New Mexico

First Day Hikes kick off 2025 in El Paso, New Mexico parks

Published

1 year ago

December 30, 2024

First Day Hikes kick off 2025 in El Paso, New Mexico parks

Exercise always comes to mind at the start of a new year as people think about personal changes they want to make. And while fitness gyms may be popular at the beginning of the year, there’s also a great opportunity to start 2025 with a hike.

In El Paso and New Mexico, as in the United States, several state parks will participate in the First Day Hikes initiative. In New Mexico, 14 state parks will be part of many planned and guided hikes.

“First Day hikes are a fantastic way to begin the new year by focusing on health and well-being,” said Toby Velasquez, Director of New Mexico State Parks in an email. “Spending time outdoors, breathing in fresh air, and engaging in physical activity can boost both mental and physical health. We encourage everyone to join us for a hike, embrace nature, and start the year feeling energized and connected to the outdoors.”

Guided hikes are free and open to the public, with options suitable for various abilities. In New Mexico, guides will lead participants through picturesque trails while sharing information about the local wildlife, habitats, and history of the parks.

In addition to the hikes, some parks will host polar plunges for those who want to take a daring dip into cold, clear waters on the first day of the year.

First Day Hikes in El Paso

We Hike will have a hike at noon Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Chuck Heinrick Park, 11101 Loma Del Sol Drive. The hike will be from 4 to 6 miles around the Franklins, looking at the desert and hearing about the environment.

Hikers should take a minimum of 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and a good hat for protection from the sun, as there is no shade on the trail. Snacks are always good to have. Bring any medications you may personally need.

The fee will be $5 per person Park fee, or use your Texas Park pass. Go online to https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/franklin…

First Day Hikes in New Mexico

Here is a list of the parks participating in First Day Hikes in New Mexico.

Brantley Lake State Park
- Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike
Cerrillos Hills State Park
- Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike
Eagle Nest Lake State Park
- Time: 12 – 3 p.m.
- Activity: New Year’s Polar Plunge
- Time: 12 – 2 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike Polar Stomp
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
- Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike Dam
Fenton Lake State Park
- Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Activity: Walk First Day Hike
Hyde Memorial State Park
- Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike
Living Desert State Park
- Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
- Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike
Pancho Villa State Park
- Time: 9 – 10 a.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
- Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike
Storrie Lake State Park
- Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Activity: Polar Bear Plunge
Sugarite Canyon State Park
- Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike Snow Stomp
Sumner Lake State Park
- Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike
Ute Lake State Park
- Time: 12 – 2 p.m.
- Activity: First Day Hike/Bring a Picnic

María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com, @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on Instagram, eptmariacg on TikTok.

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New Mexico

Independent governor’s race hopeful sues over New Mexico’s ballot process

Published

11 hours ago

January 6, 2026

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Independent governor’s race hopeful sues over New Mexico’s ballot process

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New Mexico

New Mexico Lobo players and coaches make moves after successful season, AD departure

Published

23 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico Lobo players and coaches make moves after successful season, AD departure

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A successful University of New Mexico Lobo athletics season and the athletics director’s departure has culminated in players and coaches making moves.

The moves follow a successful 2025 season and the departure of athletics director Fernando Lovo.

Running back coach John Johnson, special teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato and wide receiver coach Colin Lockett are all leaving the Lobos after just one season. Johnson is headed to Iowa State while Da Prato is expected to join Minnesota and Lockett is headed to UCLA, all for the same jobs.

Johnson’s Lobo running backs ran for more than 1,400 yards. Da Prato’s special teams finished top-five nationally in kickoff returns.

Running back D.J. McKinney entered the portal, he confirmed on social media the day the portal officially opened. McKinney rushed for 464 yards and seven touchdowns with the Lobos.

Two players who received all-Mountain West Conference recognition also made moves. All-Mountain West tight-end Dorian Thomas, who caught for touchdowns for the Lobos, entered the portal. Meanwhile, all-Mountain West honorable mention punter Daniel Hughes is set to leave.

Others set to leave include:

Cole Welliver, backup quarterback who played in one game
Landon Williams, defensive end who graduated from La Cueva High School
Randolph Kpai, senior linebacker who is at the end of his college football career without a waiver

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New Mexico

New Mexico transfer LS Trey Dubuc commits to Texas

Published

1 day ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico transfer LS Trey Dubuc commits to Texas

After Lance St. Louis served as the starting long snapper for the Texas Longhorns for four seasons, special teams coordinator Jeff Banks landed an experienced replacement when New Mexico Lobos transfer Trey Dubuc pledged while on a visit to the Forty Acres.

The pledge from Dubuc ensures that Texas has experienced replacements for three specialists despite signing high school prospects at each position — with the SEC expanding to 105 scholarships in 2026, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian can afford to develop high school recruits at those positions behind experienced transfers like Dubuc.

The Fort Lauderdale product started his career at USF after playing on two state championship teams at Cardinal Gibbons. A 6’1, 209-pounder, Dubuc redshirted during his freshman season in 2023 before appearing in one game as the backup long snapper the following year.

After transferring to New Mexico, Dubuc served as the starting long snapper while making two tackles for the Lobos.

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