New Year’s Day “First Day Hikes” in California’s State Parks | 2019

Submitted by the Event Organizer

What better way to kick off the New Year than by getting a jump start burning off those extra holiday calories in the great outdoors?

On New Year’s Day 2019, America’s State Parks have all 50 states offering free, guided First Day Hike Programs. These hikes provide a means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.

The guided First Day Hikes are led by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers. The distance and rigor vary from park to park, but all hikes aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. People are invited to savor the beauty of the state park’s natural resources with the comfort of an experienced guide so they may be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year.

Guided “First Day Hikes” – Northern California
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 – Start times vary (between 9am and 1pm)
Participating State Parks – Angel Island (10am), Montara St. Beach, Mt. Diablo, Jack London State Park just north of Sonoma, Big Basin – plus many more.
FREE – Parking fees may apply

• Visit stateparks.org and click on the icons on the map for full details and times for each hike.
• Please note weather may impact the hikes.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Hikes

21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, California

Start your year off right, with a rejuvenating visit to California’s oldest state park. Enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and connect with nature and our ancient redwoods.

9 am Buzzard’s Roost Hike
Join Docents Kathy Willott and Glenn Joy for a hike to Buzzard’s Roost. We’ll take an early hike in hopes of seeing things that might be hiding later in the day and share our findings as we go. We’ll watch the environment change as we climb and enjoy the view from the top. Hikers should be able to do a steady uphill grade for 2.5 miles (elevation gain about 1,200 ft.), but we’ll go at a pace that allows us to enjoy what we see. Wear good walking shoes, dress in layers and bring snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters.

9-1 Coffee Talk and Crafts
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Park Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. Docent Norm Beeson will be happy to answer your questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail. And bring the kids for a fun craft activity!

9:30 am Exploring Big Basin
Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, geology, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with Docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at Park Headquarters.

10 am Sempervirens Falls Hike
This beautiful hike takes you by Sempervirens Falls, old-growth redwoods, Ohlone grinding rocks, the birthplace of Big Basin and more! Join Docent Tom Batley on this 4-mile, 3-hour hike. Bring water and snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters.

12 pm Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike is individually tailored to your group. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore our most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters.

1 pm Redwood Grove Loop Walk
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters. Heavy rain cancels

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.