Here Are 3 Easy Ways to Gain Free Access to California State Parks

California State Parks is reminding visitors about three new ways to explore the great outdoors for free. With the California State Park Adventure Pass, the California State Parks Library Pass, and the Golden Bear Pass, residents can find plenty of free ways to gain access to the great outdoors in the state.

“Spending time outside can be tremendously beneficial to a person’s mood, stress levels, and overall well-being,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “The Adventure Pass, Library Parks Pass, and Golden Bear Pass give Californians increased access to our beautiful state parks and all of the benefits that come with time spent in nature. I encourage families to take advantage of these resources and make time – when they’re able – to get outside and connect with each other and the great outdoors.”

The State of California champions the right of all Californians to have access to recreational opportunities and enjoy the cultural, historic, and natural resources found across the state. Too many Californians cannot access neither public outdoor spaces nor the state’s array of museums, and cultural and historical sites. The state is prioritizing efforts to expand all Californians’ access to parks, open space, nature and cultural amenities. This priority requires focusing funding and programs to expand opportunities to enjoy these places. Doing so advances Governor Gavin Newsom’s strong personal commitment to building a “California for All.”

“California is home to more than 200 state parks, and it’s never been easier to visit them,” said California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “These easy-to-use programs give all Californians a chance to experience our world-renowned nature. Sign up for one of these programs or check out a park pass from your local library and discover a new state park this weekend!”

Below you will find short summaries of the three free park pass programs:

California State Park Adventure Pass

This is the second year of the three-year pilot program made by possible by Assembly Bill 148, signed by Governor Newsom in July 2021. To date, more than 26,000 passes have been provided to families.

Championed by the First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, whose California for All Kids initiatives support children’s physical, mental and social-emotional well-being, the California State Park Adventure Pass Program expands the opportunity for fourth graders and their families to enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature, each other and their communities. The pass for this school year’s fourth graders is valid until August 31, 2023.

Obtaining a free pass online at ReserveCalifornia.com is simple. All that is needed is for a parent and/or guardian to provide a name, address, phone number and an email address. Individuals who do not have access to a smartphone, computer or printer, and/or do not have an email address, can still request a pass by visiting a State Parks Pass Sales Office – click here for a list of locations –  or by calling (800) 444-7275 (Spanish-speaking customer service available).

California State Park Library Pass

In partnership with the California State Library, State Parks launched the California State Park Library Pass in April 2022 with a total of 5,000 passes distributed to 1,184 public libraries across the state. As part of a three-year pilot program, each library jurisdiction received an average of at least four special day-use hangtags to circulate, allowing library cardholders to check out the pass for the allotted number of days allowed by the local library. State Parks and the California State Library are excited to announce that an additional 28,000 park library passes are being distributed statewide to all public libraries, bringing the average number of passes available at each branch to 24. The Library Pass program is being expanded to also include the addition of tribal libraries throughout the state. The pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with a capacity of up to nine people, or one highway-licensed motorcycle, at more than 200 participating state park units. The program also includes grant funds for public libraries to host programs and conduct outreach in their communities to promote the passes, state parks and the benefits of the outdoors.

“California’s libraries serve their communities in all kinds of ways besides providing the books Californians want to read,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “They check out tools, DVDs, provide online learning you can access 24/7 – even homework tutoring. And now they’re helping open the window on California’s breathtaking state parks. Just one more great reason to visit your local library – in-person or online.”

Golden Bear Pass

State Parks and the California Department of Social Services made it easier for CalWORKs families to receive a free, annual vehicle day-use pass for use at more than 200 state parks and beaches.

“Outreach efforts to reach eligible recipients have proven successful, as more than one in 10 families receiving CalWORKs benefits have already received their Golden Bear Pass,” said California Department of Social Services Director Kim Johnson. “The Golden Bear Pass represents yet another resource for families receiving CalWORKs, building on other recent supports such as increased monthly grants and targeted outreach to connect families with critical tax benefits, such as the child tax credit.”

Created in 1977, the Golden Bear Pass Program was relaunched last spring with the goal to directly notify approximately 300,000 families receiving CalWORKs about their eligibility and the overall health benefit of spending time in the outdoors. To date, more than 35,000 Golden Bear Passes have been distributed since the relaunching of this program. Individuals participating in SSI and low-income adults 62 and over can apply for Golden Bear Passes via online ReserveCalifornia.com, mail, or in person. Additionally, all older adults 62 and over can apply for a Limited Use Golden Bear Pass, for off-season access.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy California’s State Park System,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Spending time in the outdoors is so important to our physical and mental well-being and State Parks is proud to receive the support from the Newsom Administration, Natural Resources Agency, our state legislators and state departments to make the outdoors more accessible to all Californians.”

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

30 Comments

  1. This is a very good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Short but very precise information… Many thanks for
    sharing this one. A must read post!

  2. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or
    weblog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually
    stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i’m glad to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling
    I found out just what I needed. I most surely will make certain to do not fail to remember
    this website and provides it a look on a constant basis.

  3. Appreciating the hard work you put into your blog and in depth information you present.
    It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same
    old rehashed information. Excellent read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  4. Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to
    get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Thank you!

  5. Wonderful web site. Lots of useful information here.
    I am sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious.
    And certainly, thank you to your effort!

  6. Why use a vase of flowers when you can make one out of
    LEGOs? The perfect blend of creativity and nature.
    avoid Lego It brings back fond memories for
    me of playing with Legos as a kid. Lego sets transport us
    to different worlds. It’s incredible how detailed each set is.
    We feel like we live within the miniature bricks.

  7. I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic.

    I must spend some time finding out more or working out more.
    Thank you for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  8. Wow, amazing weblog layout! How lengthy have you ever been running a
    blog for? you made running a blog glance easy. The full look of your site
    is great, let alone the content! You can see similar:
    sklep and here e-commerce

  9. Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of
    the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I
    think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show
    the same results. I saw similar here: sklep internetowy and also here:
    e-commerce

  10. This is really interesting, You are an overly skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for looking for extra of your wonderful post.
    Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks I saw similar here: dobry sklep and also
    here: e-commerce

  11. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny
    bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright
    clear idea

  12. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children.
    I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants
    to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to
    tell someone! I saw similar here: najlepszy sklep and also
    here: sklep internetowy

  13. Wow, incredible weblog structure! How long have you ever been running
    a blog for? you made running a blog look easy.

    The full look of your web site is magnificent, as smartly as the content!
    You can see similar: najlepszy sklep and here najlepszy sklep

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button