Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 19 state parks on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. First Day Hikes offer individuals and families the opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2015 at a state park close to home.

"We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks," said Tommy Mutz, State Parks Director. "First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting the New Year with an invigorating hike in one of our beautiful state parks. Getting out into nature can recharge your mind, body and spirit after the hectic holiday season."

New Mexico's State Parks boast a wide variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore unique natural and cultural treasures close to home. From Sugarite Canyon in the north to Rockhound in the south, hikers can climb hills and mountain tops, walk along ponds, beaches and dams, and traverse trails through forests, fields and deserts.

The historic First Day Hike at Elephant Butte Lake State Park will be the one and only opportunity during the year for visitors to walk across the dam. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, experience spectacular views and vistas and benefit from the company of a knowledgeable state park guide.

The following are the First Day Hikes scheduled in State Parks for 2015:

STATE PARK                             HIKE TIME                              HIKE LEVEL
Bluewater Lake                        10 a.m. & 12 p.m.                  Moderate
Bottomless Lakes                     9 a.m.                                    Moderate
Caballo Lake                             9 a.m.                                   Moderate
Cerrillos Hills                            1 p.m.                                    Moderate
City of Rocks                            9 a.m.                                    Moderate to strenuous
Eagle Nest Lake                       11 a.m.                                  Easy to strenuous
Elephant Butte Lake                10 a.m. & 2 p.m.                    Moderate
Hyde Memorial                         10 a.m.                                  Moderate
Leasburg Dam                          10 a.m. & 1 p.m.                    Moderate
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens     9 a.m.                                    Easy
Navajo Lake                             9:30 a.m.                               Easy to moderate
Oasis                                        1 p.m.                                    Moderate to strenuous
Oliver Lee Memorial                  11 a.m.                                  Easy
Rockhound                               8:30 a.m.                               Moderate
Santa Rosa Lake                       1 p.m.                                    Easy to moderate
Sugarite Canyon                       10 a.m.                                  Easy
Sumner Lake                            1 p.m.                                    Moderate
Ute Lake                                   10 a.m. & 2 p.m.                    Easy to moderate
Villanueva                                 10 a.m.                                  Moderate to strenuous

Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park. Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the Event Calendar on the New Mexico State Parks website.

Visit www.nmparks.org  to find a First Day Hike nearest you.

Conditions are Right for Adventure at Your New Mexico State Parks!