Colorado Parks and Wildlife is pleased to welcome in the new year by once again participating in First Day Hikes. Over 30 events are scheduled in state parks across Colorado on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.
Coloradans can find a nearby hike by visiting the Colorado Parks and Wildlife First Day Hikes web page. 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.
The programs are free but a vehicle day pass ($7) or state parks annual pass ($70) is required to enter the park. Some hikes do require advance registration.
“Each year, we’ve had a growing number of our parks offering First Day Hike events as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into state parks,” said CPW Director Bob Broscheid. “First Day Hikes
are a great way to cure cabin fever and celebrate the New Year in our amazing state with a walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”
Getting outside and unplugging from daily technology creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources in kids and adults alike.
Visitors to Colorado State Parks can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter and experience spectacular views and vistas. Guided hikes range from half-mile fun walks to challenging five-mile hikes. In addition, most parks offer refreshments as well as giveaways provided by a Colorado Parks Foundation grant.
Whether planning to participate in a First Day Hike, reserving a spring campsite, or scheduling hunter education courses, you can start your 2018 outdoor adventures by visiting cpw.state.co.us.
Chatfield 2018 First Day Hike: Gravel Pond (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
Get your legs and mind moving and check out some of the historical relevance Chatfield Park has to offer. Meet at the Gravel Pond parking lot.
Chatfield 2018 First Day Hike: Platte River (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Get your legs and mind moving and check out some of the historical relevance Chatfield Park has to offer. Meet at the Platte River parking lot.
Roxborough 2018 First Day Hike: Carpenter Peak (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Join Naturalists Paul Bleau and Dave Thomas for a 6.4-mile (roundtrip) hike to Carpenter Peak, at 7175’ the highest point on the Park. Enjoy a panoramic view while eating lunch on the peak. Bring water, food, clothing appropriate for the weather, yaktrax or micro spikes, and poles. Registration required.
Roxborough 2018 First Day Hike: South Rim (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Join Naturalists Mike Thomas on this 3-mile hike on South Rim Trail to look at the interrelationships of ecosystems, human impacts, and geology of the park. Bring water, food, clothing appropriate for the weather, yaktrax or micro spikes, and poles. Registration required.
Roxborough 2018 First Day Hike: Fountain Valley Trail (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Bring your family and celebrate the New Year with a 2.2-mile hike to explore the Fountain Valley Trail with Naturalists Sue and Jim Schleuder. Look for signs of animals that live in the park and learn about the amazing geology. Bring water, snacks, and dress for the weather. Registration required.
