This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Plan activities now for New Year's Day to keep those resolutions of getting outside more, exploring Utah, spending time with your family and getting fit.
Utah State Parks, in conjunction with America's State Parks, is participating in the annual First Day Hike program with five guided hikes offered on Jan. 1.
The hikes are free, but day-use fees to enter the park are required.
Here's a list locations:
Antelope Island State Park on the Great Salt Lake • Meet at the Lakeside Trailhead located in Bridger Bay Campground site 8 at 1 p.m. for a hike and discussion on the geologic forces that created the Antelope Island ecosystem and landscape. Dogs on leashes are welcome on the trail suitable for all ages. Call 801-773-2941 for more information.
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park near Kanab • Hikers should meet at the visitor center at 11 a.m. for a 1.5-mile hike to a portion of the ancient ponderosa pine forest. GPS coordinates point hikers to some of the oldest pine trees in the world. The group will talk about what was happening in the world when the trees were seedlings. Organizers suggest visitors bring water and snacks. Dogs on leashes are welcome. Call 435-648-2800 for more information.
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Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab • Park staff will lead a 2.5-mile hike overlooking the famous and breathtaking red rock in and around Dead Horse Point. Meet at the visitor center at 11 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring along water and snacks. Dogs on leashes welcome. Call 435-259-2614 for more information.
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Snow Canyon State Park near St. George • Take a Sunrise Hike and welcome the sun as it climbs the red rock walls of Snow Canyon State Park for the first time in 2014. Meet at the visitor center at 7 a.m. for the 2-mile round-trip hike, which is rated as easy to moderate. Call 435-628-2255 for more information.
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Yuba State Park • Meet at the Painted Rocks Campground at 11 a.m. for a 1.5-mile hike along Yuba Reservoir. Water and a lunch suggested. Dogs allowed if on a leash. Call 435-758-2611 for more information.
Twitter: @BrettPrettyman