Let’s welcome January with joy: the food we eat, the friends we meet, the poems we read, the songs we sing, there are many merry, quirky, and solid traditions associated with the first day of the year. And if you’re talking about an escape in a grand space, somewhere like a completely wild place with lots of trees, very beachy, mostly greenery, and/or an outdoor vitality. Is it? Then you might just be talking about your first day’s hike. Just a few hours into the new year, it’s time to put on your sneakers and step outside to take a breather.
First Day Hike… Happens at all kinds of nature-focused spots across the country and abroad, but if you’d like to join other explorers for an uplifting outing, check out our staff at California State Parks . The park team has long been at the forefront of great first-day hikes, hosting a variety of events on January 1 that offer a variety of views and fun to stretch your legs. You’ll be accompanied by an “experienced guide” and have the opportunity to preserve the “beautiful natural and cultural resources” contained within California’s wild treasures.
The 2025 event includes an afternoon hike at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, a morning trek at Mountain Diablo State Park, and a long, beautiful walk through more than eight miles of Chino Hills State Park. A complete list along with start times and hike lengths can be found here. All details are on this site, including admission information, safety tips, and the “I’ve been there” hashtag.
