SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is inviting Californians to kick-start the new year in a healthy way by getting some fresh air and enjoying the outdoors with an annual First Day Hike. More than 50 state parks will be participating with over 50 guided hikes taking place across the state. Whether walking among giant sequoias or along the state’s coastal beaches or enjoying some wildlife viewing—California has some of the most unique and iconic parks in the country for everyone to explore.

ARNOLD, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2022) – Officials from the State of California, USDA Forest Service (Forest Service), National Parks Service (NPS), Tule River Indian Tribe of California and Save the Redwoods League - all members of the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition - announced today that they have made significant progress to restore the giant sequoia range and help protect it from severe wildfires.

COLOMA, Calif.— California State Parks announced today that “Christmas in Coloma,” scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11 at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) in Coloma, has been cancelled.

California State Parks today announced the full reopening of  Brannan Island State Recreation Area (SRA) after moving to reduced operations earlier this year. All areas of the park will open to the public tomorrow Thursday, December 1.The public can begin booking camping reservations starting Jan. 1, 2023. Park Delta Bay will operate the state recreation area, which includes day use areas, a boat launch ramp, and campground sites.

California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications for shoreline erosion control and public beach restoration projects. The deadline to submit applications for funding in fiscal year 2024/25 is Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022 by noon.

California State Parks is pleased to announce the return of “Christmas in Coloma” at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. Community members, families and out-of- town guests are invited to enjoy traditional family-oriented holiday activities and explore historic buildings at the park.

California State Parks Gold Fields District’s K-9 Rex will receive a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K-9 Rex’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is honoring the service of U.S. veterans, as well as active and reserve personnel, by offering free admission to 134 select state parks on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022.

SANTA CRUZ,Calif.–California State Parks today announced prescribed burns for Wilder Ranch State Park starting tomorrow and continuing through Sunday, December 13. Some trails will be closed temporarily to ensure public safety, including portions of the Englesmann Loop, Eucalyptus Loop, Old Cabin and Long Meadow Trail.

ARNOLD, Calif.— California State Parks in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will be continuing to conduct prescribed burns in Calaveras Big Trees State Park on November 1, 2022. This is the third of a series of prescription burns planned for the park this fall.