ARIZONA — Arizona State Parks and Trails is inviting residents and visitors to kick off 2026 with a free First Day Hike at locations across the state on January 1.
The hikes are part of a nationwide tradition sponsored by America’s State Parks that encourages people to begin the new year outdoors, enjoy scenic trails, and connect with nature.
A variety of guided hikes will be offered at state parks in multiple regions of Arizona.
Participating locations include, among others:
- Riordan Mansion State Historic Park – This hike will last about an hour and explore the five acres of property surrounding the mansion starting at 2 p.m.
- Buckskin Mountain State Park — hike the Buckskin Loop Trail starting at 9:30 a.m.
- Cattail Cove State Park — an easy 1.5‑mile shoreline hike beginning at 9 a.m.
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park — guided hike along the Verde River Trail beginning at 10 a.m.
- Homolovi State Park — moderate hike via the Tsu’vö Trail around 9 a.m.
- Lake Havasu State Park — moderate hike on the Sunset Trail at 10 a.m.
- Oracle State Park — nature walk along the Nature Trail at 10 a.m.
- Picacho Peak State Park — two guided hikes at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Catalina State Park — group hike on the Cañada del Oro Trail from 9 a.m. to noon.
Other parks across the state, including Roper Lake, Red Rock, Slide Rock, Lyman Lake, Kartchner Caverns, Rockin’ River Ranch, and Patagonia Lake, are also hosting First Day Hike activities and related outdoor events on Jan. 1.
Arizona State Parks officials encourage hikers of all skill levels to participate. Many hikes are led by park rangers or volunteers and offer opportunities to learn about the local landscape, wildlife, cultural history, and geology.
These First Day Hikes are free to attend and designed to help visitors start the new year active and engaged with Arizona’s natural and historic resources.
For the full list of guided hikes, visit https://azstateparks.com/first-day-hikes
