Enjoy these First Day Hikes to start the New Year right!
Kick off the new year with a fresh start and a breath of fresh air by joining one of our guided hikes on New Year’s Day! After the holiday hustle, there’s no better way to reset than by stepping into the serenity of nature, surrounded by Arizona’s stunning landscapes. These hikes offer a perfect opportunity to set intentions for the year ahead, clear your mind, and reconnect with the outdoors. From gentle walks to challenging treks and a park ranger and volunteers to guide you, there’s a trail for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate new beginnings in Arizona’s beautiful state parks.
Remember to wear the appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water, a camera, and your sense of adventure! Park entrance fees apply. Please check the park website for more information and to register (if required). All hikes are dependent on weather. Please check this page for updates.
Choose from the following hikes:
Buckskin Mountain State Park (Parker - MAP IT) - (928) 667-3231
10 a.m. - Join us at Buckskin Mountain State Park for a walk through the cactus garden and park. Meet at the Buckskin Mountain State Park Ranger Station 10 minutes before departure time. This is an easy walk to showcase the desert scenery and park, and we ask all hikers to please bring water and wear proper footwear (no open-toed shoes).
Catalina State Park (Tucson - MAP IT) - (520) 628-5798
9 a.m. - Ring in the New Year with a group hike on a new trail! Explore the brand new Cañada del Oro (CDO) Ridge Trail featuring beautiful views of the mountains and Oro Valley with a Ranger. The hike will be around 3.2 mi/5.1 km long and moderately difficult. Please be prepared to hike on rocky terrain with little shade. Meet at the Equestrian Center near the horse corrals.
Cattail Cove State Park (Lake Havasu City - MAP IT) - (928) 855-1223
8:30 a.m. - Meet at the launch ramp at Cattail Cove for this guided hike to Whyte's Retreat. This moderate, 3-mile hike provides an amazing view of the Colorado River. Hike begins at 9 a.m. Bring hiking shoes, water, and snacks.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood - MAP IT) - (928) 634-5283
10 a.m. - Join us behind Cooper's Hawk restroom in the parking area on Roadrunner Rd. for a 3-mile guided upland desert hike, overlooking the Verde Valley. This hike provides great views overlooking the Verde River and Tuzigoot National Monument. Entrance fees apply, please make sure to bring water and appropriate footwear.
Homolovi State Park (Winslow - MAP IT) - (928) 289-4106
10 a.m. - Join a Park Ranger for a hike to Diné Point via the Tsu’vö trail. Hikers will pass by petroglyphs 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.
Kartchner Caverns State Park (Benson - MAP IT) - (520) 586-4100
10 a.m. - Meet at the Discovery Center for a 2.5 mile hike on the moderately difficult Foothills Loop Trail. Bring water, appropriate footwear and sun protection. Event is weather permitting.
Lake Havasu State Park (Lake Havasu - MAP IT) - (928) 855-2784
10 a.m. - Meet at Lot 2 right inside the park to join this guided hike of the Sunset Trail. The hike is moderate, with sand and gravel trails, about 1.5-2 miles long. The hike will feature scenic views of the lake and end in our beautiful cactus garden with water and snacks. Bring comfortable shoes and water.
Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction - MAP IT) - (480) 982-4485
8 a.m. - Registration required! Meet your guide at the Palo Verde Day Use Ramada! This hike is 1.6 miles and may take over one hour. Prepare for rocky terrain with slight elevation gain, a couple dips, and narrow sections. Bring your water, close-toed shoes, and layered clothing or jacket. No dogs or strollers please. This event is weather permitting.
Program is free and will be limited to 30 participants who will need to register online for the hike. A $10 day use per vehicle applies when you arrive at the park. Register at https://azstateparks.com/reserve/Activities/Search.aspx.
Lyman Lake State Park (St. John's - MAP IT) - (928) 337-4441
10 a.m. - 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. Meet at the trailhead.
