Participants at Eagle Nest State Park’s 2024 Polar Plunge. Courtesy/FEN-CCSP
State Parks News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico State Parks invites residents and visitors to welcome the new year with two outdoor traditions:
- Polar Plunges; and
- First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026.
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and first-time adventurers are encouraged to step into 2026 with fresh air, scenic trails, and maybe a cold splash.
America’s State Parks First Day Hikes, have been celebrated across all U.S. state parks since 1992, encouraging people nationwide to begin the year with movement and time outdoors. New Mexico has embraced the tradition with its own distinct spirit — inviting families, hikers, and adventure seekers to start the year across landscapes found nowhere else in the country.
“These events bring people together and remind us why our state parks matter,” New Mexico State Parks Director Toby Velásquez said. “New Mexico’s landscapes inspire resilience and adventure, and there’s no better way to begin the year than by experiencing them firsthand.”
Visitors can participate at any of the 35 New Mexico State Parks. With a variety of activities, including special guided hikes for all skill levels, diverse and stunning views of New Mexico’s landscapes, and the chance to make a splash with polar bear plunges at select locations. New Mexico State Parks offers a chance to begin the year with a burst of energy. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, there’s an activity for everyone.
Explore. Experience. Enjoy.
Guided hikes are free and open to the public, with options suitable for a wide range of abilities. Knowledgeable guides will lead participants through picturesque trails while sharing information about the local wildlife, habitats, and history of New Mexico’s treasured state parks.
Ranger-led activities at New Mexico State Parks Jan. 1, 2026:
| Location | Time | Activity |
| Brantley Lake | 11 a.m. to noon | First Day Hike |
| Cerrillos Hills | 1 to 3 p.m. | First Day Hike |
| Eagle Nest Lake | noon to 3 p.m. | Polar Plunge and Polar Stomp |
| Elephant Butte Lake | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | First Day Hike |
| Living Desert | 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | First Day Hike |
| Oliver Lee | 10 to 11 a.m. | First Day Hikes |
| Rio Grande Nature Ctr. | 10 a.m. to noon | New Year’s Day Nature Walk |
| Storrie Lake | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Polar Bear Plunge |
| Sugarite Canyon | 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. | First Day Hike-Lakeside Snow Stomp |
| Sumner Lake | 1 to 2 p.m. | First Day Hike |
Outdoor recreation has long been part of life in New Mexico, where families have gathered on trails, lakes and mesas for generations. Beginning the year outside reflects this shared connection to place, from desert foothills to alpine forests.
“These traditions remind us that our parks are more than destinations,” Velásquez said. “They’re part of who we are as New Mexicans, nuestra gente, nuestras familias, y nuestra historia. We invite everyone to join us, take care of these places and make new memories for the new year ahead.”
Participants are encouraged to dress in layers, bring water, and prepare for winter conditions. For plungers, quick-dry clothing and a warm post-dip setup are recommended.
Share your hike and adventure
Visitors are encouraged to share their First Day Hike experience on social media using the hashtags #FirstDayHikes, #NewMexicoStateParks, and #NMStateParks. For more information on the First Day Hikes and to find the park nearest you, please visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/ and click on the Event Calendar tab.