California State Parks Invites You to Explore the Magic of Hearst Castle® After Dark with New Evening Tour Series

SAN SIMEON - California State Parks is excited to announce a new limited series of evening tours at the iconic Hearst Castle® this fall. The “Art Under the Moonlight” tours will offer guests a unique opportunity to explore William Randolph Hearst's world-renowned art collection like never before – under the enchanting glow of the moon. These guided tours will be available on select Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 16.

Division of Boating and Waterway Urges Safe Boating This Labor Day Weekend

SACRAMENTO — As Labor Day weekend approaches, California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying the state’s beautiful waterways. This holiday weekend is a popular time for recreational boating, and DBW encourages everyone to follow best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

California State Parks and Partners Celebrate Installation of 22 New Bike Turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park

MOUNT DIABLO, Calif.— California State Parks is celebrating the addition of 22 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park. These turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely. Combined funding of $927,000 for the bike turnouts was provided by California State Parks and public donations through the California State Parks Foundation and coordinated by Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club and the Mount Diablo Cyclists.

California State Parks Encourages Public to Safely Enjoy Perseid Meteor Shower

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.— California State Parks invites the public to safely enjoy the annual Perseid meteor shower that is set to grace our night skies between August 11 and 13. The Perseid meteor shower, caused by Comet Swift-Tuttle, is expected to provide an impressive nighttime spectacle to those willing to stay up late to see it.

California State Parks Initiates Collaborative Planning Process for Delta Meadows Park Property

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks today announced the department is classifying and developing a comprehensive general plan for Delta Meadows Park Property, which includes the Locke Boarding House, in Sacramento County. The plan will enrich the visitor experience, address critical resource management and infrastructure needs, and incorporate public input into decisions about the park’s future direction. An initial step to gathering public input is an online survey that is now open.

California State Parks Closes Skyline Trail (Cactus to Clouds) in Mount San Jacinto State Park Due to Extreme Heat

PALM SPRINGS, Calif.— California State Parks has temporarily closed the popular Skyline Trail, also known as Cactus to Clouds, at Mount San Jacinto State Park (SP) due to dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region. Recent heat waves have led to multiple rescue operations for hikers suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration on the challenging trail. To protect the safety of both the public and first responders, the trail closed earlier this week and will continue to be closed until further notice. 

California State Parks’ Cannabis Watershed Protection Program Cleans Up Illegal Grow Sites Across the State

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks removed about six thousand pounds of trash from four state parks as part of a cleanup operation by its Cannabis Watershed Protection Program (CWPP). The operations were aimed at removing all waste left over from illegal cannabis cultivation.

Oroville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Cancelled due to Thompson Fire

OROVILLE, Calif.—California State Parks today announced the cancellation of the City of Oroville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration show tomorrow for public safety. Due to the large evacuations and damages caused by the Thompson Fire, State Parks and partner agencies including CAL FIRE, California Highway Patrol, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Public Works, and staff from the City of Oroville, have a large number of resources responding to protect the community and get everyone back home as quickly as possible. These agencies also have employees with families displaced by these evacuations who are tirelessly assisting the community of Lake Oroville.

Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Boating Infrastructure Grants for Marina Operators

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting applications from public and private marina owners for federal Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG). For 2025, a total of $18 million is available for BIG projects nationally. These grants can fund up to 75% of total project costs, with a maximum available grant award of $1.5 million. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

Division of Boating and Waterways Encourages Boaters to Boat Sober this Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

Operation Dry Water Will Be in Effect Nationwide July 4-6, 2024

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is urging all boaters to boat sober this coming Fourth of July holiday weekend. DBW and local law enforcement agencies will be participating in Operation Dry Water from July 4-6, 2024, a nationwide initiative to reduce boating under the influence (BUI) and to promote safe boating