Written for GRIT by Nerissa Cannon
For outdoor enthusiasts, the allure of a National Park is hard to resist. The National Park Service preserves natural, cultural, and historical sites all across the United States. Some of the most breathtaking landscapes are within these park boundaries.
Thankfully, the National Park Service has taken it upon themselves to offer a FREE lifetime pass for US Citizens that have a permanent disability. It allows you to be admitted for FREE to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. At sites that charge entrance fees per vehicle, you and your whole car will be admitted with this pass. At areas that charge per person entrance fees you and up to 3 companions will be admitted with the Access Pass.
In addition to the entrance fee, the Access Pass grants certain benefits for the holder that vary from park to park. However, some of these benefits can include discounts on campsites, guided tours, special use permit fees, and more!
STEP ONE: Getting the Documents
In addition to providing proof of US Citizenship (such as a driver’s license, state issued ID card, or a passport) anyone interested in obtaining an Access Pass must provide ONE of the following:
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A statement signed by a licensed physician attesting that you have a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and stating the nature of the impairment
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A document issued by a Federal agency, such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration, which attests that you have been medically determined to be eligible to receive Federal benefits as a result of blindness or permanent disability. Other acceptable Federal agency documents include proof of receipt of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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A document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency, which attests that you have been medically determined to be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation agency benefits or services as a result of medically determined blindness or permanent disability. Showing a State motor vehicle department disability sticker, license plate or hang tag is not acceptable documentation
STEP TWO: Obtaining the Access Pass
You can obtain your pass in two ways: In-Person or Mail. A mailed-in application does require a $10 processing fee. Because I live within a reasonable drive of several National Parks (and I’m always up for a day trip) I elected to get my pass in person.
My boyfriend and I decided to visit the breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park. We weren’t sure how this was going to work exactly. We thought we had to get the pass at the Visitor’s Center but that would mean going through the front gate first. Would we have to pay to get in just to get my pass? Turns out it was easier than we could have hoped for!
We told the ranger what we were there to get. I handed over my letter and my driver’s license. He had me read and sign a short statement as a legal release stating I do have a permanent disability. Then, I got my Access Pass card, signed it, and we were good to go. Couldn’t believe how smoothly it went, but more than that I couldn’t wait to start using it!
STEP THREE: Using the Access Pass
HIKING
We couldn’t drive all the way to Bryce Canyon without going for at least a short hike! After entering the park we checked out our options. Many National Parks (including Bryce Canyon) have Accessibility Guides. However, those often have an extremely limited list of only paved trails to choose from.
Instead of playing it safe and only going with a designated “wheelchair friendly” trail, we decided to drive to the farthest point (and highest elevation) of the park: Rainbow Point. From there we set about tackling a 1 mile loop trail called Bristlecone Loop. It was quite steep and rutted in some places, but my Freedom Chair performed brilliantly, earning the admiration of many fellow hikers. It was a stunning day to be out and made me even more eager to use my pass to have the most adventurous Summer of my life.
CAMPING
Here is my service dog, Cash, thrilled to have our tent set up at our campsite in Colorado National Monument.
While utilizing the Access Pass to get into the park to hike and enjoy the scenery would have been enough for me, this pass also enables me to get discounts on campsites within the park which means my budget goes further. I grabbed an envelope, then went to go pick out our site. I set up camp, filled out the envelope, and posted the slip on the board showing that I’ve claimed my site. On the envelope there was a spot to write my Access Pass number. Finally, I put my payment in the envelope and dropped the envelope into their secure fee station tube that was back at the kiosk where I got the envelope. It’s that simple!
STEP FOUR: Planning More Adventures
I’ve only just begun exploring the world of National Parks. My GRIT Freedom Chair has already opened up a wide array of trail opportunities. However, now that I have my Access Pass my adventures will be beyond epic. So much to see and do! Luckily, no matter where I travel, there are opportunities for exploring Federal Lands. To start planning a trip of your own, click on a a state or territory below! Happy Trails!
NATIONAL PARKS BY STATE
Alabama
Arkansas
Connecticut
Georgia
Illinois
Kansas
Maine
Michigan
Missouri
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oregon
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin
Alaska
California
Delaware
Hawaii
Indiana
Kentucky
Maryland
Minnesota
Montana
New Hampshire
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Idaho
Iowa
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Nebraska
New Jersey
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Vermont
West Virginia
Other United States of America Federal Territories
District of Columbia
Northern Mariana Islands
Virgin Islands