Your Next Adventure Awaits!
Check out a parks pass with your library card to enjoy the great outdoors and explore local parks! Whether you're hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, our aim is to get more people outdoors while promoting health, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
How It Works
- We offer three types of passes depending on where you would like to go.
- The pass provides you with free day-use parking for one vehicle and entry for its occupants. The pass must be displayed on the vehicle dashboard or rearview mirror to be valid. Show the pass at the entry station when staff are present.
- Please follow the guidelines and policies listed on each pass.
How to Check Out and Return Passes
- Passes can be checked out at any branch, opens a new window or reserved online in the same way you place a book or other item on hold.
- You just need an active library account in good standing. Residents of California are eligible to receive a free library card. Just fill out our online application, opens a new window and bring your photo I.D. and proof of your current California address.
- You can check out a pass for 2 weeks.
- Due to limited supply and to make sure other community members can access the passes, no renewals will be allowed.
- Return the pass to any Palo Alto City Library location, at the Accounts desk. Please do not return passes in the bookdrop or automated returns machine.
Lost or Stolen Passes
For lost or stolen passes, you will be charged a replacement fee:
- Foothills Nature Preserve Pass: $50 + $5 processing fee
- Santa Clara County Parks Pass: $50 + $5 processing fee
- California State Parks Pass: $125 + $5 processing fee
What Passes Are Available?
Foothills Nature Preserve Pass
The Library has partnered with Palo Alto Open Space, opens a new window to offer passes to Foothills Nature Preserve. This 1,400-acre preserve bordered by Portola Valley, Los Altos Hills, and nearby preserves offers trails through chaparral, woodlands, meadows, and streams. In addition to stunning Bay Area views, nature lovers may spot wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and occasionally bobcats.
Santa Clara County Parks Pass
The Santa Clara County Parks system includes 28 regional parks. Whether you're looking for scenic trails, picnic areas, or campgrounds, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Santa Clara County Parks pass is not valid for use at Uvas Canyon County Park, which requires reservations to visit; or Sunnyvale Baylands Park which is operated by City of Sunnyvale.
California State Parks Pass
Rediscover the beauty of California! In partnership with the State of California, the Palo Alto City Library is joining libraries throughout the state in offering free passes to enjoy over 200 participating state parks. The pass is valid for day-use entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle. The pass does not cover all state parks. Plan your visit by checking the list of participating parks.
