Start the New Year off right, left, right, left…
By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of the Grant family
The Grant family hikes the new Rueter-Hess Recreational Authority one-mile incline in Parker.
This January 1, head outside to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature. First Day Hikes are held throughout the country and at participating Colorado state parks. Visitors can take self-guided tours on the trails in the parks. Some of the parks offer fun family scavenger hunts and a few others offer limited capacity guided hikes. The parks ask that visitors hike with family households only.
Be prepared and grab coats, hats, gloves and warm hiking shoes and go exploring. Be sure to check weather conditions before heading out, and take water and snacks, and do not forget to pack out trash. If it is snowy, throw in the trekking poles, snowshoes or shoe spikes.
Social distancing is required, and if any facilities are open, visitors must wear a face mask when entering them. Wash hands and bring some hand sanitizer.
Hikes are free but a parks pass is required. For a list of the state parks 2021 First Day Hikes, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/firstdayhikes.
