On New Year’s Day 2024, Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites hosted a record number of participants during its annual First Day Hikes with 1,132 attendees hiking more than 2,000 miles. This reflects a 206% increase in participation from 2023, according to a state release.

“Each year, our agency strives to enhance this annual event in ways that will continue to encourage both returning and first-time guests to join us outdoors for this special occasion, and we were, of course, ecstatic to see our First Day Hikes’ attendance more than triple this year,” said Laurel Stephens, outreach coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “We see these numbers as indicative of recent outdoor recreation trends and that more people are taking advantage of the endless outdoor recreation opportunities our state has to offer.”

Hosted annually by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails, First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outside and to promote the overall mental and physical health benefits recreating outdoors provides.

This year, 17 Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites hosted free guided hikes for participants of all ages and allowed hikers at each site to enter to win a Wyoming State Parks’ 2024 Annual Day Use Pass and a statewide Grand Prize.

Participating sites and the number of hikers include:

• Bear River State Park, 30

• Hot Springs State Park, 72

• Boysen State Park, 24

• Keyhole State Park, 48

• Buffalo Bill State Park, 43

• Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site, 33

• Curt Gowdy State Park, 308

• Sinks Canyon State Park, 14

• Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, 149

• South Pass City State Historic Site, 25

• Fort Bridger State Historic Site, 72

• Trail End State Historic Site, 68

• Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, 82

• WY Pioneer Memorial Museum, seven

• Glendo State Park, 42

• WY Territorial Prison, 58

• Guernsey State Park, 57

Not only do First Day Hikes aim to create a fun experience for all, but it also aims to create a comfortable and familiar environment, so that participants are inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year.

“I look forward to First Day Hikes each year,” said Interpretive Ranger Angelina Stancampiano, who has led First Day Hikes since 2019. “Not only does it quite literally start my year out on the right foot being active and outdoors, but it’s a wonderful way to greet visitors in the new year. We meet, highlight upcoming programs, and can enjoy the hike together. These hikers become regular program attendees and oftentimes friends! This year was great for updating attendees on the many programs our agency offers throughout the year as well as informing and answering questions on our new reservation system!”

In December of 2023, Wyoming State Parks announced a new reservation and permit sales system that includes improved campsite maps and descriptions, streamlined transactions for customers, and text and email reminders to make camping easier.

Customers who create an account on the new site and opt-in for marketing emails will be entered to win a Yeti Cooler. Visit Reserve.Wyoming.gov to create your account and to make reservations.

For more information on upcoming programs and events, follow on Facebook at @WYOREC and @WyomingStateParks, or visit wyorec.info/events.