California’s First Day Hikes 2024: More Than 60 Parks, 70+ Guided Adventures

In a bid to promote a healthy start to 2024, California State Parks is inviting the public to partake in the annual First Day Hikes on Monday, January 1. Over 60 state parks are set to participate, hosting more than 70 guided hikes across the state. Participants, including both Californians and visitors from around the world, can explore diverse landscapes, from gentle redwoods to desert geology, while catching glimpses of unique wildlife. California boasts some of the country’s most iconic parks for everyone to discover.

First Day Hikes is a nationwide initiative encouraging individuals and families to experience the outdoors with seasoned guides, potentially inspiring year-round exploration. With over 70 guided hikes on January 1, each varies in distance and difficulty. Interested individuals are urged to check start times and hike details. The interactive First Day Hikes webpage (parks.ca.gov/FirstDayHikes2024) allows users to search locations by park name, county, and region. It also provides real-time hike status, updates, and information on new holiday hiking opportunities.

Examples of hikes on January 1 include a 5-mile trek to the top of Angel Island’s Mount Caroline Livermore, a 20-mile loop tour of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, a snowshoe-guided hike in Calaveras Big Trees State Park’s North Grove, a 2.5-mile coastal hike in Salt Point State Park, and four different-length hikes in Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park.

Here are some hikes scheduled for January 1st:

Explore the heights of Angel Island State Park with a 5-mile hike to the summit of Mount Caroline Livermore. This scenic journey winds through oak woodlands, chaparral, and wind-swept hillsides, offering participants breathtaking views of San Francisco and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

At Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, opt for an off-road adventure instead of a traditional hike. Visitors can bring their four-wheel-drive vehicles to the Discovery Center and embark on a swift tour of the park’s western section. Traverse through ancient seashores, mesquite dunes, and desert washes, marveling at fascinating geology, desert flora, wildlife signs, and perhaps even spotting some wildflowers. The approximately 20-mile loop concludes back at the Discovery Center.

Embark on a snowshoe-guided trek through the North Grove of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Borrow available snowshoes and kick off the adventure with an introductory session on how to use them.

Experience the unspoiled beauty of the Sonoma coast at Salt Point State Park. This three-hour, easy-to-moderate, 2.5-mile round trip hike invites hikers to traverse the ocean terrace, leading from Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach.

At Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, visitors can relish stunning vistas of the Simi Hills and the San Fernando Valley while delving into the history of the Butterfield Overland Stage Route. The park provides four hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels for an enriching experience.

While most parks require a parking fee, holders of the State Library Parks Pass or Golden Bear Pass, along with parents of fourth graders using the California State Park Adventure Pass, can enter participating parks for free. Visitors are reminded to recreate responsibly and follow safety tips, including checking park status, dressing appropriately, and leaving no trace.

To enhance safety and outdoor experiences, visitors can utilize apps such as what3words for precise location communication and OuterSpatial for interactive park guides, real-time updates, and connectivity with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. These tools aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during First Day Hikes and throughout the year.