California Man Always Buys Annual Pass To National Parks. Then They Make A Change This Year That Makes Him Reconsider: ‘I’d Pay More To NOT Have That Version’

This year, some changes have been made to the United States’ National Parks pass.

For context, the “America the Beautiful” pass is a card that allows one to visit the many lands owned by the U.S. government. This includes entrance fees and standard day-use fees at lands managed by the National Park Service, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the US Army of Corps of Engineers.

Historically, this pass has been a pretty good deal. An annual pass cost $80, and both seniors and certain other groups could access the pass for a hefty discount—sometimes, entirely for free.

Now, however, changes are being made to the America the Beautiful pass—including how it looks. Many aren’t thrilled.

What Changed About The National Parks Pass?

In a video with over 945 thousand views, TikTok user Zac Bowling (@zacbowling) says he was considering buying a new annual pass. Historically, the image on the pass has been one of animals or nature. This year, Bowling says things are a bit different.

“It has Donald Trump’s face on it,” Bowling says. He then shows an image of the pass, which includes images of both Donald Trump and George Washington.

“On top of that, they’ve changed the pricing scheme,” he continues. “It’s still about the same price as it was for most people, except if you’re not a US citizen. Now, it’s $250. For what?”

Bowling states that certain conditions allow one to receive the pass at a discount. While he says he’s never claimed the discount before, he claims he may do so now “if I’m gonna have to have his face on it.”

“It also used to say ‘Annual.’ Now, it says ‘Resident’ [because] their distinction between if you’re a national or not,” he adds.

The TikToker then states that there are already people selling stickers to cover the new image.

“Every day, there is a new low,” he concludes.

Is It True That The National Parks Passes Will Have Trump’s Face On Them?

Yes—and it’s resulted in a lawsuit.

According to CNN, the change was set to happen on January 1st, 2026. However, the Center for Biological Diversity is currently suing the administration to prevent the change.

The lawsuit alleges that federal law mandates the primary annual pass display the winning image from the National Park Foundation’s yearly photo contest. For the upcoming year, this image is a photograph of Glacier National Park in Montana.

“It’s disgusting of Trump to politicize America’s most sacred refuge by pasting his face over the national parks in the same way he slaps his corporate name on buildings, restaurants, and golf courses,” said Kierán Suckling, the center’s executive director. “The national parks are not a personal branding opportunity. They’re the pride and joy of the American people.”

Is There A Way To Avoid The Fee?

There are ways that one can visit the park for free. For example, while fees used to be waived for both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, they are now no longer waived on those days. Instead, visitors can expect free admission on President Trump’s birthday, June 14th, as well as holidays like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Constitution Day, and several others.

If one wants a free or reduced-fee annual pass, you have to belong to certain groups. Current US military and dependents and Gold Star Family members and veterans and entitled to free passes.

As mentioned by Bowling, there is also a free Access Pass for those with lifelong disabilities. However, actually getting it requires submitting paperwork affirming that one has “permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that severely limits one or more major life activity,” per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The site also shares other forms of proof that are accepted.

Commenters Aren’t Happy

In the comments section, users expressed their distaste for the new annual pass.

“We can’t even go to the woods to escape this guy,” wrote a user.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but didnt he cut funding to national parks? But has the audacity to plaster his face on it,” added another. It’s true that Trump Administration has proposed or enacted cuts to several U.S. public land agencies.

“Tip…. Buy the annual pass this Dec. it has a bird on it & it’s good till the end of Dec next year. Thats what I am doing. Fingers crossed 2027 will be back to nature,” stated a third. A further user noted that such passes are available at nature shops like REI.

BroBible reached out to Bowling via email and the U.S. Department of the Interior via email.