Arizona State Parks
Each year the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) announces a national collaboration of all 50 State Park systems across America to sponsor guided "First Day Hikes" on New Year's Day.
Arizona's "First Day Hikes" offer individuals and groups an opportunity to begin the New Year on a healthy note, so get out those boots and take a hike! There will be 20 different hikes offered at 18 parks on January 1, 2016. A full listing of hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing can be found on the Arizona State Parks website at AZStateParks.com/fdh. See a sampling of hikes in your area below! All of the First Day Hikes on January 1 are included with the day-use entrance fee to each park.
In partnership with the National Park Service, Arizona State Parks will kick off the campaign for "Find Your Park," celebrating the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, at the First Day Hikes. Arizona State Parks will offer the 100th visitor of each park's First Day Hike a "Find Your Park" gift bag containing outdoor swag to use when you visit your State, National and local parks throughout the year.
Hikes in the Phoenix area and nearby vicinity:
Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Superior)
- Bird Walk at 9:30 a.m.
- Two-Hour Guided Walk at 10 a.m.
- Arvel Bird (Celtic fiddle and flute player) Concert at 12 p.m.
Lost Dutchman (Apache Junction)
- Ranger and volunteer-led hike on Treasure Loop Trail at 9 a.m.
Picacho Peak (I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson)
- Ranger led moderate hike along the Calloway Trail at 10 a.m.
ALL HIKES: Wear warm clothes in layers, bring one liter of water, hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes, walking stick, binoculars and a camera for your hike! There are always good photo opportunities on these hikes. Also be sure to check with the park for details about the hike before you leave to be sure there are no changes to the hike for that day due to the weather. Some hikes require reservations and some don't allow dogs. Children younger than six years old may need to be carried throughout the hike so plan to hike with backpacks. Keep checking AZStateParks.com/fdh for updates.