Can you believe it's almost 2020? We can help you start the new year right and achieve your goals this year. Spend the first day of 2020 in the parks and celebrate the New Year! Join us for First Day Hikes, a national effort to kick off the year on a healthy note. There are fun activities for all, including hikes, tours, boat rides, and even s'mores! Remember to wear the appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water, a camera and your sense of adventure!
Choose from the following hikes:
9:00 a.m. - Ranger-Lead Hike
Come hike where the Sonoran desert meets the Mohave and the giant saguaro share space with the Joshua trees. All participants will meet at the Ranger station/store parking lot. The hike will be approximately two-hours long up the Burro Trail.
• Dress appropriately for December weather and desert terrain (hiking boots, proper footwear, etc.)
• Bring water, hiking stick, sunscreen, camera, etc.
10 a.m. - Buckskin Trail
Join Arizona State Parks & Trails park rangers for a moderately difficult hike, available to all ages. Meet at the trailhead across from the Ranger Station. Pets are allowed and must be leashed. The length of the hike is about two hours, covering 1.5 miles of beautiful scenery and interpretation of popular desert trees.
9 a.m. - Romero Ruins Adventure Walk
Assistant manager Jack McCabe will lead a tour of the Romero Ruins Trail, where the whole family can learn about the history and mystery surrounding the Hohokam's largest ruin site in Catalina State Park. Meet at the Romero Ruins Ramada.
10 a.m. - Ranger Led Hike
Meet at the launch ramp/trailhead area. This is a moderate two to three-mile hike and will last approximately three hours. The hike, led by Ranger Todd Lostetter, will discuss the history, fauna, and wildlife of the area. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and snacks.
10 a.m. - Birding and Nature Hike
Meet at the West Lagoon parking lot. The guided 3-mile birding and nature hike will go along the riparian area of the Verde River and around the edges of the lagoons to look for evidence of beaver, otter, waterfowl and other wildlife found in the park. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies prior to the hike.
2 p.m. - Guided Hike
Three-mile guided upland desert hike overlooking the Verde Valley. This hike provides great views overlooking the Verde River and Tuzigoot National Monument.
10 a.m. Ranger-led Hike
Join us at Fool Hollow Lake for a nature hike in the New Year! Hikers will meet at the Addair amphitheater for a ranger-led hike around Fool Hollow Lake, approximately 2.5 miles and 2.5 to 3 hours. Please dress warmly and wear appropriate hiking boots, and don't forget your water. Dogs are welcome must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and please clean up after your dog.
10 a.m. - Tsü'vö Trail to Diné Point Hike
Join a Park Ranger for a hike to Diné Point via the Tsu’vö trail. Hikers will pass by petroglyph's from the early occupation period at Homolovi (620-890AD) up to Diné Point overlook. The hike is on moderate, sandy trails and is approximately two miles total.
9 a.m. - Guindani Trail
The Guindani Trail (#398), located on the east flank of the Whetstone Mountains in the Coronado National Forest, is 4.2 miles in length (the first mile is an easy walk, next 2/3 of the trail is moderately difficult and the last leg is strenuous). This is a shared-use, non-motorized trail that is well-marked with directional signs.
3 p.m. - Foothill Loop Trail
Come start your New Year off right and hike our Foothills Loop Trail with us. Join rangers on a moderate 2.5 mile guided hike for the first day of the new year and explore the geology and history of the San Pedro River Valley. Make sure to bring water and appropriate clothing.
Cave Tours are also available from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. BOOK A TOUR
10 a.m. - Ranger-Led Hike
Meet at the trailhead for this moderate 2-mile hike with a snack and water break at our lovely Cactus Garden. The hike will last approximately three hours and will include the history, fauna, and wildlife in the area. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and snacks.
