Dec 19, 2025 · Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

State Parks hosting annual Polar Plunges, First Day Hikes

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

Erin Taylor, Acting Cabinet Secretary

Ben Shelton, Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Toby Velásquez, State Parks Division Director

Contact:

Diego Muñoz

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

NM State Parks Division

diego.munoz@emnrd.nm.gov

505-819-1785

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer, EMNRD

sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

505-629-2900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 19, 2025

State Parks hosting annual Polar Plunges, First Day Hikes

Guided events offer incentive to start the year outdoors

Santa Fe – New Mexico State Parks invites residents and visitors to welcome the new year with two outdoor traditions: Polar Plunges and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026.

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and first-time adventurers are encouraged to step into 2026 with fresh air, scenic trails, and maybe a cold splash.

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes , have been celebrated across all U.S. state parks since 1992, encouraging people nationwide to begin the year with movement and time outdoors. New Mexico has embraced the tradition with its own distinct spirit — inviting families, hikers, and adventure seekers to start the year across landscapes found nowhere else in the country.

"These events bring people together and remind us why our state parks matter," said Toby Velásquez, New Mexico State Parks director . "New Mexico’s landscapes inspire resilience and adventure, and there’s no better way to begin the year than by experiencing them firsthand."

Visitors can participate at any of the 35 New Mexico State Parks. With a variety of activities, including special guided hikes for all skill levels, diverse and stunning views of New Mexico’s landscapes, and the chance to make a splash with polar bear plunges at select locations. New Mexico State Parks offers a chance to begin the year with a burst of energy. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, there’s an activity for everyone.

Explore. Experience. Enjoy.

Guided hikes are free and open to the public, with options suitable for a wide range of abilities. Knowledgeable guides will lead participants through picturesque trails while sharing information about the local wildlife, habitats, and history of New Mexico’s treasured state parks.

Ranger-led activities at New Mexico State Parks on Jan. 1, 2026

Location

Time

Activity

Brantley Lake

11 a.m. to noon

First Day Hike

Cerrillos Hills

1 to 3 p.m.

First Day Hike

Eagle Nest Lake

noon to 3 p.m.

Polar Plunge and Polar Stomp

Elephant Butte Lake

10 a.m. too 2 p.m.

First Day Hike

Living Desert

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

First Day Hike

Oliver Lee

10 to 11 a.m.

First Day Hikes

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.

10 a.m. to noon

New Year's Day Nature Walk

Storrie Lake

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Polar Bear Plunge

Sugarite Canyon

10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First Day Hike-Lakeside Snow Stomp

Sumner Lake

1 to 2 p.m.

First Day Hike

Outdoor recreation has long been part of life in New Mexico, where families have gathered on trails, lakes and mesas for generations. Beginning the year outside reflects this shared connection to place, from desert foothills to alpine forests.

“These traditions remind us that our parks are more than destinations,” Velásquez said. “They’re part of who we are as New Mexicans, nuestra gente, nuestras familias, y nuestra historia. We invite everyone to join us, take care of these places and make new memories for the new year ahead.”

Participants are encouraged to dress in layers, bring water and prepare for winter conditions. For plungers, quick-dry clothing and a warm post-dip setup are recommended.

Share your hike and adventure

Visitors are encouraged to share their First Day Hike experience on social media using the hashtags #FirstDayHikes, #NewMexicoStateParks, and #NMStateParks. For more information on the First Day Hikes and to find the park nearest you, please visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/ and click on the Event Calendar tab.

Participants at Eagle Nest State Park’s 2024 Polar Plunge. Photo credit: Friends of Eagle Nest and Cimarron Canyon State Park

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New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department . Our mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors.

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer

New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

Email: sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

Phone: 505-629-2900