Take a First Day Hike in an Arizona State Park on Jan. 1: Here are 16 to choose from

Shanti Lerner, Arizona Republic
·5 min read

Want to welcome the new year outdoors? You're in the perfect place to do it. Arizona State Parks and Trails is joining a national collaboration of all 50 states to host First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2022.

Park rangers, naturalists and volunteers will lead hikes and activities at parks across Arizona. Participants will learn about cultural features, history, plants and wildlife.

The topic and level of effort are up to you. You could do a bird walk, history walk, desert hike or if you’re up for a challenge, an uphill trek.

Be sure to come prepared for the weather and trail conditions. Bring plenty of water and snacks, wear proper hiking footwear and dress appropriately — you may need winter clothes or rain gear.

Your First Day Hike also qualifies for Arizona State Parks' Eight4Two Trail Challenge. People who complete the challenge to hike at least eight trails in four parks by Jan. 18 win two day-use passes.

Ready to join a First Day Hike? Here's what's available. Check each park's website for registration information, admission fees and directions.

Mystery Castle: Why the Phoenix landmark was built and what's inside

First Day Hikes at Arizona State Parks

Buckskin Mountain State Park: Join a ranger for a 3-mile easy to moderate hike on the Market Trail Loop with plenty of photo opportunities of the mountains and Colorado River north of Parker.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/buckskin.

Hikers enjoy a waterside trail in Cattail Cove State Park.
Hikers enjoy a waterside trail in Cattail Cove State Park.

Cattail Cove State Park: Learn about the history, plants and wildlife of the area on this 2- to 3-mile moderate hike. Meet the ranger at the launch/trailhead area. The park is south of Lake Havasu City.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/cattail-cove/.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park: This park in Cottonwood offers two activities.

  • Birding and nature hike: A 3-mile guided hike will take participants along the Verde River and around the edges of the lagoons to spot signs of beaver, otter, waterfowl and other wildlife. Meet at the West Lagoon parking lot.

  • Guided hike: This 3-mile hike will offer great views of the Verde River and Tuzigoot National Monument.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area: Learn the history of the Adair Settlement in the 1800s and how this park in Show Low got its name on this easy 1.5-hour hike.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/fool-hollow.

Homolovi State Park: Join a ranger for a moderate 2-mile hike on the Tsu’vo Trail to Diné Point. Hikers will see petroglyphs made by early inhabitants of the area. The park is just north of Winslow.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/homolovi.

Kartchner Caverns State Park: The park near Benson will have two First Day hikes. Guided cave tours are also available. Make reservations online in advance.

  • Guindani Trail: Meet at the campground for a moderate 4.2-mile hike on the east flank of the Whetstone Mountains.

  • Foothill Loop Trail: Join a ranger for this moderate 2.5-mile hike to learn the history of the San Pedro River Valley. Meet at the Hummingbird Garden.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/kartchner.

Lake Havasu State Park: Take a moderate 1.5- to 2-mile guided hike on the Sunset Trail. The path is sand and asphalt and the hike includes stops at one of the lighthouses in the park and the Cactus Garden.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/lake-havasu.

Lost Dutchman State Park: There will be two guided hikes at this park in Apache Junction.

  • Beginner hike: Walk 1 mile along the Treasure Loop Trail with a 75-foot elevation gain.

  • Moderate hike: Want more of a challenge? Hike along Treasure Loop Trail for 2.5 miles and a 500-foot elevation gain.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman.

Lyman Lake State Park: Hike the Petroglyph Trail to see ancient markings made by early inhabitants. Meet at the general store in this park near St. Johns. This trail requires a mild climb.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/lyman-lake.

Picacho Peak State Park: Hike the Calloway Trail to an overlook below the face of Picacho Peak, off Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. This hike is 1.5 miles and moderately difficult. The maximum number of participants is 20. Registration is recommended; walk-ups will be welcomed if space permits.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/picacho.

Red Rock State Park: This Sedona park is offering two activities.

  • Bird walk: Join a veteran bird enthusiast to learn about Sedona’s bird species. Bring binoculars if you have them. Hike will last approximately two hours. Meet at the Visitor Center rooftop.

  • Nature walk: Join a volunteer naturalist to learn about the geology, history, archaeology, wildlife and plant life at Red Rock State Park.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/red-rock.

More: Red Rock State Park: Showing off what Sedona is famous for

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: Take a one-hour guided walk of this 5-acre Flagstaff property. Dress warmly and wear snowproof footwear.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion.

Slide Rock State Park: Join a ranger for a walk down the Pendley Homestead Trail, around the clifftop nature loop and into Hospital Canyon. The hike will be 1.5 to 2 miles long and is rated moderate. The park is north of Sedona.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock.

More: Slide Rock State Park is one of Arizona's most loved places. Here's your guide

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: Join a ranger on a half-mile to learn about Tonto Natural Bridge north of Payson. The outing will last about 90 minutes.

Details: https://azstateparks.com/tonto.

You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her on Twitter.

Support local journalism like this story by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: First Day Hikes 2022 in Arizona State Parks: Day hikes on Jan. 1