Hikers Need a Lands Pass for Many California Wildlife Areas and Ecological Reserves

Hikers now must buy a lands pass to hike many wildlife areas and ecological reserves managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This post explains which visitors need to buy a lands pass, how to buy it, and which wildlife areas and ecological reserves require it. Updated for 2022.

Why Do Hikers Have to Buy a Lands Pass to Hike California Department of Fish and Wildlife Ecological Reserves and Wildlife Areas?

In short, it’s about raising revenue. It costs a lot of money to manage the wildlife areas and ecological reserves, and most of that cost is borne by fees paid by hunters and anglers. The California State Legislature directed the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop new ways to generate more revenue, thus the lands pass for hikers who want to hike the trails, and for general visitors who just want to enjoy the beauty. More details about the entire program here.

Who Needs to Buy A Lands Pass? Only Hikers?

Basically, anyone 16 years old and older needs to have a lands pass when visiting any of the wildlife areas and ecological reserves listed below, whether they are hiking the trails or just taking in the sights.

Exemptions

However, people who already have a valid California hunting license or fishing license do not have to purchase the lands pass, nor do school groups and youth groups (including adults with the groups).

How Much does the Lands Pass Cost in 2022?

In 2022 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife lands pass increased to $4.89 for a single day and $28.08 for the entire calendar year.

If you’ll be hiking more than a few times a year at fee-based wildlife areas and ecological reserves, it’s best to just get the annual lands pass (and it’s much less hassle, too).

OK, How Do I Buy a Lands Pass?

Go the the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website and follow these directions. You’ll find out how to buy pass online, on the phone, and in person. Note: also see this FAQ  for more details.

Key Details: Purchasing a One-Day Lands Pass

You can purchase a one-day lands pass over the phone with your credit card by calling 800-565-1458. You’ll get a “temporary authorization number” (TAN) for the specific day and the specific California Department of Fish and Wildlife wildlife area or ecological reserve where you want to hike.

Key Details: Purchasing an Annual Lands Pass

Purchasing an annual lands pass requires you to first set up a GO ID. This is a permanent identification the size of a driver’s license that you keep in your wallet. Your GO ID with annual lands pass for hiking is delivered via regular mail and can take 15 days or so, so plan ahead.

You can also purchase at some sporting goods stores. Call first!

I was told by a California Department of Fish and Wildlife official that you can take a picture of your pass with your phone and then show that as proof of purchase.

You’ll Need the Lands Pass at these Wildlife Areas and Ecological Reserves

Note that there are some wildlife areas and ecological reserves that do not charge fees. Also, this list can expand or contract, so always check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife page for any updates before heading out to explore any CDFW lands.

2022 COVID-19/Coronavirus Update

Due to the threat of spreading the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, some wildlife areas and ecological reserves may have restrictions. Contact the relevant regional California Department of Fish and Wildlife office to inquire about the current status of a specific wildlife area or ecological reserve.

Northern California

Alpine County
Hope Valley Wildlife Area

Butte County
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area

Glenn County
Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area

Lake County
Cache Creek Wildlife Area

Lassen County
Bass Hill Wildlife Area
Willow Creek Wildlife Area
Ash Creek Wildlife Area

Merced County
Los Banos Wildlife Area
Volta Wildlife Area

Modoc County
Ash Creek Wildlife Area

San Joaquin County
Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

Shasta County
Battle Creek Wildlife Area
Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area

Siskiyou County
Butte Valley Wildlife Area
Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area
Shasta Valley Wildlife Area (See Hike 63 in my book Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions)

Sutter County
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Tehama County
Battle Creek Wildlife Area
Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area

Southern California

Kern County
Canebrake Ecological Reserve

Riverside County
San Jacinto Wildlife Area

San Diego County
Boden Canyon Ecological Reserve
Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area

Your Take

Questions or comments? How do you feel about this new California Department of Fish and Wildlife policy?

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