Dec 26, 2024

[UPDATED PRESS RELEASE] Start the New Year with a First Day Hike at New Mexico State Parks

Please use this updated press release.

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

Melanie A. Kenderdine , Cabinet Secretary Designate

Ben Shelton, Acting Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director

Contact:

Wendy Mason

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

NM State Parks Division

wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov

505-819-1785

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer, EMNRD

sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

505-629-2900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 26, 2024

Start the New Year with a First Day Hike at New Mexico State Parks

Santa Fe, NM – Celebrate the start of 2025 by stepping into the great outdoors with a First Day Hike at one of New Mexico’s stunning state parks. On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025 , visitors are invited to join in the nationwide initiative, America’s State Parks First Day Hikes , with guided hikes and polar plunges taking place across the Land of Enchantment.

A total of 14 New Mexico State Parks will host a variety of activities, including guided hikes for all skill levels, stunning views of New Mexico’s landscapes, and the chance to make a splash at polar plunges at select locations. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, there’s an activity for everyone.

"First Day Hikes are a fantastic way to begin the new year by focusing on health and well-being," said Toby Velasquez, Director of New Mexico State Parks . "Spending time outdoors, breathing in fresh air, and engaging in physical activity can boost both mental and physical health. We encourage everyone to join us for a hike, embrace nature, and start the year feeling energized and connected to the outdoors."

Hike, Explore, and Celebrate

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.

In addition to the hikes, some parks will host invigorating polar plunges for those who want to take a daring dip into cold, clear waters on the first day of the year.

Participating Parks & Activities

Location

Time

Activity

🥾 Brantley Lake State Park

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

First Day Hike

🥾 Cerrillos Hills State Park

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

First Day Hike

❄️ Eagle Nest Lake State Park

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

New Year’s Polar Plunge

🥾 Eagle Nest Lake State Park

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

First Day Hike Polar Stomp

🥾 Elephant Butte Lake State Park

🥾 Fenton Lake State Park

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

First Day Hike Dam Walk

First Day Hike

🥾 Hyde Memorial State Park

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

First Day Hike

🥾 Living Desert State Park

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

First Day Hike

🥾 Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

First Day Hike

🥾 Pancho Villa State Park

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

First Day Hike

🥾 Santa Rosa Lake State Park

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

First Day Hike

❄️ Storrie Lake State Park

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Polar Bear Plunge

🥾 Sugarite Canyon State Park

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

First Day Hike Snow Stomp

🥾 Sumner Lake State Park

🥾 Ute Lake State Park

1:00 PM to – 2:00 PM

12:00 PM to – 2:00 PM

First Day Hike

First Day Hike/Bring a Picnic

Whether you're looking for a peaceful lakeside walk or an adventurous hike up a mountain, there's something for everyone. Plus, if you’d rather relax and take in the scenery, visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, or simply spending the day outdoors.

Share Your Hike and Adventure

Visitors are encouraged to share their First Day Hike experience on social media using the hashtags #FirstDayHikes and #NewMexicoStateParks. 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.

(Figure 1) The First Day Hike across the dam at Elephant Butte Lake State Park is the only time of year the Bureau of Reclamation allows the public to cross the 108-year-old structure. Photo: NM State Parks

(Figures 2-3) Ute Lake State Park is offering a 2.14-mile roundtrip First Day Hike around the lake on January 1 st , and why not take a polar plunge! Eagle Nest Lake State Park has the perfect polar plunge for those who are brave at heart! Photos: NM State Parks

Best regards,

Wendy Mason

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

Records Custodian

NM State Parks Division

Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department

1220 S. St Francis Dr. | Santa Fe, NM 87505

Email: wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov | Web: www.emnrd.nm.gov

PH 505-819-1785 (c) | Toll Free 888-667-2757

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