Colorado Parks & Wildlife Rings in the New Year with First Day Hikes

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will once again sponsor guided hikes slated in state parks across the state on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

Coloradans can find a nearby First Day Hike by clicking here. First Day Hikes was created to offer everyone an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors at a state park close to home.

Colorado State Parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation. Visitors can listen to birds, breathe in the fresh air, discover wildlife tracks, feel the wind and the warmth of the sun or the crisp cool snow. 

According to the National Association of State Park Directors, nearly 41,000 people hiked 79,000 miles in state parks across the country during the 2015 First Day Hike.

Visitors can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, experience spectacular views and vistas and benefit from the company of a knowledgeable state park guide. In addition most parks offer refreshments as well as giveaways provided by a Colorado Parks Foundation grant.

Park staff and volunteers usually lead hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park. You can check out all the options at the CPW’s website.

“America’s State Parks provide havens for young and old alike to explore the beauty and serenity of nature through outdoor recreation,” National Association of State Park Directors Executive Director Lewis Ledford said. “Hiking offers inspiring ways to improve your physical and mental health, while discovering beautiful public lands in every state.”

First Day Hikes originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. In both 2015 and 2016 all 50 state park systems join together to sponsor First Day Hikes.



Jeff
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