Golden Bear Pass
This free pass provides free vehicle day-use access at over 200 California State Parks-operated units. Golden Bear passes are valid from issuance until December 31 of the year in which the pass was issued.
WHO QUALIFIES
- Supplemental Security Income recipients.
- Those age 62 and over whose income falls under a certain threshold.
- Single–Average gross monthly income from all sources not exceeding $1,732.
- Married–Combined average gross monthly income from all sources not exceeding $2,352.
- CalWORKs program recipients.
- Tribal TANF program recipients.
HOW TO OBTAIN THE GOLDEN BEAR PASS
Prepare for the application process by reviewing the Golden Bear Pass Application Requirements.
- Apply and submit your documents.
- Get approved. You will receive a 30-day temporary pass that you can use while your pass is in the mail.
- Receive your pass.
- Enjoy free day-use entry to the parks.
For those applying through a California Department of Social Services partnership:
- CalWORKs recipients: In partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the process for CalWORKs families moved to an online system. Families can now complete the application on their smartphone in minutes. For more information, please visit www.cdss.ca.gov/goldenbearpass.
- Tribal TANF recipients: Please apply through your Tribal TANF administrator. California State Parks is not currently accepting mail-in or in-person applications.
In person: For the fastest processing, apply in person at designated Pass Sales Locations of the California State Park System.
Online: To apply online follow the Online Application Steps.
By mail: Download the Golden Bear Pass Application and mail with required documents.
USING THIS PASS
- Information on extensions of validity periods will be posted to the Pass Renewal and Extension Information webpage.
- Review the Terms and Conditions for full details on the use of your pass and pass benefits:
- Once your pass is received, you may use the pass card for applicable benefits.
- Use the resources below to find the names of the locations that accept this pass:
Note for all passes: A lost or stolen pass must be cancelled and replaced with a new application. Refunds cannot be issued. Once deactivated or cancelled, a pass cannot be reactivated. Please use Park Pass Questions to notify us of a lost pass.