30+ hike ideas for a ‘First Day Hike’ near you!

By Mile High Mamas on December 26, 2018 No Comments

30+ hike ideas for a ‘First Day Hike’ near you!

This Jan.1, Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites all Coloradans to welcome 2019 by heading outside to enjoy the trails in a Colorado State Park. First Day Hikes offer a chance to start the new year right by getting people out for some exercise in nature. At least 25 state parks are participating by hosting an organized hike. Each park offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the new year, with most parks offering guided hikes and some parks providing multiple options to choose from, allowing you to select the time and route you prefer.

“Getting outside is the best way to bring in a new year and Colorado state parks showcase all the best things about the outdoors,” said Crystal Dreiling, park manager at Trinidad Lake State Park, one of the participating parks. “We are thrilled to have seen this event continue to grow since we started the program in 2012.”

Many parks are also offering refreshments and free giveaways for this event, such as mugs and pens, thanks to a grant provided by the Colorado Parks Foundation.

The hikes are free but park visitors must possess a valid parks pass to participate. The daily pass for entry to most parks costs $8 per vehicle; annual passes are available for $80. (Prices reflect 2019 Fee changes).

All First Day Hikes will vary in ability levels and length depending on location and weather conditions. Bring snacks and water, dress in layers and be prepared with traction and/or trekking poles for winter hiking in snow or on icy trails; if there is snow, consider bringing snowshoes.

Find a 2019 First Day Hike Near You!

Chatfield First Day Hike 2019 – NEW Plum Creek Nature Trail
Tuesday, January 1

Join us on the *NEW* trail for the *NEW* year! Come out to Chatfield State Park for a hike on the *NEW* Plum Creek Nature Trail at Chatfield State Park. Lets get our legs and our minds moving as we see a sneak the *first* public view of the new and improved Plum Creek Nature Trail! The trail will not be open to the public until Spring 2019. Hot chocolate and donuts provided! Be prepared for all weather and pack a water bottle. We will meet at the Heronry Parking at 09:00 AM!

First Day Hikes at Mueller
Tuesday, January 1

Colorado State Parks have taken on the tradition of hosting hikes on New Year’s Day – to start the New Year out right! Join in First Day Hikes at Mueller! Bring water, snacks, (snowshoes?) and dress for snow! First hike at 9:00 am!

First Day Hike at Eleven Mile State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us at Eleven Mile State Park for a ranger hike!

First Day Hike – Elk Meadow
Tuesday, January 1

Arkansas Headwaters First Day Hike 2019
Tuesday, January 1

Join us in celebrating the new year with this nationwide First Day Hike of 2019 event! Our guided 3.5-mile hike includes beautiful scenery and lunch at the midway point.

First Day Hikes at Staunton State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a series of first day hikes at Staunton State Park! We will have a main meeting area at the Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area with photos being taken of the visitors before their hike. We will also have a cookout with hot dogs, smores, coffee and hot chocolate. There will be 6 different hikes leaving at different times to accommodate different visitors schedules. The hikes will be differing in degree of difficulty and length.

First Day Hike – Rock Pond
Tuesday, January 1

First Day Hikes at Cheyenne Mountain
Tuesday, January 1

Sleet, snow or 20 below, come and enjoy the first day of 2019 with a hike!

First Day Hike at Cherry Creek
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a a First Day Hike at Cherry Creek! We’re hosting a bird watching walk along Vaughan Way Trail, starting at the campground.

First Day Hikes at James M. Robb Colorado Rivier State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a First Day Hike around the Connected Lakes section of JMR-Colorado River State Park, traveling approximately 3 miles along the Waterfowl Loop and Promontory Point trails.

First Day Hike at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a First Day Hike at Golden Gate Canyon State Park! We will be leading two hikes, one along the Black Bear trail and one along the Mule Deer Trail. Meet at the visitor center to begin the day.

First Day Hike at Highline Lake
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a hike at Highline Lake State Park to ring in the new year!

First Day Hike at John Martin Reservoir
Tuesday, January 1

Join us at John Martin Reservoir for a first day hike! Celebrate the new year with on our 10 a.m. hike on the Red Shin Trail.

First Day Hike at Lake Pueblo
Tuesday, January 1

Join us at Lake Pueblo State Park for a first day hike to welcome the new year!

First Day Hike at Lathrop State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a first day hike at Lathrop State Park, and ring in the new year with some quality time outside!

First Day Hike at Lory State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a first day hike at Lory State Park! We will have a guided hike to Arthur’s Rock trail (3.4 Miles) and a second easier hike on the Well Gulch Nature Trail (1.4 Miles).

First Day Hike at North Sterling State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Celebrate the new year with a first day hike at North Sterling State Park!

First Day Hike at St. Vrain
Tuesday, January 1

Join us at St. Vrain State Park for a first day hike to ring in the new year!

First Day Hikes at State Forest State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us at State Forest State Park for a first-day hike, and celebrate the new year with us!

First Day Hike at Sweitzer Lake State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us at Sweitzer Lake State Park for a first day hike to ring in the new year.

First Day Hike at Trinidad Lake State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Celebrate the new year with a first day hike at Trinidad Lake State Park!

First Day Hike at Vega State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Celebrate the new year with a first day hike at Vega State Park!

First Day Hike at Yampa River State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Celebrate the new year with a first day hike at Yampa River State Park.

Homestead Hike
Tuesday, January 1

Chatfield First Day Hike 2019- NEW Plum Creek Nature Trail
Tuesday, January 1

Join us on the *NEW* trail for the *NEW* year! Come out to Chatfield State Park for a hike on the *NEW* Plum Creek Nature Trail at Chatfield State Park. Lets get our legs and our minds moving as we see a sneak our first public view of the new and improved Plum Creek Nature Trail! The trail will not open to the public until Spring 2019. Hot chocolate and donuts provided! Be prepared for all weather and pack a water bottle. We will meet at the Heronry Parking at 11:00 AM.

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes at Barr Lake
Tuesday, January 1

Barr Lake State Park invites all Coloradans to welcome 2019 by heading outside to enjoy the trails in our Colorado State Park. First Day Hikes offer a chance to start the new year right by getting out for some exercise in nature.

First Day Hike at Rifle Falls State Parks
Tuesday, January 1

Celebrate the new year with a first day hike at Rifle Falls State Park, and begin your year with some quality time outside!

Outlook Ridge Hike
Tuesday, January 1

First Day Hike at Eldorado Canyon State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a guided hike on Fowler Trail followed by hot chocolate at Visitor Center around a fire, if weather permits. Program length about 1 – 1.5 hours total.

First Day Hike at Steamboat Lake State Park
Tuesday, January 1

Join us for a first day hike at Steamboat Lake State Park to celebrate the new year!