California Expands Free State Park Access as Federal Shutdown Closes National Parks

While the ongoing federal government shutdown continues to disrupt access to national parks like Yosemite and Lassen, California officials are stepping up to ensure residents can still enjoy the outdoors for free.

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced an expansion of the Golden Bear Pass, part of the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, offering free vehicle day-use entry to more than 200 state parks for families receiving public assistance.

Since streamlining the application process, participation in the program has surged from a few thousand passes issued annually to over 108,000 in the past three years.

“The revamped Golden Bear Pass is a prime example of how more efficient and effective government can better connect everyday Californians with essential services,” said Newsom.

Siebel Newsom added, “Cost should never be a barrier for California families seeking to enjoy the state’s outdoor spaces and the physical and mental health benefits that come from being in nature.”

The Golden Bear Pass is available to families on CalWORKs, individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income, income-eligible Californians over 62, and participants in the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

It’s one of three major efforts under Outdoors for All, alongside the State Park Adventure Pass for fourth graders and the California State Library Parks Pass, which allows residents to check out free passes at libraries.

As federal parks face closures and service cuts, California’s 280 state parks, spanning 340 miles of coastline, 5,200 miles of trails, and 15,000 campsites, remain open and increasingly accessible to all.

“Thanks to the simplified Golden Bear Pass process,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero, “tens of thousands more California families will be able to explore the state’s incredible natural and cultural resources for free.”