Big Win for Riders: America the Beautiful Pass Now Covers Two Motorcycles Starting 2026
Restoration of motorcycle-friendly policy makes national park access more affordable for two-wheeled adventurers
By Raine Devries | 14 December 2025
Riders planning trips to America’s iconic national parks just got some welcome news. On November 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that, effective January 1, 2026, all America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes will once again cover entrance fees for up to two motorcycles per pass.
This change reverses a 2024 policy that restricted passes to a single motorcycle (including its operator and any passenger), restoring the pre-2024 rule that allowed two separate motorcycles entry under one pass.
The Department described the update as “expanding affordability and access for motorcycle riders,” noting it will make “national park adventures more accessible for riders and families who travel on two wheels.”
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) quickly applauded the decision, crediting advocacy efforts—including letters to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and support for legislation like H.R. 4386, the America the Beautiful Motorcycle Fairness Act—that helped drive the reversal.
This motorcycle provision is part of broader 2026 updates to the pass system, including digital pass options available through Recreation.gov and new resident-focused fee structures.
Key Facts on the America the Beautiful Pass
Covers entrance and standard amenity fees at over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks managed by the National Park Service.
Types include Annual ($80 for U.S. residents in 2026), Senior (lifetime), Military (free annual), Access (free lifetime for those with permanent disabilities), and others.
Starting 2026: One pass admits up to two motorcycles (each with operator and passenger if applicable).
For official details:
U.S. Department of the Interior press release: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-announces-modernized-more-affordable-national-park-access
National Park Service passes page: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm!
About Motorcycling in U.S. National Parks
National parks have long been a top destination for motorcyclists, offering scenic roads through stunning landscapes like Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, Zion’s red canyons, and the twisting routes of Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. The National Park Service encourages responsible riding, with safety campaigns noting that park roads feature unique challenges such as tight curves, wildlife crossings, and variable weather.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
The U.S. Department of the Interior, established in 1849, oversees the National Park Service and manages approximately one-fifth of the land in the United States—more than 500 million acres—including 63 national parks. This vast responsibility supports conservation, recreation, and access for millions of visitors annually.
Whether riding solo or with a group, the restored two-motorcycle policy means one $80 annual pass can now cover a pair of bikes, making it easier and more cost-effective to explore America’s public lands on two wheels in 2026 and beyond. Plan your rides accordingly—our national parks are waiting.
