Local Hikers Celebrate the New Year with Wyoming State Parks’ ‘First Day Hikes’ Event

Wyoming State Parks ushered in the new year with the 14th annual First Day Hikes event on January 1, 2025, encouraging outdoor recreation and community engagement, County 10 reports.

The event saw 887 participants across the state, collectively hiking a total of 1,222 miles at 18 state parks and historic sites.

Three popular local destinations—Boysen State Park, Sinks Canyon State Park, and South Pass City State Historic Site—were among the highlights of the event. Boysen State Park welcomed 12 hikers, while Sinks Canyon State Park saw 44 participants take in the winter scenery. South Pass City State Historic Site hosted nine hikers, offering a unique and historic setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Laurel Stephens, communications and marketing manager for Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, expressed her excitement about the strong turnout.

“We are thrilled to have so many people join us to kick off the New Year in such a meaningful way,” Stephens said. “First Day Hikes are a perfect opportunity to start the year surrounded by community and Wyoming’s incredible natural beauty.”

In addition to enjoying the outdoor adventure, participants had the chance to win prizes, including a 2025 Wyoming State Parks Annual Day Use Pass and a statewide hiking-themed grand prize, encouraging ongoing exploration of Wyoming’s parks throughout the year.

The First Day Hikes initiative, part of a nationwide effort by America’s State Parks, promotes both physical and mental well-being through outdoor recreation. Across the United States, nearly 69,000 people participated in the event, logging more than 171,000 miles.