Nevada State Parks invites residents and visitors to begin 2026 with a meaningful time outdoors by participating in a First Day Hike on Jan. 1. Held every year in all 50 states, First Day Hikes encourage people of all ages and abilities to start the New Year by exploring state parks and connecting with nature.
First Day Hikes began in 1992 in Massachusetts and became a nationwide program in 2012. Each year, thousands of guided hikes, walks, and outdoor experiences take place across the country, inspiring healthy lifestyles and family traditions while highlighting the importance of public lands.
“State Parks across the country protect and provide access to the landscapes, stories and places that create the fabric of our country” says America’s State ParksPresident Paul McCormack. “As our country starts to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, we invite you to start your year on a First Day Hike enjoying and celebrating our incredible public lands.”
Nevada State Parks will host First Day Hike programs at 11 parks statewide, offering guided hikes and walks suitable for all experience levels. In honor of America’s 250th birthday, the agency is launching a new First Day Hike Challenge on the OuterSpatial mobile app to collectively log at least 250 miles across all First Day Hike locations. All challenge participants will be entered into a special giveaway for a Nevada State Parks All Access Annual Permit valued at $250.
Participants should dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry a flashlight or headlamp for low-light hikes. All programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice; check the website ahead of time. Registration is required for some of the programs. For more information, visit parks.nv.gov/events.
Nevada First Day Hikes
Washoe Lake State Park
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | 2.5 miles | Meet at the Equestrian Group Use Pavilion
Dayton State Park
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | ~1 mile | Meet at the Group Use Pavilion
Fort Churchill State Historic Park (Registration Required)
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 3 miles | Meet at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area
Registration: email ksanderson@parks.nv.gov
Spooner Lake State Park
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | 3 miles | Spooner Lake Visitor Center
Mormon Station State Historic Park
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | 1.2 miles | Meet at the museum
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | 1.4 miles | Meet at the Fee Booth
Cathedral Gorge State Park
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | 1.5 miles | Meet at Miller Point (Eagle Point Trail)
Ice Age Fossils State Park
Midnight Hike: 10:00 p.m. (12/31/25) – 1:00 a.m. (1/1/26) | 2 miles | Meet at the Visitor Center
Registration Required: https://forms.gle/Zc6cJY7TfvLfcogZ8
Midday Hike: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 1.5 miles | Meet at the Visitor Center
South Fork State Recreation Area
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 2.8 miles | Meet at Humboldt Trailhead
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (Registration Required)
Morning Hike: 8:30 a.m. | 1.2 miles | Meet at the White Benches
Afternoon Hike: 2:30 p.m. | 0.8 miles | Meet at the White Benches
Registration: https://forms.gle/bjkPx3LPvJ3mg8rq8
Valley of Fire State Park (Registration Required)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 4 miles | Advanced Off-Trail Hike | Location emailed after registration
Registration: email kwolfe@parks.nv.gov
