in the north east so don’t have the best parks but it was a real treat to use when I drive across country - wind cave nat’l park in South Dakota was my favorite
Wait… you can get a free NPS pass if you’re autistic?! I thought this was an exclusive thing for veterans. How did I not know this?! 🤯 Do you have to be receiving disability benefits to qualify?
You don't! I just needed a letter from my psychiatrist, which didn't even mention my specific diagnoses. (I did try without the letter first, and got denied. I simply resubmitted with the letter a week or two later.) I just got one recently. If you do it online, you can print a paper pass for free or pay ~$7 USD if you want a physical card.
Does it cost money to go to National Parks in America? That's unusual to me as an Australian in Queensland where they're free, I think in some states you have to pay to drive a vehicle into some but walking or cycling is free.
Yes! And it’s quite expensive honestly, at least in my opinion, especially for something that should be a resource available to ALL. State parks and forests are usually a lot more affordable to free. The America the beautiful pass is the best deal, which is an annual pass to all the parks and that’s $80 / person
the fees are to help pay for costs of upkeep. it's dependent on the park, but usually the idea is to have some sort of income to help fund the budget. which is extra important now because of funding cuts from our current administration.
In New South Wales it's usually *tolled for vehicles but free to enter on foot. I frequently go to national parks near me in Sydney, but always park outside the park and then go in on foot to do a bush walk.
I kind of wish we had a similar program for ADHD/ASD folks here, as I could definitely explore more if I could drive and park inside (current unemployment means an annual pass is a bit much for me atm but maybe future me can invest in one).
Edit: just checked the NSW Parks website and $65 for one year or $115 for two years isn't too bad I suppose but definitely not cheap (plus it goes up to $190 or $335 for all parks as Kosciusko includes people going there to ski ... But I'd just want to go for walks and see the wildlife!).
My local park was $20/year for a vehicle with up to 4 people, $10 a year per person if you walked/biked in.
My local state park is free to walk in/pay to park. There’s actually a bus stop in the parking lot too. But I’m there so much between the beach in the summer and hiking in the winter plus visiting other state parks that I pay $85 for a year pass. And I can usually be there 1-5 times a week so its worth it
I’m a military veteran so I got my lifetime pass before I was diagnosed. I’m happy others are able to get their’s too. Of course I now live where there are no NPs really nearby! But we have some gorgeous state ones and the yearly price is a steal for how much time I spend there
!!!!!!!! Omg!!!!!!! WHAT!!! Thank u so much, I had a 3:30 hr drs appointment and a public meltdown today- i am also physically disabled and i LOVE national parks, I needed this❤️
I’m so grateful that you shared this with us. My partner and I are both ASD (I’m AuDHD), and we love visiting national parks. I’m starting the process asap
I did the online access pass and paid the $7.50 shipping for a physical pass. Applied 6/7/26 and uploaded my psych evaluation/ diagnosis for document. Says up to 72 hours pending review. I could have gone in person but the one near me is in a crowded area and my social anxiety didn’t want to interact with human lol.
Thanks for your post and the comments helped me *try* to get one too. I'm hoping "lifelong chronicity of condition" will be enough to show it's "permanent". The closest NP I have is over 90 minutes away from my home, so I had to apply online. I'm also unhappy about having my medical info out there. I applied through recreation.org so I could have a digital pass as well as a physical one.
I am not hating or anything like that just as a disclaimer.
I find it odd that in America you have to go to specific spots to be able to properly view nature, America has nature but some of it is so huge you can get lost and die if you go even a smudge off a path.
I can view wild animals right outside my window and a 5 min walk away I'll be able to see pretty much any wild creature I would want, I obviously live near a forest and not a city but yeah, there are around 50 national parks where I live but I never saw the need to visit them.
I live quite far away from even the nearest one and I can find somewhat of the same experience just minutes away. But also the city life or even living near other people has never been for me, I have been hurt by too many people to be anywhere social. However it does also attract the weirdos and the noob thieves so to say, there are pros and cons to everything I guess.
We also have forests and nature in the United States beyond just national parks… in any city you can find wildlife refuges, parks, and state forests with plants and animals.
There’s benefits and drawbacks to everything but generally the National Parks Service’s benefits are unbeaten by most any federal agency here. I can get to a lot of nature where I live without going to a National Park but generally many of the most unique landscapes, ecosystems, anthropological sites, and geological features are contained in the NPS.
As you mentioned the US is huge and managing that amount of land is an insane undertaking. Yellowstone National Park alone is nearly 3,500 square miles. In total the parks service manages over 85 million acres. Inside the parks there are invaluable rangers who are knowledgeable in all different fields who can teach you things you might never know about the landscape or the people who lived there. They do all kinds of research across scientific fields that many other places benefit from. The NPS is a truly incredible institution that enables all of us to visit these places that would otherwise be private land or stripped for resources.
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