California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans and Military Personnel on Veterans Day
Plus National Parks are FREE to ALL, thanks to our Veterans
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks honors the service of veterans, as well as active and reserve personnel, by offering free admission at 143 participating state parks on Veteran’s Day, November 11.
“Free admission on Veteran’s Day is a small token of gratitude California State Parks can bestow upon all active military personnel and veterans for their service. We are excited to host them among the amazing natural and cultural resources of our state’s parks,” said California State Park’s Director Lisa Mangat.
Participating state parks include: 134 parks that are accessible with the “California Explorer” Annual Pass; the California State Railroad Museum; and eight State Vehicular Recreation Areas. Veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel must show a valid military ID in order to receive free admission.
AB 150 (D-Olsen), signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. in 2013, authorizes California State Parks to offer veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel from the United States Armed Forces and the National Guard of any state a reduced or free-day use at participating state parks.
Responsible for almost one-third of California’s scenic coastline, the California State Park system includes 280 parks, beaches, trails, wildlife areas, open spaces, off-highway vehicle areas and historic sites. It consists of approximately 1.59 million acres, including over 339 miles of coastline, 974 miles of lake, reservoir and river frontage, approximately 15,000 campsites and alternative camping facilities, and 4,456 miles of non-motorized trails.
To learn more about California’s state parks, please visit www.parks.ca.gov or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
In addition to the California State Parks Veterans promotion, the National Parks sysem across the country celebrate Veterans day be giving free access to all the public on Veterans Day. Yosemite National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks will all have free access Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015.
The Recent snowstorms that blasted the Sierra with a nice coat of winter white, have made access more challenging for the eastern side of the Sierra, as Tioga Pass, Sonora Pass and Hwy 4 across the Sierra have been closed at the time of this report because of snow. These passageways across the Sierra may reopen before Wednesday depending on weather and snow melt.
The First snowfall is a great time to visit the national parks. Although roadway access is slower it is a great time to spot wildlife and see tracks of the creatures we often miss during the summer month’s.
Current Road Conditions in Yosemite National Park:
Road Status
Carry tire chains in your car and be prepared to use them (even if you have four-wheel drive): chains may become mandatory at any time. Find out more about tire chains… |
Call 209/372-0200 (press 1 then 1) for the most up-to-date conditions (the information below only reflects planned or long-term closures).
Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41 from Fresno) (Information about Highway 41 outside Yosemite) |
Open | |
Big Oak Flat Road (continuation of Hwy 120 from Manteca into Yosemite Valley) (Information about Highway 120 outside Yosemite) |
Open | |
El Portal Road (continuation of Highway 140 from Merced) (Information about Highway 140 outside Yosemite) |
Open | |
Hetch Hetchy Road Open 8 am to 7 pm; open 8 am to 5 pm beginning Nov 1 |
Open | |
Mariposa Grove Road The Mariposa Grove is closed until spring 2017 |
Closed | |
Glacier Point Road No overnight parking |
Call | |
Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) (Information about Highway 120 outside Yosemite) No overnight parking (including parking lots) |
Closed |
Today’s Sierra National Parks Webcam Views.