WYOMING — Wyoming State Parks’ annual tradition of free guided hikes on the first day of the new year will return on Jan. 1, 2024.
This is the thirteenth consecutive year of First Day Hikes in the parks, encouraging Wyomingites to ring in the new year by getting outside to enjoy the great outdoors. The nationwide initiative was originally spearheaded by America’s State Parks.
“We are excited to take part in this nationwide initiative each year, and we look forward to continuing to inspire passion for Wyoming’s outdoors and the many recreational opportunities those spaces bring throughout the year,” Laurel Stephens, Outreach Coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, said via press release.
All 16 Wyoming State Park and Historic Site locations will host events on Jan. 1. The hikes are free and open to the public. Day use fees will be waived on Jan. 1 as part of the celebration. First Day Hikes participants can enter a drawing for a yearlong park pass and a statewide grand prize.
Participants should prepare for winter weather conditions and bring water and snacks. Hot drinks and refreshments will be provided at most locations, according to State Parks.
The hikes will be led by park staff and volunteers, and each trek is between one and three miles in length. For more information, visit wyoparks.org. See below for site-specific details and contact information:
- Bear River State Park: 10 a.m., meet at Visitor Center, hike 1-2.5 mile(s) on easy terrain, snow cover, 307-789-6547
- Boysen State Park: 10 a.m., meet at Park Headquarters, hike 1.5 miles on moderate to intermediate terrain, 307-876-2796
- Buffalo Bill State Park: 9 a.m., meet at Park Headquarters, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-587-9227
- Curt Gowdy State Park: 10:30 a.m., meet at Visitor Center, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-632-7946
- Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park: 10 a.m., meet at Platte River Shelter, hike 1.5 miles on easy terrain, 307-577-5150
- Fort Bridger State Historic Site: 1 p.m., meet at Front Parking Lot, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-782-3842
- Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site: 1 p.m., meet at Interpretive Center, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-684-7629
- Guernsey State Park: 9 a.m., meet at parking lot on the east side of the walk path of Lucinda Rollins Road and South Guernsey Hwy, hike 2.5 miles on easy terrain, snow cover 307-836-2334
- Hot Springs State Park: 10 a.m., meet at T-Hill Parking Lot, hike 2-3 miles on moderate to intermediate terrain, 307-864-2176
- Keyhole State Park: 10 a.m., meet at Cliffs Shelter, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, snow cover, 307-756-3596
- Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site: 10 a.m., meet at Red Barn, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, snow cover, 307-469-2234
- Sinks Canyon State Park: 1 p.m., meet at Popo Agie Campground, hike 2 miles on moderate terrain, snow cover, 307-332-6333
- South Pass City State Historic Site: 11 a.m., meet at Dance Hall, hike 2 miles on moderate terrain, snow cover, 307-332-3684
- Trail End State Historic Site: 10 a.m., meet East Side of Kendrick Mansion, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-674-4589
- Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum: 10 a.m., meet at Museum, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-358-9288
- Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: 10 a.m., meet at Parking Lot, hike 1-3 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-745-6161
