Cost Analysis of Outdoor Adventures

Amy and Paul and James's grueling research and statistical analysis has now revealed a hot tip for outdoor enthusiasts: an annual pass to the National Parks is a much better deal than an annual pass to the California State Parks. Our recent trip to Pinnacles National Monument marked our second visit to a National Park since buying our annual pass in Yosemite, and it has now paid for itself. From here on out, any visit to a National Park will be a bargain as our cost per visit drops and drops. On the other hand, we need to make approximately 17 more day trips to State Parks during the next 4 months before our state pass pays for itself; only after we purchased the pass did we discover that it doesn't apply to overnight trips, for which we've had to pay regular fees. Reactions to this discovery vary widely. Amy considers it a good investment anyway because she supports the State Parks program and doesn't mind donating some extra cash to the cause. Paul's fists shake in rage while he continues to kick himself for not optimizing our recreation budget. James has taken the activist route and writes letter after persuasive letter to park officials encouraging them to enlarge the scope of an annual pass to include camping, appealing to their sense of equity and affordable recreation for all.

In the meantime, Pinnacles was well worth the trip, not just because of a reasonably priced annual pass. Unusual volcanic formations, a peaceful reservoir, accessible rock climbing, cool bat caves, and a large population of condors made for an action-packed 10-mile hike.