8 a.m. & 11 a.m. - Ranger Lead Hikes
Start the year off right with a moderate hike up Treasure Loop trail. Be ready for rocky terrain with 500 ft elevation gain over 2.4 miles. Bring your water bottle, sturdy shoes, and cameras! A guiding ranger will answer questions you've always wanted to ask about the landscape around you! Meet at Saguaro.
11 a.m. - Beginner's Hike
Start the year off right with a moderate hike up Treasure Loop trail. This hike is a little easier, a 1-mile loop with only 75 ft elevation gain. Bring your water bottle, sturdy shoes, and cameras! A guiding ranger will answer questions you've always wanted to ask about the landscape around you!
Notes: Pets are not allowed on these guided hikes. Make sure you have good shoes, water, and are conditioned/prepared for the hike you will be taking so you can keep up with the group.
10 a.m. - Ranger-led hike
Join us for a guided hike of the Petroglyph Trail (weather dependent). The trail requires a mild climb, and a number of petroglyphs (pictures carved on stone) and interpretive signs are easily visible.
10 a.m. - Self-Guided Tours
Take a self-guided walk through the Florence Historic District, starting at the park. Florence is the sixth oldest non-Native American settlement in Arizona, with over 100 buildings on the National Historic Register.
10 a.m. - Ranger-Led Hike
Start off the new year with a Guided Hike at Oracle State Park led by Friends of Oracle State Park volunteers. Meet at the Kannally Ranch House for a hike beginning at 10 a.m. The hike duration is 1.5 to 2.5 miles. Free with park entrance fee. Reservations preferred.
8:45 a.m. Pontoon Boat Tour
What better way to ring in the new year than a boat tour around Patagonia Lake? Discover the history, vegetation, and overwhelming beauty of the surrounding area. The tour will be an hour-long, so please dress for the weather. The is a $5 fee per person. To ensure space, please stop in or call the visitor center. Meet at the visitor center.
9:30 a.m. - Overlook Hike
The hike is approximately 1.5 miles (roundtrip) to the top of the hill for a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding area. The hike is of moderate difficulty with an elevation gain of 335 feet. Please call the visitor center or stop in to register. Meet at the visitor center.
3:45 p.m. Twilight Boat Tour
What better way to ring in the new year than a boat tour around Patagonia Lake? Discover the history, vegetation, and overwhelming beauty of the surrounding area. The tour will be an hour-long, so please dress for the weather. There is a $7 fee per person. To ensure space, please stop in or call the visitor center. Meet at the visitor center. Enjoy the end of the first day of the new year on a pontoon boat at the park!
10 a.m. - Calloway Overlook Trail Guided Hike
Ranger- led moderate hike along the Calloway Trail. The trail offers expansive views of the Sonoran Desert. This one-hour, 1.2 mile round-trip hike does not go to the top of the Peak. The hike is suitable for ages six and older. Wear hiking boots, bring sun protection and at least one quart of water per person. Meet at Harrington Loop Trail Head. Dogs are not allowed on this group hike.
10 a.m. - Guided Nature Hike
A volunteer naturalist will lead a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk include geology, wildlife, history, archaeology, and plant life. Our naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience.
9:30 a.m. - Ranger-led bird walk
Join us for a 1.5 miles, leisurely hike looking at the visiting birds. Discover incredible species in their natural habitat, and a beautiful view! Meet at the Day Use Parking lot. Bring appropriate hiking attire, camera, water, binoculars.
1:00 p.m. - Ranger-led Hike
Start the new year with a nature hike led by Slide Rock State Park Ranger Blake Hourigan. Blake will guide visitors on a 1.5 mile walk with informative tidbits of geology, wildlife, homestead history and plant life around Slide Rock State Park. Please remember to wear appropriate shoes and layered clothing. Bring plenty of water.
10:00 a.m.- Ranger-led Hike
After a guided tour of Goodfellow Lodge, hit the park trails on a ranger led hike. Ranger Hauptman will guide you through the history associated with the lodge before sharing the beauty of Arizona's Rim Country.
