4. Get an

Annual Pass

When you get to the park entrance, you'll need to make a decision: Do you get a "Day Pass" or do you get the "Annual Inter-Agency Pass". It's a no brainer. Get the Annual Inter-Agency Pass. Yes, it costs more, but...

The Inter-Agency Pass

gets you into every National Park

for FREE for the next twelve months

Make sure to ask for a map and the current newsletter. Hint: Try not to arrive at "Noon" on Saturday, that’s rush hour. There can be 30-100 cars/RVs in front of you. (note: if you have an Annual Pass, sometimes you get to cut in line and pass those RVs!)

If you are entering the Park at the West Entrance, make sure to fill up your water containers there, it's your last chance. Also, if you arrive after hours (when the Park entrance station is not staffed), you can still enter the park (Free maps are in the brown box). When you exit the park, you will be asked to show your receipt as proof of payment. So, if you got in free, you will need to pay upon exit.

Tip: Get Your Pass

at the Visitors Center

"Before" heading up to the park entrance