u/Equivalent-Row9759

Yeah, this is probably a stupid ask. I am newer to national parking. I have an America the Beautiful pass & an upcoming trip to Yellowstone. I like to get to the park early, by like 5:30am so I can get to the trailheads at a decent time before the lots fill. It sounds like I can expect the booths at the entrances to be unstaffed at that hour & to just drive on in. If this is the case....why do we even purchase passes?

Yes, yes, I KNOW the funds from pass purchases go to the NPS! I know and fully support that! I want my money going there. I am just confused because technically someone could just enter super early and leave super late without ever having to present a pass? Feels wrong to just drive in & not show that I have the pass!