For Immediate Release: 12/16/2016

California State Parks Invites the Public to Kick-Off the New Year with a First Day Hike

Contact: Dennis Weber (916) 651-8724

 SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This New Year’s Day 2017, California State Parks will participate in the 5th Annual First Day Hikes at 50 parks across the state. This national-led effort encourages people to experience the beautiful natural and cultural resources found in the outdoors with a seasoned guide so that they may be inspired to take advantage of these treasures throughout the year. 

California’s state parks are among the most diverse in the world in variety of natural and cultural resources. Places such as Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, located in Los Angeles County, provide views of soaring sandstone formations referred to as stone cathedrals. The park’s otherworldly terrain has been compared to the planet Mars. In Mendocino County, people can take a stroll through ancient old-growth redwoods at Hendy Woods State Park. And in Santa Cruz County, people can view wintering monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach (Monarch Butterfly Grove). 

“We are proud to participate in this nationwide activity that prompts people to begin their New Year exploring nature and connecting with their families and communities,” said California State Parks Director Lisa Mangat. “Whether you are a first time visitor or an old friend of our parks, we invite you to join us for this fantastic New Year’s tradition.” 

Dedicated docents, volunteers and staff will show visitors the wonders of California’s state parks. Distance and rigor will vary per hike/activity, so visitors are encouraged to check out details of start times and description of hikes. For a complete list and detailed information on the California State Park’s First Day Hikes, please visit the First Day Hikes webpage. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags: #HikeInto2017, #FirstDayHike and #CAStateParks. 

This is the fifth year California has participated in the First Day Hikes Program. The program is part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Last year, nearly 28,000 people celebrated the New Year in participating parks, collectively hiking over 66,000 miles throughout the country. Californians hiked more than 8,500 of those miles. 

California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, on and off-road cycling, hiking, camping, and rock climbing are some of the recreational activities enjoyed in 280 state parks organized into 22 field districts throughout the state. Visit us at parks.ca.gov.




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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.