State park staffs will help hikers ring in the new year and give guided lessons on ecology, geology and other park features.
Hikes are planned for Jan. 1 at each of these parks. Parks staff are asking everyone to dress appropriately for the weather and not wear open-toe shoes.
Antelope Island State Park • The hike starts at 10 a.m. and goes up Beacon Hill for a 5-mile moderate hike. Meet at the Gravel Pit Trailhead. Well-behaved dogs on a 6-foot leash are welcome, but they must do well with large groups and other dogs. For more information or to check for a last minute weather cancellation, call 801-773-2941.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park • A 2-mile moderate hike through ponderosa pines is planned to start at 11 a.m. Hikers should meet at the visitor center. Leashed dogs are welcome. For more information or to check for weather cancellations call 435-648-2800.
Dead Horse Point State Park • The 2.5-mile moderate hike will begin at 12:45 p.m. and go to the Big Horn Overlook. Hikers should meet at the visitor center. Leashed dogs are welcome. To check for weather cancellations, call 435-259-2614.
Red Fleet State Park • The hike begins at 9 a.m. at the Dinosaur Trackway Trailhead. The walking trail will take visitors past 200 dinosaur tracks. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed. For more information or to check for weather cancellations, call the office at 435-789-4432, or the cellphone at 435-671-6584.
Snow Canyon State Park • The hike begins at 9 a.m. at the Upper Galoot Picnic area for this moderate 2-mile hike on petrified dunes. No pets are allowed. To check for weather cancellations or more information, call 435-628-2255.
Willard Bay State Park • The hike begins at noon at the Eagle Beach Group Pavilion. The easy 1-mile hike along the Linda C. Higley Nature Trail may include views of bald eagles. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed. To check for weather cancellations or additional information, call 435-734-9494 or check out the Willard Bay Facebook Page.
Twitter: @UtahHikes
Tom Wharton | The Salt Lake Tribune Dead Horse Point offers one of Utah's most spectacular views.
ANTELOPE ISLAND IN WINTER A lone bison crosses the snow-covered road that leads to White Rock Bay near the northern tip of Antelope Island, Monday 1/12/09. Scott Sommerdorf / The Salt Lake Tribune
Danny Patten, left, and his son Spencer Patten, 5, take in the awe inspiring 360 degree view of Snow Canyon State Park after hiking to the top of a stair-like petrified sand dune mounain on Wednesday. Weather was about perfect. Clear in the 70's. The two are from Las Vegas. Snow Canyon State Park is just north of St. George. Al Hartmann/Salt Lake Tribune 3/19/08
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible