RBC I Colorado Parks and Wildlife will once again sponsor guided hikes in 27 of their 42 state parks 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 visiting www.cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/First-Day-Hikes.aspx or ncparks.gov/naspd/firstday.php
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.
“We are excited to host First Day Hikes 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 burn off those extra holiday calories by starting the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”
Broscheid adds that Colorado State Parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation. “It’s a great way to welcome the New Year with friends and family,” he said.
According to the National Association of State Park Directors, nearly 28,000 people hiked 68,811 miles in state parks across the country during the 2014 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.
“Getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” says NASPD’s Executive Director Lewis Ledford. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”
First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to promote healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.
Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is committed to promoting outdoor recreation. Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.
Get your CPW park passes, camping, recreational vehicle registration and hunting and fishing licenses online at cpw.state.co.us or follow us on Twitter @COParksWildlife.
