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

More: Discover New Mexico’s beauty: 5 hikes for National New Mexico Day

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