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Time to get your 2026 California State Park Pass

12/30/2025

SACRAMENTO — As California celebrates its 175th anniversary, California State Parks is highlighting its annual passes as the perfect gift for 2026 to experience the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the Golden State. From beaches and redwood forests to mountains, lakes, off-highway vehicle parks and historic sites, there’s sure to be a park in the nation’s largest state parks system to capture your imagination in the new year.

Whether you know a nature buff or want to give the gift of adventure, State Park passes offer something for everyone. It’s also the perfect gift to give yourself.

Special for 2026, annual passes purchased beginning Jan. 1 will feature a CA 175/America 250 logo commemorating 175 years of statehood and 250 years of U.S. independence – making them a unique collector’s item.

How to Buy a California State Parks Pass
Annual passes are available for purchase via our online store and in-person at many locations throughout the State Parks System. They are also available for purchase at most district and sector offices and many park units. Please call ahead for availability at the in-person locations. Gift cards can be purchased and redeemed online at store.parks.ca.gov/collections/park-passes.

Discount passes require an application and may be applied for online, by mail or in person. The list of locations and contact information is available on the Pass Sales Locations webpage.

UPDATE: Off Highway electric motorcycles now required to be regulated and licensed by DMV

12/29/2025

January 1, 2026 - Senate Bill No. 586 classifies an off-highway electric motorcycle as an off-highway motor vehicle, thereby subjecting off-highway electric motorcycles to the rules and regulations relating to off-highway motor vehicles. It regulates Off-Highway Electric Motorcycles (eMotos), defining them and guiding their operation in the state of California.
In California's 2025-2026 session, legislation like Senate Bill 586 (SB 586) is defining Off-Highway Electric Motorcycles (eMotos) as specific OHVs, bringing them under existing OHV rules for identification, while broader e-bike safety rules (SB 1271) also impact electric two-wheelers, focusing on battery safety, labeling, and usage, for clearer regulation and better consumer protection.

UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION
California's SB 586 primarily targets off-highway electric motorcycles (e-motos) like Sur-Ron and Talaria, classifying them as OHVs, not traditional e-bikes; therefore, standard, compliant Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles (e-bikes) with motors under 750W and meeting speed/pedal requirements are generally exempt from SB 586's focus on motorcycles, but must still follow general e-bike laws (age, helmets) and cannot be converted to meet OHV standards for road use.  Do be aware, some of the e-moto bike manufacturers are considering adding non-functional decorative pedals to their bikes to simply get around the requirements of this new law.   This new law has little impact on the e-bike problem on non-motorized trails.

Here is the complete text of the law:
Senate Bill No. 586
CHAPTER 588
An act to amend Sections 38010 and 38012 of, and to add Section 436.1 to, the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.
[ Approved by Governor  October 10, 2025. Filed with Secretary of State  October 10, 2025. ]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 586, Jones. Off-highway electric motorcycles.
Existing law defines an off-highway motor vehicle as a motor vehicle that operates on lands, other than a highway, that are open and accessible to the public, as specified. Existing law establishes rules for the operation of an off-highway vehicle and imposes specified safety requirements, including, among other things, a requirement that a person operating an off-highway vehicle wear a safety helmet. Existing law requires every off-highway motor vehicle that is not registered under the Vehicle Code to display an identification plate or device issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, except as specified. A violation of these rules and requirements is a crime.

This bill would define the term “off-highway electric motorcycle” as an off-highway motorcycle subject to identification that is (1) designed by the manufacturer for operation primarily off the highway, (2) powered by an electric motor for which a motor number is not required, (3) has handlebars for steering control, (4) has a straddle seat provided by the manufacturer, (5) has two wheels, and (6) is not equipped with pedals from the manufacturer.

The bill would classify an off-highway electric motorcycle as an off-highway motor vehicle, thereby subjecting off-highway electric motorcycles to the rules and regulations relating to off-highway motor vehicles.

By expanding the scope of existing crimes with respect to off-highway electric motorcycles, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: YES

Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 436.1 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:

436.1.
An “off-highway electric motorcycle,” commonly referred to as an eMoto, is an off-highway motorcycle subject to identification under this code that meets all of the following requirements:
(a) Is designed by the manufacturer for operation primarily off the highway.
(b) Is powered by an electric motor for which a motor number is not required.
(c) Has handlebars for steering control.
(d) Has a straddle seat provided by the manufacturer.
(e) Has two wheels.
(f) Is not equipped with pedals from the manufacturer.

