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National Monument · California

César E. Chávez National Monument

National Monument in California. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateCalifornia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkSequoia (83 mi)
Closest airportBFL (31 mi)
A walkway with a fountain
A walkway separates the entrances to the visitor center and the memorial garden. Photo: NPS

César E. Chávez National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in California.

In the park service’s words

Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the twentieth century, Cesar Chavez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's first permanent agricultural union. His leadership brought sustained international attention to the plight of U.S. farm workers, and secured for them higher wages and safer working conditions.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • César E. Chávez National Monument Visitor Center Area Trails (15 to 60 Minutes): The Memorial Garden offers a quiet place to reflect on the legacy of Cesar Chavez, and a place to pay respects to him and his wife, Helen, at their gravesites. Look for symbols of the farmworker movement that are incorporated into the Memorial Garden's design, including the fountain along the back wall that's dedicated
  • View A Cesar Chavez Documentary: At the monument's visitor center, documentaries about the farmworker movement and Cesar Chavez's legacy bring life to the powerful stories of the struggle for justice and civil rights. The most commonly shown film is La Paz, which explains the choice to locate the union headquarters at the remote Keene site. Ask at the

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 10:00AM - 4:00PM. The monument is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm except for the following holidays: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Getting there

The monument is located near the small town of Keene, California on Highway 58. From Highway 58, take exit 138 toward Keene, then turn right (east) on Woodford-Tehachapi Road. Travel about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) east on Woodford-Tehachapi Road and the entrance to César E. Chávez National Monument will be on your left.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Meadows Field (BFL) Bakersfield, CA No road route 31 Regional
Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport (BUR) Burbank, CA No road route 72 Large hub
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Los Angeles, CA No road route 89 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • César E. Chávez National Monument Visitor Center: Daily, 10:00AM - 4:00PM. The monument's visitor center is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm except for the following holidays: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Weather

The climate in this area is mild, with warm, dry summers and cool winters. The Tehachapi Mountains are quite warm and sunny in summer, with temperatures typically around 90° F but occasionally exceeding 100° F during July, the warmest month. In winter, temperatures range between 30°-50° F. Frosty mornings are common, and roads may be icy. Before you visit, check the local weather forecast below. Weather can change rapidly.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Sequoia, about 83 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at César E. Chávez National Monument?

No entrance fee.

Where is César E. Chávez National Monument?

In California. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Meadows Field, about 31 miles away.

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