Oracle State Park (Oracle - MAP IT) - (520) 896-2425
10 a.m. - Come and decompress from all the holiday hustle and bustle with scenic views, crisp clean air, and desert landscapes. Oracle State Park will be doing a ranger led hike along the beautiful Nature Trail Loop. This trail is approximately 1.5 miles long this trail ranges from easy to moderate, and has some elevation changes along the way. On the trail you will encounter rocks, loose sand, and gravel. There are some steep and narrow inclines and declines with steps along the way as well.
We will make some stops along the way to take in the scenic views, listen and look for wildlife along the trail and at the parks wildlife blind and watering hole, and enjoy the peace and quiet Oracle State Park has to offer. Make sure to bring a camera, binoculars, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, appropriate clothing, and shoes. We will start at the Historical Kannally Ranch House patio and make our way to the Nature Trail. $7.00 day use fee applies unless you have the Arizona State Park annual pass.
Patagonia Lake State Park (Patagonia - MAP IT) - (520) 287-2791
9 a.m. - Join us for a 1.5 mile hike with spectacular views all around. The hike is moderate in difficulty. Please bring water, appropriate shoes, and sun protection! Meet at the visitors center at 8:45 a.m.
9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. - Discover the lake pontoon boat tours will be offered as well! Space on these tours is limited to eight people, so please call (520) 287-2791 or sign up at the park for a reservation! Meet at the visitors center 15 minutes prior to tour.
Picacho Peak State Park (Eloy - MAP IT) - (520) 466-3183
10 a.m. - Hunter Trail - Registration Required!
Challenge seekers, join our guide up to the peak via the Hunter Trail. Learn more about the mountain, the surrounding land, and even some of the native plants. While taking consistent breaks, you will make your climb to the peak. This challenging hike involves steep switchbacks, rock scrambles, climbing up several cableways, and an elevation gain of 1,600ft. Total distance is 3.2 miles round-trip and takes 4-5 hours.
Sorry, no children under the age of 10 are permitted on this guided hike and no dogs. Hikers will meet at the Hunter Trailhead located in Barrett Loop.
10 a.m. - Calloway Trail - Registration Required!
Join us for a more moderate hike on the Calloway Trail. Plan for 1-2 hours on the trail. Meet at the Calloway Trailhead in Harrington Loop.
The following items are REQUIRED to attend a guided peak hike. Park staff have the right to turn away unprepared hikers at the trailhead.
- Water: Bring a minimum of 3 liters on the hunter trail hike, and at least 4 liters on the sunset trail hike. Consider using a water bladder or hydration pack for easy water storage
- Clothing: Wear close-toed hiking shoes, lightweight clothing and a head covering. Gloves are recommended for the cableways. Guided peak hikes involve very rocky terrain, so tennis shoes and sandals are not appropriate footwear
- Sunscreen: We recommend at least SPF 30
Register at https://azstateparks.com/reserve/Activities/Search.aspx.
Red Rock State Park (Sedona - MAP IT) - (928) 282-6907
9 a.m. - Bird Walk: Learn about Sedona's diverse and beautiful bird species while taking a stroll through this gorgeous park with a veteran bird enthusiast.
10 a.m. - Nature Walk: 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.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park (Flagstaff - MAP IT) (928) 779-4395
2 p.m. - Join us at Riordan Mansion for an exploration of wintertime nature in Flagstaff. This guided walk will last about an hour as we explore our 5 acres. Please dress warmly and be prepared to go off the paved path. Families are very welcome! RSVP at 928-779-4395. Free with paid $2 per person park admission.
Rockin' River Ranch State Park (Camp Verde - MAP IT) (928) 284-7912
10 a.m. - Join us for a special event at the park - the FIRST First Day Hike ever! We will explore the White Cliffs Trail, a 1.7 mile loop that takes you along and through the riparian area of the park, viewing beautiful white cliffs of the Verde River, and then into a mesquite bosque and through highland desert landscape.
The park will only be open for the First Day Hike on this Wednesday and then return to normal operating hours (Friday-Sunday). Please dress for the weather and bring water. The event is free with park admission.
Slide Rock State Park (Sedona - MAP IT) (928) 282-3034
1 p.m. - Start the New Year with a nature walk led by a Slide Rock State Park ranger. Visitors will head out 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!
