The Organic Act established the National Park Service as an agency under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior with the stated purpose of promoting use of national park lands while protecting them from impairment.

The National Park Service is dedicated to conserving unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

President Woodrow Wilson

The National Park Service Act of 1916 is a federal law that established the National Park Service (NPS), an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The act gathered into a single system the fourteen national parks and twenty-one national monuments. The NPS was entrusted with the duty to manage the system.

Whenever it appears to the State Government that an area, whether within a Sanctuary or not, is, by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological or zoological assosiation or importance, needed to be constituted as a National Park for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wild life therein …

Theodore Roosevelt

A park ranger may perform a number of different duties. However, they usually only enforce park regulations unless they come across an illegal activity in a park. They do carry firearms and are trained to defend themselves.

the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Alaska

423 national park sites

National parks must be established by an act of the United States Congress. Thirty states have national parks, as do the territories of American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. California has the most with nine, followed by Alaska with eight, Utah with five, and Colorado with four.

Only 108 of the 423 NPS sites and parks currently charge entrance fees, so there are hundreds of places you can visit for free year-round. However, entrance fees range up to $35 per vehicle for some of the country’s most popular destinations, including Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yellowstone national parks.

No. The Annual Pass is valid at participating Federal recreation sites.

The Annual Pass is good for one full year from the date of purchase. You can also purchase a $80 Lifetime Senior Pass. The Lifetime Pass does not need to be renewed. A Lifetime Senior Pass can be purchased anytime for $80.

$80 lifetime pass, plus a $10 processing fee. An annual senior pass is also available.

$80

You can also buy the Annual National Park Pass online at REI. While you can’t get the Senior Pass or other versions, this is a hassle-free way to grab one. You can also use an REI gift card, which is a major win. Your local REI might actually sell the pass in store, too, so if you’re desperate make sure to call.

Where can I purchase a CA State Parks Annual Pass? Annual passes can be purchased in person or online. To purchase passes online please visit our CA State Parks Online Store.

Passes can have two owners, so you and a spouse, friend, relative, co-worker, etc., can share the pass and split the cost. You’ll need to show the pass with valid identification, so you’ll want to be sure you share it with someone you can easily share the pass back and forth with.

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction.

You can use your Senior Pass to visit any national park including national recreation areas and national monuments, Army Corps of Engineer recreation sites, Fish and Wildlife areas, and National Forest Service campgrounds.

The entrance fee is waived if you have an Annual Yellowstone Passport or an Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass or Military Annual Pass. Obtain passes at any national park, monument or recreation area. Yellowstone Passports are available at all park entrances.