Can I Carry a Gun While Hiking in California?

Accuracy as of: 2025-10-02. This page is informational and not legal advice.

California’s gun laws are among the most stringent in the United States, reflecting the state’s commitment to public safety and responsible firearm ownership. The legal framework governing firearms in California is complex, encompassing a variety of regulations that dictate everything from the types of firearms that can be owned to the manner in which they can be carried. The state has implemented measures aimed at reducing gun violence, including universal background checks and licensing for concealed carry.

These laws are designed not only to regulate ownership but also to ensure that individuals who possess firearms do so in a manner that prioritizes safety. In addition to these overarching regulations, California law includes specific provisions governing the carrying of firearms in public spaces. Open carry of handguns and most long guns is generally prohibited in public places, with narrow exceptions (for example, while lawfully hunting or in certain exempt circumstances). Concealed carry requires a valid California license and compliance with “sensitive place” restrictions. ([California.Public.Law][1])

Key Takeaways

• California has strict gun laws, including regulations on permits, licenses, and where firearms can be carried.
• Concealed carry requires a California CCW; “good cause” is no longer required, but training (at least 16 hours), background checks, and other eligibility rules apply. Decisions are generally due within 120 days of a completed application. ([ocsheriff.gov][2])
• State Parks: Carrying firearms is generally prohibited on California State Parks property under Title 14, §4313, and—effective 2025—state law designates most DPR/DFW property as a “sensitive place” where licensed carry is banned. Limited storage exceptions apply (e.g., unloaded, cased in a vehicle). ([Justia Regulations][3])
• National Parks: Possession follows state law; firearms are prohibited in federal facilities (e.g., visitor centers) and discharge is generally prohibited except where expressly allowed (e.g., legal hunting in Mojave National Preserve) or in lawful self-defense. Some California parks prohibit bear spray. ([National Park Service][4])
• USFS/BLM lands: Possession follows state law; recreational shooting and discharge are regulated locally and may be seasonally restricted. Use nonlead ammunition when hunting anywhere in California. ([US Forest Service][5])

 

Permits and Licenses for Carrying a Gun

 

The Training Course

The training course covers firearm safety, handling, and California law (including lawful use of force). For new licenses, a minimum of 16 hours of training with live-fire is required; renewals typically require at least 8 hours.

Variations in Accessibility

Each county (sheriff) or city police chief serves as a licensing authority and may have different administrative processes (interviews, training provider lists, timelines), but they must follow state law. After the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, “good cause” statements are no longer required, though applicants must still meet statutory criteria. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Notice Timelines

Licensing authorities must give written notice of approval or denial generally within 120 days of receiving a completed application (or 30 days after DOJ reports, whichever is later). Check your issuing agency for local steps and current processing times. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Nonresidents

California does not honor other states’ CCW permits. Due to a 2025 court order, eligible nonresidents may apply for a California CCW from a participating issuing authority, subject to all requirements.

Open Carry

Open carry of handguns and most long guns is generally prohibited in California public places, with narrow exceptions (such as while lawfully hunting or when specifically authorized by law).

 

National Parks and Gun Regulations

 

When it comes to national parks in California, federal regulations govern certain aspects while possession of firearms generally follows California law. Since 2010, visitors may possess firearms in national parks if compliant with state and federal law; however, firearms are prohibited in federal facilities (e.g., visitor centers, ranger stations) under 18 U.S.C. §930—these areas are posted. Discharge of firearms is typically prohibited except where expressly authorized (e.g., legal hunting in Mojave National Preserve) or in lawful self-defense. Always check the specific park’s Superintendent’s Compendium for current rules. Additionally, several California national parks (including Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and Lassen Volcanic) prohibit bear spray. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

 

State Parks and Gun Regulations

 

Selected state park policies (verify locally; laws change)

State	Number of State Parks	Gun Regulations in State Parks (summary)
California	280	Generally prohibited (Title 14, §4313; and as of 2025, most DPR/DFW property is a “sensitive place” where licensed carry is banned). Limited storage exceptions (e.g., unloaded, cased in a vehicle). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Texas	95	Generally allowed consistent with state law; verify park rules.
Florida	175	Concealed carry per state law; verify park rules.
New York	215	Generally prohibited with narrow exceptions; verify current sensitive-places rules.

California state parks have their own set of regulations regarding firearms that differ from those governing national parks. In California, firearms are generally prohibited in state parks under 14 CCR §4313, with limited exceptions such as storage while unloaded and cased in a vehicle or where hunting is expressly authorized. As of January 2025, most property of the Department of Parks and Recreation (and Fish & Wildlife) is also a state-designated “sensitive place” where licensed carry is prohibited; signs may be posted, but the prohibition applies regardless of signage. Always check the specific park’s page before you go. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

 

Wilderness Areas and Gun Regulations

Wilderness areas in California may be managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or state agencies. In USFS and BLM wilderness, possession follows California law (e.g., no open carry; CCW required for concealed carry), while discharge is limited and target shooting is often restricted near trails, camps, and developed sites. In state-managed wilderness or reserves, Title 14 §4313 generally prohibits weapons unless expressly authorized. ([US Forest Service][5])

