As many families look for meaningful ways to begin a fresh calendar year, First Day Hikes provide the perfect chance to combine nature, wellness, and community tradition. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a refreshing way to kick off January 1, these guided hikes at parks throughout the region offer something for every skill level.
How First Day Hikes Began
The tradition of First Day Hikes originated on January 1, 1992, at Blue Hills Reservation near Boston, Massachusetts. Patrick Flynn, a park supervisor inspired by a winter hiking event in Ohio, organized a New Year’s Day walk that drew nearly 400 people on its first outing. That small idea sparked a movement, and by 2012 the concept had spread nationwide as part of America’s State Parks initiative. Today, hundreds of hikes take place across state parks in all 50 states as a way to promote healthy outdoor activity and a deeper connection with public lands.
What First Day Hikes Are & How They Work
First Day Hikes encourage individuals and families to explore their local parks with free guided hikes on New Year’s Day. Hikes vary from easy nature walks to more challenging treks, often led by park staff or trained volunteers. The goals are simple:
- Start the year with fresh air and physical activity
- Learn something new about your local natural and cultural heritage
- Build a tradition of outdoor adventure with friends and family
The official California State Parks First Day Hikes webpage lists all hikes offered across the state and includes an interactive map to search by location or park name:
🔗 California State Parks First Day Hikes official page — California State Parks
First Day Hikes in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties
Here are some First Day Hikes happening in 2026 within or near Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. These are drawn from regional event listings and the California State Parks events calendar:
Monterey County Hikes
- Asilomar State Beach
Join a coastal walk to meander through the restored sand dune habitat and rugged, rocky shoreline that make Asilomar so unique. This easy to moderate hike is open to visitors of all ages and will be a two mile round-trip.
🔗 MORE INFO - Asilomar State Beach
Join State Parks Staff as we explore the Asilomar tide pools during one of the lowest tides of the year! Try your hand at tide pool bingo and learn about some of the amazing animals of the tide pools. Keep your eyes peeled for octopi, sea stars, crabs, and more!
🔗 MORE INFO - Carmel River State Beach
Reflect on the timeless relationship between nature and culture as the group explores the Carmel Meadows Trail on this gentle guided hike. Learn about the diverse native plants along the path, current protection and restoration projects, and the importance of this place to local Indigenous peoples, such as the Esselen and Ohlone. Enjoy stunning coastal views from this easy to moderate dirt trail while realizing the cultural and ecological heritage of this special landscape.
🔗 MORE INFO - Pfeiffer Big Sur
Join the 11:00 a.m. Children’s Nature Walk, “Flower Power- The plants of Big Sur” for an hour of fun games, and a little walking. This will be a 2/3-mile walk round trip. Discover the many plants of Big Sur and how they grow. Meet at the Campfire Center.
🔗 MORE INFO - Pfeiffer Big Sur
Join us the 2:00 p.m. Nature Walk, “Redwoods and Waterfalls.” Begin in the ancient redwoods, climb through canyons, and visit Pfeiffer Falls. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. This two-mile, one and a half-hour hike climbs approximately 500 feet in elevation.
🔗 MORE INFO - Point Lobos State Nature Reserve
Ring in the new year with an exploration of the tide pools at Weston Beach during low tide. We’ll dive into some of the history of the beach and how it is now protected by a marine protected area. There will be uneven terrain and sometimes slippery rocks.
🔗 MORE INFO
Santa Cruz County Hikes
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park – First Day Hike
A more moderately challenging 5-mile hike to Mt. McAbee Overlook with Pacific views.
🔗 MORE INFO - Forest of Nisene Marks State Park – First Day Hike
A 4-mile walk through redwood forest and historic landscape near Aptos.
🔗 MORE INFO - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Multiple Hikes
From a Redwood Grove walk to Cable Car Beach and Sandhills hikes, lots of options in this iconic redwoods park.
🔗 MORE INFO - New Brighton State Beach – King Tide Walk (Optional Add-On)
While technically a tide walk more than a traditional First Day Hike, this rugged 2-mile scenic beach hike is a great coastal start to the new year.
🔗 MORE INFO - Wilder Ranch State Park – Guided Coastal Walk
Family-friendly 2.5-mile coastal bluffs walk exploring geology and habitat.
🔗 MORE INFO
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