How to use it?
- Ask your librarian: Go to a participating library and talk to a librarian. They will help you check out a parks pass, just like a book.
- Plan your park trip: Look at a map or use our website to find out which Santa Clara County parks you want to visit. Learn about the cool things each park has to offer, like hiking trails, playgrounds, and lakes!
- Show off your pass: When you enter the park, show a park attendant your pass. Display the pass on your rearview mirror once parked to let the park rangers know you're allowed to park there.
- Enjoy the parks: Explore, play, and have fun at the park!
- Take the survey: Scan the QR code on the back of your pass. Complete the survey and be entered for a chance to win a Parks Annual Pass!
- Return your pass: Once your three-week checkout is complete, return your pass to the library so more people can enjoy the parks!
Where to get a pass?
Passes can be checked out in person at the following libraries.
Frequently asked questions
One barrier to County Park access for many County residents is the cost of parking. In response, County Parks has developed the Library Parks Pass Program, which was modeled after the California State Library Parks Pass. This program allows anyone with a free library card to check out a vehicle pass, just like a book, to gain free entry to most Santa Clara County parks.
Equitable access!
We believe that everyone belongs at parks! By working in partnership with libraries, we are making access to the parks more equitable by removing a financial barrier for many County residents.
The pass is valid at most County Parks. It is not valid for use at Uvas Canyon County Park or Sunnyvale Baylands Park.
See the Find a park page for more information on other County parks.
Please contact the library branch you checked your pass out from to let them know. The library will let you know if there is a replacement fee.
No. The pass does not cover camping fees.
The pass is valid for the entrance of one passenger vehicle with capacity of fifteen people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at participating County Parks. The pass is not valid for charter bus entry into the park.
No. The pass is only valid for County Parks that are operated by Santa Clara County. However, library patrons may inquire with their local libraries about the California State Library Park Pass.
Not yet! Passes are currently available at all County of Santa Clara Library District, Santa Clara City Library, and San Jose Public Library branches. We plan on expanding the program to additional libraries in the future to ensure everyone has access to County parks.
Please see “Where to get a pass” for a list of participating libraries.
County Parks is committed to making our parks more accessible to everyone. Part of doing this is finding out who uses and who doesn't use our parks, identifying and removing barriers preventing people from accessing our parks, and determining steps we can take to improve the parks experience for all. The survey helps us collect this data.
As an added incentive, anyone who completes the survey is entered into our biannual raffle for a parks Annual Venture Pass! A winner is chosen in June and December and the passes are valid for one year from the date you claim your prize.
We hold drawings for the parks Annual Venture Pass raffle two times per year; once in June and once again in December. Everyone who completes a survey prior to June 15th is entered to win during the June drawing. Everyone who completes a survey during the 2024 calendar year is entered to win during the December drawing.