SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - National Parks Access To Change
Episode Date: November 26, 2025Send us a text and chime in!The Department of the Interior today announced the most significant modernization of national park access in decades, delivering new digital America the Beautiful passes, u...pdated annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle access and a new resident-focused fee structure that puts American families first. These improvements, launching on Jan.1, 2026, reflect President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to making national parks more accessible, more affordable and more efficient for the American people. New Digital Format for National Park Passes - Add to your Digital Wallet Under the new system, the America the Beautiful passes – including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade and Access... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/national-parks-access-to-change/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network
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The Department of the Interior today announced the most significant modernization of
National Park access in decades, delivering new Digital America The Beautiful Passes,
updated annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle access and a new resident-focused fee structure
that puts American families first. These improvements, launching on Jan.1,
2026, reflect President Donald J. Trump's commitment to making national parks more accessible,
more affordable and more efficient for the American people.
New digital format for National Park passes, add to your digital wallet.
Under the new system, the America The Beautiful passes, including annual, military, senior, fourth grade and access,
will be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to
purchase and use their passes instantly, store them on mobile devices and link them to physical cards
for added convenience. Digital validation tools and updated training for field staff will
ensure faster entry and a smoother visitor experience across the national park system.
President Trump's leadership always puts American families first, said Secretary of the Interior
Doug Bergam. These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the national park
system, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair
share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations. The department also unveiled
new, modernized graphics for all annual passes, featuring bold, patriotic designs that honor
America's landscapes, heritage and outdoor legacy. These refreshed visuals will appear on both
digital and physical passes. As part of the administration's commitment to enhancing access for
American residents, the department is also implementing America first entry fee policies.
U.S. residents will continue to enjoy affordable pricing, while non-residents will pay a higher
rate to help support the care and maintenance of America's parks.
Beginning January 1st, 2026, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for non-residents,
ensuring that American taxpayers who already support the national park system receive the greatest benefit.
Non-residents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks,
in addition to the standard entrance fee.
The department also highlighted resident-only patriotic fee-free days for 2026.
President's Day, February 16th, 20206.
Memorial Day, May 25th, 20206.
Flag Day slash President Trump's birthday, June 14th, 20206.
Independence Day weekend, July 3rd to 5th, 20206.
110th birthday of the National Park Service, August 25th, 20206.
Constitution Day, September 17th, 20206.
Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, October 27th, 2020.
Veterans Day, November 11, 2026. In addition, the National Park Service is expanding affordability
and access for motorcycle riders. All America the beautiful passes will now cover two motorcycles
per pass, making National Park adventures more accessible for riders and families who travel on two
wheels. Revenue generated from new fee policies will be invested directly back into America's
national parks, supporting upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and improved services
nationwide. For more information on digital passes, pricing updates, and how to prepare for
the 2026 changes, visit or recreation.gov.
