Wyoming State Parks, Trails, and the Office of Outdoor Recreation are thrilled to invite you to the 14th annual First Day Hikes event on January 1, 2025.
First Day Hikes is a nationwide initiative by America’s State Parks that encourages individuals and families to explore the great outdoors. On New Year’s Day, people of all ages can embrace the new year by participating in free guided hikes across all fifty states. This initiative also promotes the overall mental and physical health benefits of recreating outdoors, making it a great way to start the year refreshed and rejuvenated.
“This event has become a cherished tradition for families and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the state, drawing a record-breaking 1,132 participants on January 1, 2024,” said Laurel Stephens, communications and marketing manager of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. “We are excited to be part of this national celebration and to promote appreciation for the beauty of Wyoming’s state parks, the rich history of our historic sites, and the year-round recreational opportunities they offer.”
Hikes are planned at 18 Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites. Attendance is free, and all day-use fees will be waived on January 1 to encourage participation.
Participants can also win a 2025 Annual Day Use Pass and enter a statewide Grand Prize drawing at each site.
Park staff and volunteers will guide the hikes, which range from 1 to 3 miles. Information about meeting locations, difficulty levels, lengths, and terrain can be found below.
- Bear River State Park – 10:00 a.m., meet at Visitor Center, hike 1-2.5 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-789-6547
- Boysen State Park – 10:00 a.m., meet at Park Headquarters, hike 1.5 miles on moderate to intermediate terrain, 307-876-2796
- Buffalo Bill State Park – 9:00 a.m., meet at Park Headquarters, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-587-9227
- Curt Gowdy State Park – 1:00 p.m., meet at Visitor Center, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-632-7946
- Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park – 10:00 a.m., meet at Platte River Shelter, hike 1.5 miles on easy terrain, 307-577-5150
- Fort Bridger State Historic Site – 1:00 p.m., meet at Front Parking Lot, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-782-3842
- Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site – 10:00 a.m., meet at Post Trader’s House, hike 2 miles on easy terrain, 307-320-3013
- Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site – 1:00 p.m., meet at Interpretive Center, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-684-7629
- Glendo State Park – 1:00 p.m., meet at Two Moon Shelter, hike 2 miles on easy terrain, 307-735-4433
- Guernsey State Park – 9:00 a.m., meet at The Castle, hike 2 miles on moderate terrain, 307-836-2334
- Hot Springs State Park – 10:00 a.m., meet at Smoking Waters Shelter, hike 1-2 mile(s) on moderate to intermediate terrain, 307-864-2176
- Keyhole State Park – 10:00 a.m., meet at Cliffs Shelter, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-756-3596
- Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site – 11:00 a.m., meet at Red Barn, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-469-2234
- Sinks Canyon State Park – 1:00 p.m., meet at Visitor Center, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-332-6333
- South Pass City State Historic Site – 11:00 a.m., meet at Dance Hall, hike 1 mile on moderate terrain, 307-332-3684
- Trail End State Historic Site – 10:00 a.m., meet at East Side of Kendrick Mansion, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-674-4589
- Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum – 10:00 a.m., meet at Museum, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-358-9288
- Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site – 10:00 a.m., meet at Parking Lot, hike 1-3 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-745-6161
Participants are encouraged to “know before you go” and to dress appropriately for winter conditions. Please note that all trails are subject to snow cover. Hot drinks and refreshments will be available at most locations; however, bringing your own water and snacks is advisable.
To discover more about First Day Hike events in your area, check the individual sites on Facebook or visit wyoparks.org. Join us in celebrating the beauty of nature as we step into the new year together!
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