GoldenBearPass

Golden Bear Pass

Access to State Parks

Circle featuring logos of California State Parks (above) and CDSS logo (below) in partnership

California’s state parks offer a fun, affordable, and healthy way to connect with family, friends, and the outdoors. The Outdoors for All initiative aims to make California’s state parks accessible to all residents, ensuring families can enjoy nature’s benefits regardless of income.

In support of California’s Outdoors for All initiative, the Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) improved the application process to make it more accessible and easier for all California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) and Tribal TANF families to receive their free Golden Bear Pass and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.

This free pass provides free vehicle day-use access at over 200 California State Parks-operated units. The Golden Bear passes are valid from issuance until December 31 of the year in which the pass was issued.

How to get your pass

Promotional graphic featuring scenic landscapes from multiple parks, encouraging CalWORKs recipients to get a free Golden Bear Pass for access.
CalWORKs recipients (only):

Sign up for free 2025 Golden Bear Pass, by clicking the button link provided below. Once CDSS confirms your information and eligibility, State Parks will print and mail your Golden Bear Pass to you!

Learn More
Promotional graphic featuring scenic landscapes from multiple parks, encouraging Tribal TANF Families to get a free Golden Bear Pass for access.
Tribal TANF recipients (only):

Please apply through your Tribal TANF administrator listed in the button link below. *Please note: California State Parks is not currently accepting mail-in or in-person applications.

Learn More

More Information & Resources

Badge logo of California State Park Adventure Pass

The Adventure Pass

Do you have a fourth grader in your family? If so, we invite you to add to your child’s school curriculum by visiting 19 select state park units for FREE via an Adventure Pass. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.