National Parks - Why Don't People Who Go Get Annual Passes?

[billchao]

I actually had to look up the National Parks around me, so that should say everything about how often I go to one. I've been to Yosemite for maybe four hours once as part of a tour group like 15 years ago...

[nevets88]

22 minutes ago, billchao said:

I actually had to look up the National Parks around me, so that should say everything about how often I go to one. I've been to Yosemite for maybe four hours once as part of a tour group like 15 years ago...

You weren't far away from Acadia when you were in Maine Bill - I was in Portland recently, but alas, just not enough time to make it there, could have spent 1/2 day there but need more time than that to cover the park properly. 

Always have been meaning to go to Everglades NP in FLA, one day.

[billchao]

13 minutes ago, nevets88 said:

You weren't far away from Acadia when you were in Maine Bill - I was in Portland recently, but alas, just not enough time to make it there, could have spent 1/2 day there but need more time than that to cover the park properly. 

It's like three hours from Cape Elizabeth, isn't it? We originally suggested Bar Harbor as a destination instead of Portland but everyone balked at the additional driving distance.

Once we were in Maine, though... do you know what a three hour car ride to visit a National Park with small children is like? It was a struggle just spending two hours at Fort Williams Park and that was five minutes down the street. They wouldn't appreciate it so it wasn't worth the aggravation of going.

[nevets88]

6 minutes ago, billchao said:

It's like three hours from Cape Elizabeth, isn't it? We originally suggested Bar Harbor as a destination instead of Portland but everyone balked at the additional driving distance.

Once we were in Maine, though... do you know what a three hour car ride to visit a National Park with small children is like? It was a struggle just spending two hours at Fort Williams Park and that was five minutes down the street. They wouldn't appreciate it so it wasn't worth the aggravation of going.

Yeah, you're right, after driving to southern Maine, 3 hours, actually 6 RT is a long way, Was more thinking in the context of the well known NPs most of which you have to fly to from the East Coast. Guess I'm just trying to pimp our NPs. 

[billchao]

1 minute ago, nevets88 said:

Yeah, you're right, after driving to southern Maine, 3 hours, actually 6 RT is a long way

Acadia is on my list. I want to see some moose 

Just probably isn't happening until the kids are older unless I go without them.

5 minutes ago, nevets88 said:

Was more thinking in the context of the well known NPs most of which you have to fly to from the East Coast. Guess I'm just trying to pimp our NPs. 

Lots of historical sites around here with small musems and stuff so it's not like there aren't things to do. And most of them are free.

[Buckeyebowman]

I would think the answer is obvious. They don't visit them annually. Some would be a once in a lifetime trip. I would like to see Yosemite, but don't know if that will ever happen.

[dennyjones]

Reviving an old thread...

I turn 62 next month and will purchase a lifetime membership to the national parks.   It's now $80 but well worth it.   A couple of years ago we hit Arches, Bryce and Zion and plan to do that again in the near future.

[jamo]

I went to a bunch of parks in 2017 and a bunch in 2018. Did the annual pass both times. I'm thinking of going to Acadia sometime this year and will probably get another annual pass because I'm thinking of going to another park or two later in the year. Worst case situation is I've spend a few extra dollars on the National Parks than I have to, which isn't going to kill me. 

[nevets88]

I got my parents the pass when it was $10. I couldn't believe that was the senior price for lifetime and forgot to bring the card once and just got a replacement at the park. Now that it's $80, not gonna forget the card next time. The parks are a treasure though, I really should donate much more than that to the NPS.