SNO-PARKS
Update (Jan. 14, 2021): Thank you for your patience and support of California State Parks as the department works to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. SNO-PARKS are currently open for the season (November 1 – May 30). Before heading out to SNO-PARKS, make sure to purchase a pass online.
As a reminder, before heading to the outdoors to plan ahead, members of the same household are encouraged to stay local and recreate responsibly.
Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
Statewide, California State Parks continues to work with locals on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. The need for Californians to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the outdoors remains critical.
For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
As a reminder, before heading to the outdoors to plan ahead, members of the same household are encouraged to stay local and recreate responsibly.
Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
- Stay Local –Stay close to home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Do not travel if you or someone in your household is sick.
- Plan Ahead – The COVID-19 pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. As such, information on this webpage may change. Popular SNO-PARKS fill up quickly. Have alternative parks to visit. Research winter road conditions and make sure your vehicle is snow ready.
- Stay Safer at 6 feet – No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. Visitors are being asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance.
- Keep Clean – Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. In some cases, restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities.
- Stay Covered – The state requires you wear a face covering when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times.
Statewide, California State Parks continues to work with locals on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. The need for Californians to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the outdoors remains critical.
For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
The U.S. Forest, Pacific Southwest Region is immediately suspending operation of the Coyote SNO-Park as of November 4, 2020, due to serious public hazard concerns associated with the fire damage caused by the Creek Fire Incident. It is expected that the Coyote SNO-Park will remain closed through the remainder of the operating season (ending May 30, 2021).
SNO-PARK Permits
A SNO-PARK permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site from November 1 through May 30 of each year. Permits are sold as Day Permits or Seasonal Permits. Day permits are sold for $5.00 and are valid for one single day. Season permits are sold for $25.00 and are valid for the entire SNO-PARK season from November 1 through May 30.
How to Purchase SNO-PARK Permits
Seasonal SNO-PARK permits are available for purchase online. This online service allows visitors an easy and convenient way to purchase SNO-PARK permits. Permits may be purchased by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or e-check. Daily permits may be purchased for $5.00; seasonal permits $25.00. An online service fee of $1.95 will be added to the price of each permit.
NOTE: Oregon and Idaho SNO-PARK permits are valid in California. In addition, California SNO-PARK permits are valid in Oregon and Idaho.
Winter Recreation
The SNO-PARK program is coordinated and administered by the OHMVR Division of California State Parks, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Transportation, the California Highway Patrol, and various community organizations. Through this collaborative effort, winter recreation opportunities are provided at 19 SNO-PARK sites along the Sierra Nevada. Distinctive brown signs located along highways identify the SNO-PARKs.
- Brochure of SNO-PARK locations
- SNO-PARK Hotline: (916) 324-1222
- SNO-PARK Permits & Fees Schedule
- OHV Permit Order Form
Snow-cleared parking lots cannot be guaranteed on a daily basis because of weather conditions and snow plowing priorities. The SNO-PARK Program is administered by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division. Please call the SNO-PARKS hotline at (916) 324-1222 for more information.A SNO-PARK permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site from November 1 through May 30 of each year. Permits are sold as Day Permits or Seasonal Permits. Day permits are sold for $5.00 and are valid for one single day. Season permits are sold for $25.00 and are valid for the entire SNO-PARK season from November 1 through May 30.
The SNO-PARK permit must be displayed on the left side of the vehicle dashboard where it can be seen clearly from outside the vehicle. All permits sold are non-refundable; day permits are non-transferable. Any vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site without a permit properly displayed is subject to an $94.50 fine. Should you receive a fine and have questions, contact the court or law enforcement office of the County in which the SNO-PARK site is located.
Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis at all SNO-PARK sites. No refunds are issued if your favorite SNO-PARK is full. Park and drive carefully within SNO-PARK sites. Watch for pedestrians. Overnight parking, including in-vehicle camping is allowed except where noted or signed at SNO-PARK sites. Tent camping or sleeping outside a vehicle in the parking area is prohibited at all SNO-PARK sites. Do not build campfires on paved areas. Do not litter SNO-PARK sites. Trash containers may not be provided, pack out your own refuse.
Carry a shovel and tire chains. Vehicles parked overnight need to be staked at all 4 corners with 1x2 inch by 8-foot poles to prevent accidental damage by snow removal equipment. Lock your vehicle and do not leave items of value in sight. Winter recreation activities may be hazardous. Your common sense, skill level, use of proper clothing, respect for the terrain and weather will combine to affect your safety.
Carry a shovel and tire chains. Vehicles parked overnight need to be staked at all 4 corners with 1x2 inch by 8-foot poles to prevent accidental damage by snow removal equipment. Lock your vehicle and do not leave items of value in sight. Winter recreation activities may be hazardous. Your common sense, skill level, use of proper clothing, respect for the terrain and weather will combine to affect your safety.