Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Created and presented by Crystal Dreiling

ALL EARS? D. Vogel

D. Vogel

First Day Hikes are guided hikes hosted at state parks all throughout the United

States of America every January 1st!

To introduce our communities to year-round outdoor recreation.

D. Vogel

D. Vogel

D. Vogel

To promote healthy lifestyles throughout the year.

“Put down the snacks, turn off the tv, and take a hike.” –America’s State Parks Cherry Creek State Park

Staunton State Park

Castlewood Canyon State Park

Roxborough State Park

Barr Lake State Park

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Ridgway State Park

“First Day Hikes offer a unique opportunity to share our parks and our mission with community members and leaders alike by way of an invigorating hike amidst Colorado’s unbeatable winter beauty!” –me.

D. Vogel

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass.

Jan. 1, 2012 was the first year that the concept of First Day Hikes went nationwide, thanks to the efforts of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD)/America’s State Parks.

The mission of the NASPD and America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.

Colorado’s State Parks have participated in First Day Hikes since the inaugural year, 2012, after CPW leaders learned about this nationwide initiative at the 2011 NASPD Conference in South Dakota.

2012: 12 Parks, 200 participants

2013: 15 Parks, 299 participants, 625 miles hiked (an average of 2 miles per person)

2014: 18 Parks, 713 participants, 1518 miles hiked (an average of 2 miles per person)

2015: 27 Parks and counting…

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2012 2013 2014 2015

# of participating parks

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200

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2012 2013 2014

# of hikers participating

% of change in # of parks % of change in hiker #s

2012 12 parks (baseline)

200 hikers (baseline)

2013 25 % increase 50% increase

2014 25% increase 139% increase

2015 50% increase TBD

Twenty-seven (27) state parks and counting! Ken Brink, Assistant Director of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Region Managers’ support! Creative Services and Marketing Public Information and Website Regional Public Information Officers CPW Volunteers Community Partners And…

This year, the Foundation for Colorado State Parks

awarded a grant of $4,000 to CPW in support of our First Day Hikes initiative! These funds will be used to supply each First Day Hike participant with quality gifts and memorabilia from CPW in 2015. We are extremely thankful for the Foundation’s sponsorship!

“To enhance State Parks in Colorado with annual financial support; To support and

advocate for the betterment of State Parks in Colorado; To assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife in providing pleasure-packed, memorable outdoor experiences for the citizens of Colorado and our visitors.”