SEC. 2. Section 38010 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

38010.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), a motor vehicle specified in subdivision (b) of Section 38012 that is not registered under this code because it is to be operated or used exclusively off the highways, except as provided in this division, shall display an identification plate or device issued by the department.
(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to any of the following:
(1) Motor vehicles specifically exempted from registration under this code, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles exempted pursuant to Sections 4006, 4010, 4012, 4013, 4015, 4018, and 4019.
(2) Implements of husbandry.
(3) Motor vehicles owned by the state, or any county, city, district, or political subdivision of the state, or the United States.
(4) Motor vehicles owned or operated by, or operated under contract with a utility, whether privately or publicly owned, when used as specified in Section 22512.
(5) Special construction equipment described in Section 565, regardless of whether those motor vehicles are used in connection with highway or railroad work.
(6) A motor vehicle with a currently valid special permit issued under Section 38087.5 that is owned or operated by a nonresident of this state and the vehicle is not identified or registered in a foreign jurisdiction. For the purposes of this paragraph, a person who holds a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign jurisdiction is presumed to be a nonresident.
(7) Commercial vehicles weighing more than 6,000 pounds unladen.
(8) A motorcycle manufactured in the year 1942 or prior.
(9) Four-wheeled motor vehicles operated solely in organized racing or competitive events upon a closed course when those events are conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or by permit issued by the local governmental authority having jurisdiction.
(10) A motor vehicle with a currently valid identification or registration permit issued by another state, if the other state recognizes an identification plate or device issued by the department pursuant to subdivision (a) as valid for use in that state.

SEC. 3. Section 38012 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

38012.
(a) As used in this division, “off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification” means a motor vehicle subject to subdivision (a) of Section 38010.
(b) As used in this division, “off-highway motor vehicle” includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) A motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, except for any motorcycle that is eligible for a special transportation identification device issued pursuant to Section 38088.
(2) A snowmobile or other vehicle designed to travel over snow or ice, as defined in Section 557.
(3) A motor vehicle commonly referred to as a sand buggy, dune buggy, or all-terrain vehicle.
(4) A motor vehicle commonly referred to as a jeep.
(5) A recreational off-highway vehicle as defined in Section 500.
(6) An off-highway electric motorcycle as defined in Section 436.1.

SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

CLICK HERE to see the original law text.

Join us for First Day Hikes on January 1 - in California State Parks!

12/28/2025

Step into 2026 on the right foot and on the right trail! California State Parks is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to bring their family and friends to the annual First Day Hikes on Thursday, Jan. 1, to embrace a healthy start and breath in fresh air. As the Golden State continues to celebrate its 175th anniversary of statehood, State Parks is offering over 80 guided hikes at more than 60 of California’s more diverse and iconic parks in the nation. Californians and visitors from around the world can hike amongst the gentle redwoods or learn about the geology of the desert or catch a glimpse of bald eagles and other unique wildlife—California has some of the most unique and iconic parks in the country for everyone to explore.

First Day Hikes is a national-led effort that encourages individuals and families to experience, with a seasoned guide, the beautiful natural and cultural resources found in the outdoors and in doing so may inspire them to take advantage of these treasures throughout the year and an individual’s lifetime. Nature has been proven to boost our moods and make us feel healthy and exploring the outdoors is the perfect way to start the new year.

Visitors are encouraged to check out details on our website for start times and hike descriptions. There you can see the First Day Hikes interactive map below lets you easily search for hikes by park name, region or by clicking directly on the map. Visitors can also type in their address and it will show nearby hikes taking place. Participants are also able to see the status of the hike and the last time it was updated, and by zooming into the map, they can find hikes taking place near that region of the map. Additionally, this webpage provides information on new hiking opportunities around the holiday.

Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a new one, we look forward to seeing you in California’s park trails, beaches, mountains and the deserts but ask that you recreate responsibly. Make sure to dress in layers, bring plenty of snacks and water, and appropriate hiking shoes. Visit the latest safety tips for more information.

