Yosemite National Park offers a free annual pass to active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents, as well as a free lifetime pass to Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans. These passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.
What is the Yosemite National Park Military Pass?
The Yosemite National Park Military Pass is a special pass that grants free access to Yosemite National Park and other federal recreation areas for active duty members of the U.S. Military, their dependents, U.S. military veterans, and Gold Star Families. This pass is part of the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Interagency) Program.
Who is Eligible for the Yosemite National Park Military Pass?
The Yosemite National Park Military Pass is available to the following individuals:
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Active Duty U.S. Military Members: Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, are eligible for the annual pass.
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Military Dependents: Spouses and dependent children of active duty U.S. military members are also eligible for the annual pass.
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U.S. Military Veterans: Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, are eligible for the lifetime pass.
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Gold Star Families: Immediate family members of U.S. military members who died while serving on active duty are eligible for the lifetime pass.
How to Obtain the Yosemite National Park Military Pass?
To obtain the Yosemite National Park Military Pass, eligible individuals must present one of the following forms of identification:
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Active Duty U.S. Military Members and Dependents: An unexpired Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement).
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U.S. Military Veterans: A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), a Veteran ID Card, or a Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card.
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Gold Star Families: An unexpired Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement).
The pass can be obtained at the entrance of Yosemite National Park or at any other federal recreation area that participates in the Interagency Pass Program.
Benefits of the Yosemite National Park Military Pass
The Yosemite National Park Military Pass provides the following benefits:
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Free Entrance Fees: The pass covers the entrance fees to Yosemite National Park and other federal recreation areas, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests.
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Free Standard Amenity Fees: The pass covers standard amenity fees, such as day-use fees, at national forests, grasslands, and lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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Discounts on Expanded Amenities: The Interagency Access Pass, which is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability, including veterans and Gold Star Family members, may provide discounts on expanded amenities such as camping, guided tours, and special recreation permits.
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Access to More Than 2,000 Federal Recreation Areas: The Yosemite National Park Military Pass can be used at over 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States, making it a valuable resource for active duty military, veterans, and their families.
Limitations of the Yosemite National Park Military Pass
It’s important to note that the Yosemite National Park Military Pass does have some limitations:
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No Refunds or Replacements: The pass is non-refundable and non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
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Expanded Amenity Fees Not Covered: The pass does not cover expanded amenity fees, such as camping, tours, or special recreation permits, reservation fees, or fees for organized groups or concession-operated facilities or activities.
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Photo ID Required: Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each use of the pass.
Conclusion
The Yosemite National Park Military Pass is a valuable resource for active duty U.S. military members, their dependents, U.S. military veterans, and Gold Star Families. By providing free access to Yosemite National Park and over 2,000 other federal recreation areas, this pass allows these individuals to enjoy the natural wonders of Yosemite and other stunning landscapes across the country. Whether you’re an active duty service member, a veteran, or a Gold Star Family member, the Yosemite National Park Military Pass is a great way to explore the great outdoors and create lasting memories with your loved ones.