Pass lets seniors enjoy national parks on the cheap

Questions that were answered this past week dealt with the need for and cost of pet insurance, the curious death of fish in several artificial lakes, how long a student must live in Arizona to qualify for in-state tuition, and whether cereal boxes can be recycled. You can find answers to all of them and more by logging on to ask.azcentral.com. There are videos to watch, blogs to read and answers to be found.

A great question just came in that made me super happy. This is one of those things that I didn’t even know existed. And now that I do, I want to spread the word!

Question: I’m trying to find a place where I can purchase a senior pass to all the national parks. I’m 68 and both myself and my wife are retired and we want to start traveling. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Answer: travel editor Jill Cassidy has the scoop. She says you can buy an America the Beautiful Senior Pass at any national park entrance station. It also is sold online at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html or by calling 888-275-8747, ext. 1.

The Senior Pass gives admission to all national parks, monuments and recreation sites, as well as any federal public land that charges a fee, including National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management sites. By the way, it is also good anywhere in Sedona where a Red Rock Pass is required.

The pass is great because it costs only $10 and is good for the rest of the person’s life. You have to be 62 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible. Proof of age and residency is required. (A driver’s license is sufficient.) If you buy the pass online or over the phone, a $10 processing fee is charged. There is no processing fee if you buy in person at a park.

Thank you, Jill! Isn’t that fantastic? I have a list of family and friends that will be thrilled with this information. It’s a perfect example of what Asked & Answered can do for you. The reader now knows how to make this pass happen for him, and many others. So shoot me some questions about whatever’s on your mind. E-mail me at ask@azcentral .com. Let’s go find more answers!