Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

If you've been searching for the best source of information and stimulating discussion related to Spring/Summer/Fall backpacking, hiking and camping in the Sierra Nevada...look no further!
User avatar
DAVELA
Topix Regular
Posts: 307
Joined: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:23 am
Experience: N/A
Location: los angeles

Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by DAVELA »

Ive seen people selling the annual pass for half price online after theyre done using it.I was wondering if the pass is registered to the original buyer and if the park ranger checks your id.
http://www.suwa.org/protect-greater-canyonlands" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
zacjust32
Topix Regular
Posts: 362
Joined: Thu Apr 16, 2015 12:50 pm
Experience: Level 3 Backpacker
Location: Fresno, Ca
Contact:

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by zacjust32 »

You do have to sign the back, and they check it against your license, but there's room for 2 signatures on the card. Assuming they signed the first, you do still have a chance to sign the second and use the pass. The signatures can also just be wiped off in theory with an alcohol swab pretty easily, aside from any ethical constraints. Hike your hike.
User avatar
DAVELA
Topix Regular
Posts: 307
Joined: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:23 am
Experience: N/A
Location: los angeles

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by DAVELA »

What if you enter the park after hours?do you leave the pass id on the dash?
http://www.suwa.org/protect-greater-canyonlands" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
maverick
Forums Moderator
Forums Moderator
Posts: 11823
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:54 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by maverick »

NPS.gov site writes the following:
Annual Pass

- $80 annual pass
- Available to everyone.
- Can be obtained in person at a federal recreation site, or by calling 1-888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), Ext. 3 (Hours of operation are: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Mountain time), or online.
- Non-transferable.
http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
User avatar
The Other Tom
Founding Member
Posts: 968
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2005 6:06 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Upstate South Carolina

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by The Other Tom »

DAVELA wrote:What if you enter the park after hours?do you leave the pass id on the dash?
No. They're supposed to check it on exit. I've seen them do exit checks about 50% of the time.
User avatar
DAVELA
Topix Regular
Posts: 307
Joined: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:23 am
Experience: N/A
Location: los angeles

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by DAVELA »

But they allow 2 people to sign the pass and share it?
http://www.suwa.org/protect-greater-canyonlands" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
markskor
Founding Member - RIP
Posts: 2442
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:41 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Crowley Lake and Tuolumne Meadows

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by markskor »

Sigh...I suppose it all depends on whether you believe in obeying the rules...or playing the system.

Yes, you could "buy" a used (one signature) pass and, even though illegal to do so, would probably never get busted. I have a pass and, when entrance lines are hideous, just flash it without ever being checked...never have had a problem.
However, there is that Sierra Karma thing...Do you really want to risk fate?
Mountainman who swims with trout
User avatar
hjldennis
Topix Acquainted
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Aug 15, 2013 12:58 am
Experience: N/A

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by hjldennis »

DAVELA wrote:But they allow 2 people to sign the pass and share it?
I suppose the two lines are for your spouse? They tend to check on exit in more popular parks like yosemite, but not all the time. Some slow parks like death valley is on honor system, but they do check whenever you come across any park officials.

I have let friends borrow my pass with no problem, and without too much thought into it, but I think I should stop that...
wandering outdoors and the universe
User avatar
DAVELA
Topix Regular
Posts: 307
Joined: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:23 am
Experience: N/A
Location: los angeles

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by DAVELA »

I live on a lower income otherwise i wouldnt hesitate to buy new pass.Rent,gas,250$ ticket for riding my bicycle on empty sidewalk...that s the world we live in.
Thinking about a roadtrip to utah.Even tho i have no interest in Zion,you have to drive thru it and get nailed for a $30 entrance fee.
http://www.suwa.org/protect-greater-canyonlands" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
hjldennis
Topix Acquainted
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Aug 15, 2013 12:58 am
Experience: N/A

Re: Can you buy a used National Park annual pass?

Post by hjldennis »

DAVELA wrote:250$ ticket for riding my bicycle on empty sidewalk...
I didn't even know that was illegal. We used do that all the time when our kids were younger.
I personally wouldn't think about buying a used pass since I am able to afford one, but come to think of it, if someone gave me a leftover pass, I may just use it. But I will ask for forgiveness rather than a permission, even in a friendly community like this, lol..
wandering outdoors and the universe
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google Adsense [Bot] and 162 guests