Sierra Nevada, CA — October 28, 2025
This Veterans Day, California State Parks invites all U.S. service members, veterans, and their families to enjoy free admission at more than 140 parks statewide — including some of the Sierra Nevada’s most treasured destinations.

“California State Parks is proud to provide free access to veterans who have stood watch and protected our country,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We invite you to find rest, healing, and connection within California’s most beautiful and cherished natural treasures.”

For those who find their peace in the mountains, this invitation extends to the Sierra’s historic mining towns, towering pines, and quiet lakesides. Here are a few Sierra Nevada state parks where you can take advantage of free admission on Veterans Day:

South Yuba State Park covered Bridge
south yuba state park

Sierra Nevada State Parks to Visit

  • Empire Mine State Historic Park (Grass Valley) – Step back into California’s Gold Rush era at one of the oldest, largest, and richest hard rock gold mines in the state. Explore the restored grounds, cottages, and trails shaded by autumn colors.
  • Calaveras Big Trees State Park (Arnold) – Wander among the giant sequoias and reflect beneath trees that have stood for millennia. The North Grove Trail offers a peaceful and family-friendly loop through living monuments to endurance and strength.
  • Bodie State Historic Park (Near Bridgeport) – Experience California’s most famous ghost town, preserved in “arrested decay.” Walk the silent streets of Bodie and imagine life in a once-booming mining community.
  • Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (Nevada County) – Visit the site of California’s largest hydraulic mine and learn how the Gold Rush forever changed the Sierra landscape. The surrounding forest trails make for a perfect fall hike.
  • Donner Memorial State Park (Truckee) – Honor pioneers who braved the Sierra’s extremes. The museum and lakeside trails share stories of perseverance and the spirit that defines the American West.
  • Sugar Pine Point State Park (West Shore, Lake Tahoe) – Breathe in the crisp alpine air and walk along Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, where the Ehrman Mansion and surrounding forest offer a serene escape for reflection.
  • Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve (Lee Vining) – Gaze upon the otherworldly tufa towers at sunrise or sunset. This surreal high desert lake reminds visitors of the fragile beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
The Empire Cottage built by Mr. bourne
Empire Cottage built by the Bourne Family. Still stands at Empire Mine State Park

Plan Your Visit

To receive free admission, veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel must show a valid military ID or proof of honorable service at participating parks.
A full list of parks can be found at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2025 .

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, check park conditions online, and recreate responsibly. Many Sierra parks experience cooler weather and early snow this time of year — perfect for a quiet hike, a moment of reflection, or a simple family picnic surrounded by mountain scenery.

A Day to Remember

For those who’ve served, the Sierra offers more than just a view — it offers renewal. Whether you’re exploring the towering sequoias of Calaveras, tracing mining history in Bodie, or watching sunlight dance on Tahoe’s waters, Veterans Day is a chance to reconnect with the land that so many have fought to protect.

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