Should I Buy A National Park Pass Before The Price Goes Up?

I’ve never been what you’d call a "park person." I’m more the room service, hang around the pool, kinda guy.

Dominick grew up in New York City. He’s probably clamoring to hit the slopes of Yellowstone or Glacier and pet a bison.

Seeing mountains or wildlife in the wild is really lost on me. Not really my bag. Growing up on a farm, I'm familiar with animals and their sounds and smells.

So when I read in an AARP article that the $10 lifetime pass for those of us over 62 is going away, I had to yawn a little.

Am I Saving $10 Or $80

On August 27, 2017 the cost of the lifetime national park pass will rise from $10 to $80. Gotta pay for those high-backed chairs in Congress somehow.

I’ve lived in Bozeman for 25 years, and I’ve never been to Yellowstone Park. Many people are amazed by that little piece of trivia.

It's only 90 short miles away. Shorter trip than going to Billings or Butte, both of which I've visited many times.

In fact, in retrospect, I don’t believe I’ve ever been to any national park. I’ve been to state parks here and there — does that count for anything?

I’ve even been paid to give a speech to Montana park employees. How ironic is that?

I’ve been to the gate at Yellowstone several times — both in Gardiner and West. My wife and I even set out one day to go to the park. We spent the night in West Yellowstone, and the next day it was snow and fog. We felt under those conditions the park might not be appreciated not being in its full splendor. So we ended up doing some shopping and having a nice lunch and headed back home with determination to make the trip again.

That was over five years ago. To date we haven’t returned yet.

Some Final Thoughts

I don’t feel too bad about not visiting Yellowstone yet. After all it’s not like it’s in Montana. If it was in our state that might be more of an incentive for me to make the move. I have the excuse that Glacier is much further away.

I guess whatever will be will be. If it’s God’s will, I will probably make it there someday. If not, I won’t.

The question is will saving $70 by going before August 27 make a difference? I guess only time will tell. I'll keep you posted.

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