How to Get a Utah State Park Pass Discount

Utah State Parks are incredibly places. From Anasazi State Park Museum to Yuba State Park, there are so many exciting and fascinating natural wonders in this state! There’s a reason why my free Utah State Parks pass is my very favorite one.

In this article, we’ll introduce all of the different Utah State Park pass discount options. By the end of the article, you’ll know what discounts are available to you and how to get them.

About Utah State Parks

There are more than 40 state parks across the state. The scenic views vary from sharply-carved canyons to sandy beaches and mountain hideaways. There’s a reason that Utah has so many state parks and national parks: it’s because the landscape is unforgettable and unique!

When you visit a Utah state park, you usually have to pay an admission fee. You could choose to pay the day-use rate or purchase an annual pass. This makes it very hard for low income people to visit the state parks.

Utah State Park Pass Discounts

Fortunately, there are many ways that you can get a discount on your admission! Here’s what you need to know.

Senior Discount

If you are over age 62, you can purchase a Utah State Parks pass for just $65 instead of the standard $125 rate! That’s almost 50% off the regular resident price.

This pass covers day use entry fees at most Utah State Parks. It does not provide any discounts on camping or other amenities. The annual pass expires on December 31 every year, regardless of what month you purchase it in. Each pass is only valid for a single calendar year.

Like the regular pass, the Senior Annual Day Use Pass cannot be used at the Jordan River OHV Center or the This is the Place Heritage Park. It also does not cover the Davis County Causeway fee at Antelope Island State Park.

Veterans Discount

Disabled veterans who live in Utah may be able to get a free Veterans with Disabilities Honor Pass! This pass offers the same coverage as the senior pass or regular annual pass.

In 2022, Utah changed the law so that all disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability can qualify for an Honor Pass. Before that, only veterans with a 50% or higher rating could get these.

The new eligibility requirements are as follows:

• You must be a Utah state resident.
• You must have received an honorable discharge.
• You must provide a Benefits Award Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs showing that you have a service-connected disability.

The Honor Pass is distributed at Utah State Parks region offices, the main Salt Lake City office and most state parks locations. Like the senior pass, it is not valid at This is the Place Heritage Park and does not include the Antelope Island Causeway fees. It also does not include camping, golfing or other amenities.

These passes expire at the end of the calendar year. You’ll need to pick up a new one every year. Of course, we’ve found so many veterans discounts around the country that it’s always a good idea to have your VA ID or Benefit Award Letter with you so that you can get those discounts wherever you are.

Military Appreciation Day

Every August, Utah celebrates Military Appreciation Day. On this day, any military members or veterans can visit the parks for free with their families. The festivities typically include different activities like pancake breakfasts, marathons, and other special events.

The exact date for Military Appreciation Day changes every year. You can find this year’s date on the Utah State Parks website.

Volunteers

Volunteers may be able to get a Utah State Park pass for free or a discount. The state is constantly looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts, maintenance workers, docents, naturalists, visitor center workers, trail stewards and more.

If you are interested in applying to become a volunteer, you can use the inquiry form on their website.

Is there a Utah State Parks senior lifetime pass?

Although Utah State Parks do not offer a senior lifetime pass, the National Parks system does! Utah seniors can pick up a discounted senior lifetime pass at a participating federal recreation site or office.

It’s important to note that the senior lifetime pass is for National Parks and not State Parks. You cannot use a National Parks pass to visit State Parks, and you cannot use a State Parks pass to visit National Parks. They are two entirely different systems.

Summary

There are many Utah State Park pass discount programs that can help you save money on your next adventure! These include Military Appreciation Day, the disabled veterans Honor Pass, and the discounted resident senior pass. This article includes all the information you need to identify what discounts you are eligible for and how to get them.

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.