GILLETTE, Wyo. — On Jan. 1, 15 Wyoming state parks and historic sites will waive all-day use fees as part of America’s State Parks’ national First Day Hikes initiative.
Participants in any Wyoming site’s free guided hike can enter a drawing for a 2023 annual day-use certificate, according to a Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, & Trails news release. Hikers can also enter a statewide Grand Prize drawing for a Coleman Roadtrip® X-Cursion™ Grill.
“We are thrilled to take part in this nationwide initiative once again, inviting guests of all ages to experience the beauty of Wyoming’s state parks and the rich history of our historic sites,” Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation Outreach Coordinator Laurel Thompson said. “We hope our passion for the outdoors will inspire participants to take advantage of the many local treasures and outdoor recreational opportunities across the state throughout the upcoming year.”
Hikers should prepare for winter weather conditions and dress appropriately, the release said. Most locations will offer hot drinks and refreshments, but hikers should also bring their own water and snacks.
The routes
Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which range from 1 to 4 miles in length. To learn more about First Day Hike events, find individual sites on Facebook or visit wyoparks.org.
· Bear River State Park – 1 p.m., meet at Visitor Center, hike 1-2.5 mile(s) on easy terrain, snow cover, 307-789-6547
· Boysen State Park – 10 a.m. meet at Park Headquarters, hike 1.5 miles on moderate to intermediate terrain, 307-876-2796
· Buffalo Bill State Park – 9 a.m., meet at Park Headquarters, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-587-9227
· Curt Gowdy State Park – 10:30 a.m., meet at Visitor Center, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-632-7946
· Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park – 10 a.m., meet at Platte River Shelter, hike 1-2.5 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-577-5150
· Fort Bridger State Historic Site – 10 a.m., meet at Front Parking Lot, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-782-3842
· Fort Steele State Historic Site – 10 a.m., meet at Visitor Center, hike 1 miles on easy terrain, 307-320-3013
· Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site – 1 p.m., meet at Main Parking Lot, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-684-7629
· Guernsey State Park – 10 a.m., meet at Museum, hike 2-4 mile(s) on moderate to intermediate terrain, 307-836-2334
· Hot Springs State Park – 11 a.m., meet at Thermopolis Golf Course PL, hike 1-2 mile(s) on moderate terrain, 307-864-2176
· Keyhole State Park – 10 a.m., meet at Big Kahuna, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-756-3596
· Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site – 10 a.m., meet at Red Barn, hike 1 mile on easy terrain, 307-469-2234
· Sinks Canyon State Park – 1 p.m., meet at Popo Agie Campground, hike 2 miles on moderate terrain, snow cover, 307-332-6333
· South Pass City State Historic Site 1 p.m., meet at Dance Hall, hike 2 miles on moderate terrain, snow cover, 307-332-3684
· Trail End State Historic Site – 10 a.m., meet East Side of Kendrick Mansion, hike 1-2 mile(s) on easy terrain, 307-674-4589
County 17 included links to Facebook posts of participating state parks that are in the eastern half of Wyoming.