Please continue to visit the webpage as it will get updated regularly with any additional hikes or cancellations.

Auburn SRA
Start Time: 1/1/2026, 9:00 AM
Length of Hike: 4.6 miles, 4 hours

Auburn SRA
Start Time: 1/1/2026, 5:00 PM
Length of Hike: 2.5 miles, 3 hours

Calaveras Big Trees SP
Start Time: 1/1/2026, 11:30 AM
Length of Hike: 1.7 miles, 2 hours

Marshall Gold Discovery SHP
Start Time: 1/1/2026, 10:00 AM
Length of Hike: 4.0 miles, -10 hours

Marshall Gold Discovery SHP
Start Time: 1/1/2026, 10:15 AM
Length of Hike: 1.0 miles, 1 hours

California State Capitol Museum
Start Time: 1/1/2026, 9:00 AM
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles, 2 hours

Sutters Fort SHP
Start Time: 1/1/2026, 11:30 AM
Length of Hike: 1.0 miles, 3 hours

California State Capitol Museum
Start Time: 1/1/2026, 11:00 AM
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles, 1 hours

View the dashboard in full screen (Best viewed on a desktop brower)

Visit our website at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30737

Where can I ride my horse or mt. bike on rainy days? Don't.

12/27/2025

Muddy trails are vulnerable trails. Every trails organization, whether it be IMBA, the main organization for mt. bikes, or BCHC and CSHA for horse folks, have strict rules against riding on wet trails. Why? Because hooves and tires cause erosion…both of different sorts. Tires create ruts, where subsequent rains and water channel and rut deeper. Hooves on hard trails create circles of mud, actually helping deter run off, BUT if horses go off the trail, even a few inches, deep holes are made. If horses head straight downhill on a steep trail, the slide marks will create ruts and encourage erosion. Both modes of transportation destroy delicate trails.

From IMBA's rules for mt. bikes:
"Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones.."

From BCH and California State Horsemen:
Avoid sensitive areas and wet or muddy trails. Leave no Trace. Practice Gentle Use Principles. Be sensitive to the earth beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail conditions. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage, so consider other options. Please stay on existing trails; do not create new ones and do not shortcut."

So, where do you ride?
First, wait. Wait for 24 to 48 hours after the last rain for most trails to adequately dry out. If there are puddles in the middle of the trail, DO NOT RIDE AROUND THEM. Your horse or bike will widen the trail - soon, instead of a 5 feet wide trail, you have a 15 feet wide trail of ruts.

Where is the best place to ride after I wait?
The sandier, the better. Sandy soil drains much faster than clay soil. In our area, for example, the trails around Folsom Lake SRA have a natural base of decomposed granite and are good to go after the wait. Or, stay on the gravel ranch roads at Hidden Falls Regional Park or Empire Mine.

Where shouldn't I ride right after the rains?
Trails that are clay based will retain water longer, your tires will rut, and hooves will slip and slide, destroying the trails. Typical red clay-based trails are the narrow, cliff side trails in Hidden Falls Regional Park.

On these rainy days, it's a good time to repair and clean your bike, brush your horse, and wait for the sun to dry out the trails. Or, even better, put on your hiking boots and enjoy walking the quiet trails without your bike or horse.

E-bikes not allowed on trails at Empire Mine SHP

12/11/2025

Several people have reported unsafe e-bike usage on the multiuse trails at Empire Mine SHP and were unsure if they were allowed on the trails there. California State Parks has not authorized use of any e-bikes (electric motorized bikes) on any trail in Empire Mine SHP.

Please go here to see which parks do and do not allow e-bikes:
"State Parks units NOT LISTED BELOW DO NOT allow electric bicycle (e-bike) use except on roads open to public, street-legal vehicle use."
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30521

Empire Mine SHP is not listed there. The gravel fire road through the park is not open to public vehicle use, so e-bikes are not allowed on the fire road.

Time to get your 2026 California State Park Pass

UPDATE: Off Highway electric motorcycles now required to be regulated and licensed by DMV

Join us for First Day Hikes on January 1 - in California State Parks!

Where can I ride my horse or mt. bike on rainy days? Don't.

E-bikes not allowed on trails at Empire Mine SHP

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