​The USA’s national parks are where you’ll find some of the country’s most incredible adventures ⁠— and for six days this year, all of them will be free to enter.

There are more than 400 National Park Service (NPS) sites across the US, with representation in each state and territory and the District of Columbia. While the vast majority of these sites are free year-round, many of the most famous national parks in the country — including popular destinations like Yosemite and Joshua Tree — charge an entrance fee. For example, the per-vehicle cost to enter Yosemite is $35 for a seven-day pass, while it's $20 per person (over the age of 16) when entering by foot, bike or horse.

A woman hiker stands in front of a stone arch in a US national park.

This article was first published Dec 22, 2020 and updated Jan 2, 2024.

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