In the spring of 2009, a park ranger at the Painted Desert welcome booth asked me whether I had a Senior Pass. I said, "No; should I?"

He told me that if I was 62 years old, I certainly should. So I paid $10 and obtained one of the best deals of my life.

In 2004, the National Parks and Recreational Lands Pass Program was developed to encourage the use and enjoyment of national parks, national monuments, historic sites, and other points of interest. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation.

There are several types of passes, but you're interested in the Senior Pass, which allows free entry for life for U.S. citizens 62 and older. It also provides free entry for up to three adults accompanying the senior in a non-commercial vehicle.

In addition to free admission, the pass entitles senior adults to discounts on some additional amenities and services at participating national park sites. Discounts typically are not offered by national park concessionaires.

To obtain the pass, you must apply in person at a national park or other national recreational site. You must provide photo ID to obtain the pass, and present your photo ID when you use the pass.

I have used my Senior Pass to visit a variety of national park sites, including Yellowstone National Park, the Golden Spike National Historic Site, the Grand Canyon, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. While I've enjoyed the senior discounts offered by restaurants, theaters, and a variety of stores where I shop, none have been more enjoyable than touring national parks and historic sites courtesy of Uncle Sam.