 

BLM Land and Gun Regulations

 

The Bureau of Land Management oversees vast public lands in California. Firearm possession aligns with state law, but recreational shooting and discharge are subject to local restrictions, seasonal closures, and fire-prevention orders. California requires nonlead ammunition for all hunting statewide. Verify current conditions with the local BLM field office. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

 

Safety Considerations When Carrying a Gun While Hiking

Carrying a firearm while hiking introduces unique safety considerations. Use a secure holster suitable for backcountry travel and maintain strict muzzle discipline. Know the area’s rules on where discharge is prohibited (e.g., within 150 yards of campgrounds and occupied areas on many USFS lands), and remember that federal facilities in parks are always gun-free. Non-lethal deterrents and food-storage practices are critical for wildlife safety; note that bear spray is prohibited in several California national parks. ([US Forest Service][5])

 

Interactions with Wildlife While Carrying a Gun

Many hikers carry firearms with wildlife in mind, but firearms should not be your first line of defense. Learn species-specific behavior and prevention strategies (make noise, secure food, keep distance). Bear spray is not universally allowed in California’s parks—Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and Lassen prohibit it—so always check the site you plan to visit. On USFS lands where spray is allowed, keep it accessible and practice proper use. ([National Park Service][6])

 

Responsible Gun Ownership and Hiking Etiquette

Responsible ownership means securing your firearm, minimizing public alarm, and being considerate of others on the trail. Keep your CCW and identification accessible; inform companions of safety protocols. Follow local fire restrictions, shooting closures, and posted notices.

 

Alternatives to Carrying a Gun While Hiking

Alternatives include (where allowed) bear spray, noise devices, personal alarms, and robust wilderness skills (navigation, first aid, trip planning). Many encounters can be avoided with prevention and awareness. Always verify whether bear spray is permitted at your destination. ([National Park Service][7])

Resources for Further Information on Gun Laws and Hiking in California

Authoritative resources include the California Department of Justice Firearms portal (laws, CCW FAQs), the National Park Service firearms guidance, U.S. Forest Service recreation guidance, BLM California recreational shooting, and California State Parks. Check agency sites for park- or forest-specific rules that may change with conditions. ([National Park Service][4])

FAQs

 

Is it legal to carry a gun while hiking in California?

It depends on where you are. In California State Parks and most DPR/DFW property, firearms are generally prohibited (including for CCW licensees) as of 2025. In National Parks, possession follows state law, but firearms are banned in federal facilities and discharge is generally prohibited. On USFS/BLM lands, possession follows state law; discharge and target shooting are locally regulated. Open carry is largely prohibited statewide. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

What are the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit in California?

You must be 21+, pass background checks, and complete at least 16 hours of training (with live-fire) for a new license; renewals typically require 8 hours. Post-Bruen, “good cause” is not required. Issuing authorities generally must give written notice of approval/denial within 120 days of a completed application (or 30 days after DOJ reports). :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Are there any restrictions on where I can carry a gun while hiking in California?

Yes. Sensitive-place rules (2025) prohibit licensed carry in many locations, including most state parks. Federal facilities in National Parks are always gun-free. Local closures and fire-prevention orders may also restrict discharge on USFS/BLM lands. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

What type of gun can I carry while hiking in California?

Handguns listed on your CCW (if carrying concealed) are typical. Open carry of handguns and most long guns is generally prohibited in public places. Narrow exemptions exist—for example, for licensed hunters/fishers while engaged in those activities (handguns) and for having a loaded firearm at a lawful campsite. Always verify location-specific rules. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

What should I do if I encounter law enforcement while carrying a gun while hiking in California?

Remain calm, keep hands visible, and follow instructions. Present your CCW and ID if requested. Confirm you are not in a prohibited area (e.g., a state park unit or a posted federal facility).

 

References

1. CA DOJ Bulletin 2025-DLE-06 (enforceable “sensitive places” incl. parks)
2. 14 CCR §4313 (California State Parks—Weapons & Traps)
3. NPS: Firearms in National Parks & federal facilities
4. NPS Yosemite: Weapons (bear spray prohibited)
5. NPS Sequoia & Kings Canyon: Minimum-Impact Restrictions (bear spray prohibited)
6. NPS Lassen: Bear Safety (bear spray not permitted)
7. NPS Mojave National Preserve: Firearms & Hunting
8. USFS: Target Shooting—Know Before You Go
9. BLM California: Recreational Shooting (incl. nonlead ammo)
10. Penal Code §25850 (carrying a loaded firearm)
11. Penal Code §26350 (openly carrying an unloaded handgun)
12. Penal Code §26400 (openly carrying an unloaded long gun)
13. Penal Code §25640 (hunting/fishing handgun exemption)
14. Penal Code §26055 (loaded firearm at a campsite)
15. Penal Code §26165 (CCW training requirements)
16. Penal Code §26205 (notice timelines)
17. CA DOJ: CCW FAQs
18. CA DOJ Bulletin 2025-DLE-10 (nonresident CCW eligibility)
19. California State Parks—About (280 units)