GILLETTE, Wyo. — For the 13th year in a row, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails will host a series of First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.
The hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, Wyoming State Parks says, adding that people of all ages will have access to hundreds of free guided hikes organized in all 50 states.
In Wyoming, guided hikes will be offered at 16 state parks and historic site locations — Keyhole State Park among them. The hikes are free and open to the public and day-use fees will be waived as part of the initiative, per Wyoming State Parks, which says the hikes will range from 1 to 3 miles.
“This outdoor event has become an annual tradition for families and nature lovers of all ages,” said Laurel Stephens, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation coordinator. “We are excited to take part in this nationwide initiative each year, and we look forward to continuing to inspire passion for Wyoming’s outdoors and the many recreational [opportunities] those spaces bring throughout the year.”
Similar to previous years, participants at each site will have the chance to win a 2024 Annual Day-Use Certificate and enter a statewide grand prize drawing, Wyoming State Parks says.
Participants are encouraged to prepare for winter weather conditions and dress appropriately. While hot drinks and refreshments will be provided, hikers should bring their own water and snacks, per Wyoming State Parks.
