What's the best part about a new year? A fresh start and an opportunity to try new things! Arizona State Parks and Trails is part of a national effort to get every year started on the right foot - on a trail, outdoors! It's a great way to start of 2026 with in nature with friends. Enjoy a new park, a new activity, or just share your old favorites with friends and the public. On New Year's Day, America's parks will once again be celebrating with First Day Hikes. These hikes provide a means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature. For many, it's become a tradition. 

Each year, over 860 million people visit America's state parks and contribute over $23 BILLION to the economy. State parks are a great resource and an important part of our country's fabric, enhancing our quality of life. Whether you're a first time visitor or a regular, we hope that our First Day Hikes inspire you to make state parks a part of your life year-round.

As part of the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, all First Day Hikes will be offered with no fee! During this year, we can reflect on the legacy of Teddy Roosevelt, who was a key figure in creating national parks. He believed in protecting America's natural beauty for future generations, a vision that helped shape parks across the country, including the ones you will explore in the hikes below. 

Park Hikes

Park Name	Time	Trail or Hike Name	Information	Park Location
Cattail Cove State Park	9 a.m.	Whyte's Retreat Trail	This is rated an easy 1.5 mile round-trip hike along the shoreline with a stop halfway at the world-famous Whytes Retreat, a boat-in campsite. Hikers can expect an excellent view of the lower Colorado River and possibly bighorn sheep.	Lake Havasu (map)
Dead Horse Ranch State Park	10 a.m.	Ranger-led hike	Meet at the Owl Road parking lot. The hike will include the west lagoon, Arroyo Trail and Verde River Trail led by a park ranger.	Cottonwood (map)
Homolovi State Park	9 a.m.	Tsúvö Loop Trail	A half-mile walk on loose gravel and sandy soil. Hikers will pass by petroglyphs from the early occupation period at Homolovi (620-890AD) up to Diné Point overlook. Sturdy shoes/hiking boots recommended. Dress appropriately for cold temperatures and expect wind.	Winslow (map)
Kartchner Caverns State Park	10 a.m.	Foothills Loop Trail	A 2.5 mile loop, rated moderate to difficult. Trail highlights include the foothills, scenic view, riparian area, bedrock mortar and information about the Native Americans who inhabited the area.	Benson (map)
Lake Havasu State Park	10 a.m.	Sunset Trail	An approximately .75 mile long trail that ends in the Cactus Garden, where light refreshments will be served. Shuttle rides will be offered back to the parking area.	Lake Havasu City (map)
Lost Dutchman State Park	9 a.m.	Kids Hike	A kid-friendly hike about 1.5 miles long. Kids should be able to hike on their own or parents can carry them. No strollers will be allowed. Limited to 10 families. Registration is required. Register up to two days before the event. No walk-ups, no dogs.	Apache Junction (map)
Lyman Lake State Park	10 a.m.	Petroglyph Trail	The trail requires a mild climb and is rated moderate. The loop trail leads around the outer edge of the hill providing 360° views of the lake. Petroglyphs and interpretive signs are easily visible from the trail. The petroglyphs originate from the Hopi people and there are more than 200 viewable directly from the trail on this hike alone.	St. Johns (map)
Oracle State Park	10 a.m.	Nature Trail	A guided wildlife nature hike to help decompress from all the holiday hustle and bustle. Hike will include information about critters that live in the area and signs of wildlife. Trail ranges from easy to moderate with elevation changes along the way. Rocks, loose sand and gravel are along the trail, as well as steep and narrow inclines and declines.	Tucson (map)
Patagonia Lake State Park	9 a.m.	Boat rides	Take a boat ride on Patagonia Lake to enjoy the birds, plant life, and scenery on the first of the year. The rides last approximately one hour.	Patagonia (map)
Picacho Peak State Park	8 a.m.	Hunter Trail with Charles	This 3.2 mile round-trip hike takes 4-5 hours to complete and is not suitable for inexperienced hikers (or children under 10). Enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Picacho Peak. This is a challenging hike that involves steep switchbacks, rock scrambles, climbing up several cableways and an elevation change of 1,600 feet.	Eloy (map)
Picacho Peak State Park	10 a.m.	Calloway Trail with Ranger Bailey	The elevation gain of this trail is 334 feet and the hike's total distance is 1 mile. Plan on hiking approximately 1.5-2 hours. Enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Sonoran Desert to trek the Calloway Trail to an overlook on the face of Picacho Peak.	Eloy (map)
Red Rock State Park	10 a.m.	Guided Nature Walk	The hike will showcase the different life zones of the park, including geology, wildlife, history, archeology, and plant life.	Sedona (map)
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park	2 p.m.	Nature in Your Backyard Winter Edition	Explore wintertime nature in Flagstaff. This hike will last about an hour and explore the five acres of property surrounding the mansion. Dress warmly and be prepared to go off the paved path. Families are very welcome!	Flagstaff (map)
Rockin' River Ranch State Park	10 a.m.	White Cliffs Trail	1.7 mile loop that takes you through the riparian area of the park, viewing beautiful white cliffs of the Verde River and then into a mesquite bosque and highland desert landscape.	Camp Verde (map)
Roper Lake State Park	9 a.m.	Mariah Mesa Trail	Explore the plants, wildlife and geology of the area on this .75 mile trail.	Safford (map)
Slide Rock State Park	1 p.m.	Pendley Homestead Trail	This paved, level trail is suitable for all visitors and travels through a portion of the historic Pendley Homestead, including include some of the original apple orchards, Pendley Homestead house, tourist cabins, apple packing barn, and spectacular views of the canyon walls of Oak Creek Canyon. The hike will also include an open house of the apple packing shed.	Sedona (map)
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park	10 a.m.	Gowan Trail	A one-hour tour leading from the top to an observation deck looking into the natural bridge at the creek bottom. The trail is steep and rough.	Payson (map)

 

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