From Asilomar State Beach to Mount Diablo, greater than 70 California state parks offer special guided hikes on New Year's Day. It's a part of the state's First Day Hikes program, which inspires people to begin the brand new yr in the nice outdoors.
The hikes are easy to seek out via the interactive First Day Hikes website – parks.ca.gov/FirstDayHikes – This includes special events on January 1st and beyond, including a guided, family-friendly hike on Mount Diablo on January 2nd, open to children ages 7 and up.
Here's only a sampling of the choices at Bay Area State Parks. Visit the First Day Hikes website for more information, including meeting locations, parking and day-use fees, age restrictions and weather conditions.
5 hikes to try on the primary day
1 Angel Island State Park: Join state park interpreters at 10:30 a.m. on January 1 for a 4-mile moderate walk 'n' talk that features moderate elevation changes, paved and unpaved surfaces, and stairs.
2 Sugar Loaf Ridge SP: Meet at Kenwood Park's White Barn at 9 a.m. Jan. 1 for a 6.5-mile hike to Bald Mountain, where some significant elevation changes — a climb of 1,500 feet — gives you 360-degree views. Bring a reusable mug so you’ll be able to enjoy hot cocoa afterwards.
3 Pacheco SP: This Hollister hike begins at noon on New Year's Day and features a mile-long walk through 180 years of history and stories in regards to the Pacheco adobe and Pacheco Pass.
4 Big Basin Redwoods SP: Meet at 8 a.m. January 1 for this guided, 0.7-mile loop hike that explores the forest's recovery from the 2020 CZU wildfires. A 3-mile hike begins at 11 a.m. and takes you over moderate to strenuous terrain, including a bit of the Skyline to the Sea Trail.
5 Mount Diablo SP: Meet at 9 a.m. January 1 for a 4-mile hike exploring the park's seasonal attractions, including mistletoe and California holly. Or take a 1.5-mile Fire and Water-themed walk starting at 12 p.m. on January 2nd.
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