Here鈥檚 a way to celebrate the first day of 2016 amid scenic surroundings while boosting your fitness in the bargain: Take a hike.
蜜柚直播 State Parks, along with other state park systems around the nation, is sponsoring a slate of guided 鈥淔irst Day Hikes鈥 on New Year鈥檚 Day.
鈥淲hat better way to start off the New Year than enjoying what is yours, right in your own backyard,鈥 said Sue Black, executive director of 蜜柚直播 State Parks. The agency 鈥渋s offering 18 organized hikes on Jan. 1, with five in the 蜜柚直播 area.鈥
The hikes are included with the day-use entrance fee to each park.
Hiking sites in Southern 蜜柚直播 include Catalina State Park north of 蜜柚直播, trail areas at Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson, Patagonia Lake State Park near Patagonia, Picacho Peak State Park northwest of 蜜柚直播 and Roper Lake State Park near Safford.
People are also reading…
Gaston Meloche, a volunteer with Catalina State Park, will lead a seven-mile hike on the park鈥檚 50-Year Trail Loop. It begins at 8 a.m. on New Year鈥檚 Day at the equestrian center parking area in the park.
鈥淲hat I like is that it鈥檚 not as difficult as some other trails in the park, so many people will be able to do it,鈥 Meloche said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 beautiful,鈥 Meloche said of the hiking route which passes through classic Sonoran Desert terrain. 鈥淗ikers get very nice views of the mountains and the Sutherland Basin. The panorama is really nice.鈥
MORE FIRST DAY HIKES
Among other state parks offering guided hikes:
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park near Superior
- Lost Dutchman State Park near Apache Junction
- Slide Rock State Park near Sedona.
- Homolovi State Park near Winslow
A full listing of hike locations is available at
WHAT TO BRING
Hikers are advised to wear warm clothes in layers and bring plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes or boots and perhaps a walking stick.
Binoculars and a camera might also come in handy for those who want to zero in on sights and record the experience.
Park officials suggest calling your chosen park destination before you leave to be sure there are no changes to the hike due to weather.
