Us San Diegans love to stay healthy. In fact, according to Forbes, San Diego is one of the healthiest cities in US – we ranked 4th! Many of us like a fresh start to the new year, so these free hikes, available on January 1st, 2025, are just the perfect activity.
Free “First Day Hikes” At California State Parks
California boasts many stunning state parks, including the top-rated state park in the entire U.S.: Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
First Day Hikes is a nationwide initiative that invites everyone to explore the outdoors with experienced guides. The distance and rigor of the hikes vary from park to park, so there’s something for everyone. These adventures showcase the natural and cultural wonders of the parks, and aim to inspire participants to enjoy these treasures throughout the whole year.
Participating California State Parks
For this event, you can choose from over 80 guided hikes, happening across more than 60 parks statewide. While all events are free, some hikes may require registration, and some may require a parking fee – but Californians can check out a parks pass from their local library.
Most of the events take place on January 1st, with some places, such as Pio Pico State Historic Park, offering the hikes in the days after the new year begins.
For a complete overview of the available free First Day Hikes near you, check out this page.
Disclaimer: On Dec. 31st, 2024, the page has been on and off, with many people probably checking out their options.
What to expect
If you’re visiting a park for the first time, make sure you do your research. For example, you should know:
- How long is the hike?
- What is the difficulty level?
- What type of weather could you expect?
- What are the available facilities?
Also, it’s better to have more rather than too little. Make sure you’ll never run out of water, have some snacks, and wear comfortable (and fit for the activity) clothes.
Last but not least – never forget to be thankful for these amazing places that we get to enjoy. Never leave any trash behind, don’t touch areas or creatures you’re not supposed to – stay mindful, and enjoy this amazing, healthy start of the year.