California State Parks

Project to Revive Historic All-Black Calif Town Brought Down by Racism

As the California reparations task force determines the impact of slavery on the lives of Black Californians, a Black-led business management group in the Central Valley is revitalizing an obscure national treasure:  Lt. Col. Allen Allensworth State Historical Park. The project pays tribute to Allensworth, California, a town founded by African Americans in 1908. The history of the settlement speaks to the perseverance of African Americans and the terror that they experienced. Last week, at a ceremony held at the park, Global Economic Impact Group, LLC (GEIG) and the African American Network of Kern County (AANKC) announced the launch of

California State Parks Now Accepting Applications for Ranger and Lifeguard Cadet Academy

California State Parks invites outdoor enthusiasts to “Live the Parks Life” by becoming a ranger or lifeguard in the nation’s largest state park system. The 2019 State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Cadet application period is now open. Career opportunities are available throughout the entire state. All applicants must submit an application by Monday, June 3, 2019, to be considered for the 2020 SPPO Cadet Academy.

Wildflower Season May Bring Beautiful Blooms––and Crowds––to State Parks

California State Parks today announced that its public lands might experience a spectacular floral display this spring. This unpredictable, rare occurrence may attract thousands of people to the outdoors. To ensure safety and conservation, the department asks visitors to please respect the iconic landscapes and be knowledgeable of the area, weather and their body limitations.

California’s First Maritime Heritage Trail Opens at Emerald Bay Underwater Park in Lake Tahoe

California State Parks and the Sierra State Parks Foundation are proud to debut California’s first maritime heritage underwater trail devoted to showcasing Lake Tahoe’s historic recreational watercraft and barges that now rest below the surface of Emerald Bay. Starting today, October 1, scuba divers can explore three newly revealed dive sites under Emerald Bay in addition to the Barge Dive Site established in 1998. The new Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail (Emerald Bay Underwater Trail) is the first of its kind in California.

California State Parks Encourages Visitors to End Summer Safely this Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend unofficially marks the end of the summer, but for many outdoor enthusiasts, it is another opportunity to enjoy a long weekend in the outdoors. Whether visitors plan on enjoying the outdoors in boats, bikes, horses, off-highway vehicles or surfing, camping, exploring the lakes or mountains, or simply enjoying time with friends and family, it is important to plan and learn about the parks they are visiting. 

Wildfire Impacts on California’s State Parks

California State Parks advises outdoor enthusiasts to plan carefully their next outdoor adventure in areas near wildfires. Some parks are closed, while others around the north Sacramento Valley and Sierra north of Calaveras County are impacted by smoke. Visitors with health issues or smoke sensitivity may want to reconsider visiting parks until the air quality improves. To ensure safety, the public is prohibited from entering closed areas.