Celebrate the New Year with Hikes at Dayton, Washoe Lake and Fort Churchill State Parks

Celebrate New Year’s Day 2016 with Nevada State Parks. Guided hikes led by park rangers and local volunteers will be offered at State Parks throughout Nevada as part of the nationwide First Day Hikes Program. Nevada State Parks is waiving entrance fees for all first day hikers.

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of free, guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states, including Nevada. Last year nearly 28,000 people rang in the New Year with a First Day Hike, collectively hiking over 66,000 miles throughout the country.

Nevada State Parks is waiving entrance fees for all first day hikers.

Dayton State Park
Rock Point Mill Hike
Take a short walk through the remains of the Rock Point Mill and learn some of Nevada’s early history, from the California Gold Rush to the development of Dayton State Park. Dogs are not permitted on this walk. This walk is less than one mile round trip, but it includes some short, rocky hills and stairs. Participants should wear sturdy hiking boots, bring water, and dress in layers for the weather. This walk should last approximately one hour. We will discuss the purpose of the mill along with some of Nevada’s early history, including the California Gold Rush, and the gold and silver discoveries at Virginia City. Difficulty: Moderate
WHEN: Friday, January 1, 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Dayton, Nevada, 12 miles east of Carson City on Highway 50. The Rock Point Mill is
located across the highway from Dayton State Park. Participants should park in the northeastern
corner of the Gold Ranch Casino parking lot.
CONTACT: Kim Zuch, (775) 687-4319, washoelake@hdiss.net

Washoe Lake State Park
Sand Dune Hike
Start the New Year off right with a hike through the sand dunes at Washoe Lake. Difficulty: Easy
WHEN: Friday, January 1, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Washoe Lake State Park Equestrian Area. Take Exit 44 off of I-580, drive four miles
north on Eastlake Blvd., and the park’s entrance is on the left. Turn right past the fee booth, pass
the campground, and follow a short gravel road to the Equestrian Pavilion.
CONTACT: Kim Zuch, (775) 687-4319, washoelake@hdiss.net

Fort Churchill State Park
Nature Trail Hike
Ring in the New Year with a three-mile, round-trip hike along the Nature Trail at Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Hikers of all ages are invited to be immersed in the beauty of Fort Churchill in winter and learn about the area’s rich history and abundant natural resources.
Please dress for the weather (hats, gloves, and waterproof boots recommended), and be sure to bring water. In the event of severe weather, the hike may be cancelled. Please contact the park for up-to-date information. Difficulty: Easy

WHEN: Friday, January 1, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Fort Churchill is located 8 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs, NV 89429.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, (775) 577-4880, bucklandstation@hotmail.com

Kershaw-Ryan State Park
One-Mile Loop Hike
Warm up in the picnic area with hot chocolate, tea and cookies before embarking on this easy, 1 mile hike. Difficulty: Easy
WHEN: Friday, January 1, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Kershaw-Ryan picnic area.
CONTACT: (775) 726-3564 kershaw@lcturbonet.com

Valley of Fire State Park
Atlatl Rock Petroglyph Walk
This easy ¼-mile loop takes participants around Atlatl Rock and features countless petroglyph panels that are not located on marked or developed trails. Difficulty: Easy
WHEN: Friday, January 1, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
WHERE: Atlatl Rock Picnic Area
CONTACT: (702) 397-2088 or vof@mvdsl.com

Colorful Canyons Loop
This approximately 1-mile loop is an unmarked off-trail route which leads past stunning multi-colored rock formations, including one sometimes referred to as the “Crazy Hill.” The route, which primarily follows washes and ravines, will lead participants into areas of the park that are not accessible via marked and developed trails. Difficulty: Moderate

This hike is limited to a total of 40 people, and pre-registration is required. To register for this hike, please email Chris Johnson at vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com.
WHEN: Friday, January 1, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the lower parking lot at the Valley of Fire visitor center. Participants will caravan to the trailhead from there.
CONTACT: (702) 397-2088 or vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
New Year’s Eve Hike
Join us for a ranger-guided hike into Sandstone Canyon. We’ll see a star-crowded view of the Milky Way that’s been 13.8 billion years in the making. This hike will begin at 11:00 p.m., please arrive a few minutes early so that we can get on the trail at 11:00 sharp.
Bring a flashlight and wear warm clothes and closed-toed shoes, as it will be cold and we may get our feet wet. This hike is recommended for children ages 7 and up. All participants should be able to move over uneven terrain for two hours. Total distance will be about two miles. Difficulty: Moderate
WHEN: Thursday, December 31, 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
WHERE: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, located on Highway 159, 11 miles west of the West
Charleston / I-215 intersection.
CONTACT: David Low (702) 875-4141, smr-interp@parks.nv.gov.

Daybreak First Day Hike
Join park rangers at Spring Mountain Ranch for a guided hike through the historic area, past Lake Harriet and on to the Overlook. Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and warm clothing.
This hike is recommended for children ages 7 and up. All participants should be able to move over uneven terrain for one hour. Total distance will be about one mile. Difficulty: Easy
WHEN: Friday, January 1, Gates will open at 7:00 a.m. and the hike will depart from the main parking lot at 7:15 a.m.
WHERE: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, located on Highway 159, 11 miles west of the West
Charleston / I-215 intersection.
CONTACT: David Low (702) 875-4141, smr-interp@parks.nv.gov.

Late Sleeper’s First Day Hike
This ranger-guided hike will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will last about two hours as we stroll through the fresh air of the New Year. On the Ash-Grove Trail we’ll see 300 year old trees that are a beloved lounging spot for wild burros and mule deer. Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and warm clothing.
This hike is recommended for children ages 7 and up. All participants should be able to move over uneven terrain for one hour. Total distance will be about one mile. Difficulty: Easy
WHEN: Friday, January 1, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, located on Highway 159, 11 miles west of the West
Charleston / I-215 intersection.
CONTACT: Low (702) 875-4141, smr-interp@parks.nv.gov.

Schedules may change due to weather and staffing. When going on any hike, please be sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear.

— Jenny Ramella is a Public Information Officer for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources