First Day Hikes

California State Parks Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes
at Saddleback Butte State Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park
Rejuvenate by taking a family friendly trek through a state park close to home

California State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes at Saddleback Butte State
Park on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative
in all 50 states.  America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and
families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the
outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2012 at a state park close to home.
 First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and
welcome the New Year with friends and family.

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get
people outdoors and into our parks.  First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin
fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an
invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks,” said California
State Parks Director Ruth Coleman.

“What better way to kick off the New Year than with a hike at a state park?” said
Coleman, who is also President of the National Association of State Park Directors
(NASPD).  “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle for the whole
family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of
America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”

America’s State Parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor
recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the unique
natural and cultural treasures close to home.  From California to Maine, hikers can
climb hills and mountain tops, walk along ponds and beaches, and traverse trails
through forests, fields and prairies.  Visitors can listen to birds, breathe in the
fresh air, discover wildlife tracks, feel the wind and the warmth of the sun or the
coldness of the snow. Visitors 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.
“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the
body, mind and spirit.” stated Phil McNelly, NASPD’s Executive Director.  “We hope
that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or
family’s regular exercise routine.”

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state
park in Milton, Massachusetts.  The program was launched to promote both healthy
lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks.  Many other
states have offered outdoor recreation programs on New Year’s Day, however, this is
the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day
Hikes.

Saddleback Butte State Park, created to preserve the Butte and surrounding Joshua
Tree habitat, is slated for closure on July 1 as part of the State-wide budget cuts.
The Save Saddleback Committee has been organized in an effort to find ways to keep
the park open, and will be leading three hikes in conjunction with California State
Parks staff to raise the public’s awareness and appreciation of the park. All hikes
leave from the picnic area, at the corner of 170th St E and East Avenue J (19 miles
east of Hwy 14, near Lake Los Angeles). Address: 17102 East Avenue J, Lancaster. Day
Use fees are waived for event participants, and kids are welcome! Bring a lunch to
eat in the park’s Picnic Area when we return from the hikes.  Detailed information
about Saddleback Butte State Park can be found at
www.parks.ca.gov<http://www.parks.ca.gov/>.
10 a.m. – Hike to top of Saddleback Butte
Moderately strenuous. Five miles roundtrip, 1000 ft of elevation gain.  Meet at the
picnic area at 9:45. Bring water for the hike and wear good hiking shoes and layered
clothing – it can be quite windy at the top.  Participants will be required to sign
a Sierra Club liability waver.

11 a.m. - Dowen Nature Trail
Easy.  Ranger-lead, interpretive tour along the nature trail.  Learn about the
unique natural and cultural history of the local area. Paved, wheel chair/stroller
accessible.  1/2 mile loop with little elevation gain.

12 p.m. - Hike to the south end of the park
Easy to moderate.  4 1/2 miles, little elevation gain, should take about 1½ hours.
Dress for the weather; bring water and hat, and walking sticks optional.  You will
enjoy the beautiful high desert views of our Antelope Valley.  A great winter’s
hike.

A hike will also be led at Red Rock Canyon State Park, 22 miles north of Mojave on
Highway 14.

9 a.m. - Hagen Canyon Trailhead, off Abbot Rd.
This is a 9 mile, all day hike in Nightmare Gulch and participants will be back by
approximately 4pm.  The hike begins with a strenuous stretch of three ridges with an
elevation gain/loss of approximately 1100’ .  The hike then evens out and is easy to
moderate.  This hike is for those in good physical condition, ages 12 and up. Dogs
are not recommended but may be brought on leash.  Wear layered clothing and bring
water and lunch. Hikers are responsible for their own health and safety. Visit
www.redrockrrcia.org<http://www.redrockrrcia.org/> for more information.

Nation-wide First Day Hike locations are listed on the America’s State Parks website
at www.americasstateparks.org<http://www.americasstateparks.org/>. America's State
Parks is committed to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to
address obesity, especially among children.  Getting kids outside and unplugged from
video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that
promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of
our shared resources.