California has announced free admission to over 200 state parks on January 16, 2023, in response to recent federal changes regarding national park access. This decision comes after President Donald Trump eliminated free entry to national parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In a press conference held in San Francisco, Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that the state managed to secure private funding to cover the costs associated with this initiative.
The funding was sourced from the California State Parks Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the state’s parks. Newsom emphasized the importance of honoring Dr. King’s legacy, stating, “While Trump works to erase Dr. King’s legacy, California will honor it.”
On this holiday, vehicles carrying up to nine passengers will be granted free entry to participating parks. A comprehensive list of these locations is available on the California State Parks website. Nonetheless, some parks may still impose fees, particularly those with off-highway vehicle areas, per-person charges, or operations run by partner organizations. Notable exceptions include popular sites like Hearst Castle, where guided tours are offered.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has altered free access to national parks. In December 2022, the administration also cancelled free admission for Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. In contrast, the administration added Trump’s birthday, June 14, to the list of free entry days for 2026. Newsom criticized this shift, stating, “MLK Day has now been shifted to Trump Day. Again, what more evidence do we need on what the hell is going on in the United States of America?”
The decision to eliminate free admission on these significant holidays has drawn criticism from various organizations. The NAACP, for instance, expressed concern that removing MLK Day and Juneteenth from the free entry days list diminishes Black resilience and erases crucial aspects of Black history.
The controversy surrounding the national parks under the Trump administration continues to grow. Recently, new park passes featuring Trump’s likeness were issued, which led to a lawsuit from an environmental nonprofit against the Department of the Interior. The lawsuit claims that this action is illegal, with the department warning that altering the pass, such as by covering Trump’s image with stickers, could invalidate it.
In May 2022, the administration also instructed park officials to remove signs that depict the nation’s history in a negative light, further igniting debates over historical representation in national parks.
Through these actions, California’s initiative to offer free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day stands as a significant contrast to federal policy, emphasizing the state’s commitment to honoring historical figures and events that shaped civil rights in America. As the holiday approaches, many are looking forward to enjoying the natural beauty of California’s parks while reflecting on the legacy of Dr. King.
