Free Guided Hikes for New Year's Day in California State Parks

On New Year’s Day — Wednesday, Jan. 1 — California State Parks will be offering First Day Hikes: a nationwide initiative that invites the public to experience the first day of 2025 out in nature with guided hikes, for free.

During these guided hikes, you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors and learn about local geology, wildlife and cultural treasures around California’s state parks — which could spark some inspiration for exploring our state parks all year round.

You can find a free guided hike with California State Parks’ interactive map, which allows you to search for the best hikes near you by park, county or region.

When you’ve found a guided New Year’s Day hike that interests you, be sure to click through for important information including:

• How long and strenuous the hike is, and which ages it’s suitable for.
• Whether pre-registration is necessary.
• Any parking fees at the facility.
• Whether pets are allowed (before you leash up your pup).
• Where and when you can meet to start the hike.
• Any recommended clothing, footwear and food.

Don’t forget to dress for cool weather, wear comfortable supportive shoes and bring snacks and water — plus plenty of enthusiasm.

8 ideas for guided hikes in California State Parks for New Year’s Day

There’s a large amount of free guided hikes to choose from, but here are eight picks around the wider Bay Area that you can join on New Year’s Day:

Big Basin State Park: Join a 5.5-mile guided hike on Jan. 1 at 11 a.m., or a shorter 0.7-mile one at 8 a.m. Parking is $10. You’ll learn about the devastating CZU fire that hit areas of the park, see the park’s recovery and regrowth up-close and discuss the role that fire plays in the area’s ecology.

Mount Diablo State Park: Join a 4-mile guided hike on Jan. 1 at 9 a.m. to search for signs of winter: mistletoe, beard lichen, California holly and more. You can also join a shorter 1.5-mile hike at noon, to learn about how fire has helped the park.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Join a 1-mile guided hike on Jan. 1 at noon. Participants can meet in front of the visitor center, a one-minute walk from the main parking lot. Walk under giant trees to learn about coastal redwoods.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park: Join a 4-mile guided hike on Jan. 1 at 9 a.m. During the hike, you’ll see the site where the town of Loma Prieta was located and a hidden spot deep in the redwood forest where marine fossils can be found.

Castle Rock State Park: There will be two guided hikes available on Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. One is 5.2 miles long with views of the San Lorenzo Valley and Pacific, and the other is a shorter 2.5-mile one where you’ll learn about the rich native history of the park’s land. Parking is $10.

See all of California State Parks’ free guided hikes on New Year’s Day.