Does an America the Beautiful pass cover Grand Canyon?

Direct answer

Yes. The pass covers the entrance fee and does not cover reservations, timed entry, or permits.

Coverage, kept separate

Accepted: Yes
Entrance fee: Covered
Reservations and permits: Not covered

Grand Canyon runs no entry reservation, so a pass really is all you need at the gate. The free South Rim shuttle is funded by the entrance fee and needs no ticket. A pass does not cover backcountry permits or campsites. An Annual or America the Beautiful pass waives the $100 per-person non-U.S.-resident fee. From 2026 the servicewide fee-free days apply to U.S. residents only.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

The America the Beautiful resident annual pass at "$80.00" "Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees" across federal agencies. 2026 free entrance days listed: February 16, May 25, June 14, July 3-5, August 25, September 17, October 27, November 11. Servicewide page: "Beginning in 2026, fee free days at national parks will only be for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents will have to pay the entrance fee and nonresident fee as normal."

Official pass policy