CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 1, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026, marks the 15th consecutive year that Wyoming State Parks is offering guided hikes at locations across the state for First Day Hikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative launched in 2012 and led by America’s State Parks. First Day Hikes are an opportunity for people to start their year off right, immersed in the outdoors. All First Day Hike offerings are open to the public, including seasoned patrons and first-time visitors. 

“I hope everyone’s New Year's resolutions for 2026 are to spend more time in the outdoors,” stated Frances Schaetz, outreach coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Participating in one of our statewide offerings for this initiative is a sure way to start the year and your resolution off on the right footing.”

First Day Hikes are offered in all 50 states on New Year's Day. Here in Wyoming, we are offering 19 unique hikes at State Parks and Historic Sites across the state. All hikes are free and open to the public; all day-use fees are waived on Jan. 1 for this initiative.

Participants will have the chance to win a 2026 Annual Day Use Certificate at each participating location and to enter a statewide Grand Prize drawing. Details for the drawings will be available at each site.

Details about hiking locations, difficulty, length, and terrain are as follows:

• Bear River State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • ​ Meet at the Rendezvous Area for a 1.5-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 789-6547.
• Boysen State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Park Headquarters (120 Boysen Drive, Shoshoni, WY) for a 1.5-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 876-2796.
• Buffalo Bill State Park – starting at 9 a.m.
  • Meet at the Park Headquarters (4192 North Fork Highway) for a 1.5-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 587-9227.
• Curt Gowdy State Park – starting at 1:30 p.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center to decide whether to take the ¾-mile hike on easy terrain or the 2.25-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 632-7946.
• Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Platte River Shelter for a 1.5-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 577-5150.
• Fort Bridger State Historic Site – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Main Parking Lot for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 870-8811.
• Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site (528 Wagon Box Rd, Banner, WY) for a 1-2 mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 275-6120.
• Guernsey State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Main Boat Dock Parking Area for a 1.75-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 921-2057.
• Glendo State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Two Moon Shelter for a 2-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 735-4433.
• Hot Springs State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the T-Hill Trailhead for a 2-3 mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 864-2176.
• Keyhole State Park – starting at 9 a.m.
  • Meet at Coulter Bay Cliffs Shelter for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 756-3596.
• Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site – starting at 11 a.m.
  • Meet at the Red Barn (4800 County Road 52, Hyattville, WY) for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 469-2234.
• Sinks Canyon State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center for a ½ -mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 332-6333.
• Sinks Canyon State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Popo Agie Nature Trail parking area (in the Popo Agie Campground) for a 2-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 332-6333.
• Trail End State Historic Site – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at Trail End State Historic Site (400 Clarendon Ave, Sheridan, WY) for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 275-6120.
• Wyoming Historic Governors' Mansion – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Wyoming Historic Governor’s Mansion (300 East 21st Street; Cheyenne, WY) for a ¾ -mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 777-7878.
• Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum – starting at 10 a.m.
  • ​Meet at the Wyoming Pioneer Museum Lobby, located on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds (400 W. Center Street, Douglas, WY) for a 1-2 mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 359-9288. 
• Wyoming Territorial Prison – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center for a 1.5-2 mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 359-4014.

Participants are encouraged to “know before you go” and to prepare for winter weather conditions, including dressing appropriately.  Hot drinks and refreshments will be provided at most locations; however, participants are also encouraged to bring their own water and snacks.

This statewide initiative is brought to you by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Parks, and the Wyoming State Trails Program, all part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). Learn more about our programs at wyospcr.wyo.gov. 

To learn more about First Day Hike events in your area, please find individual sites on Facebook and/or visit bit.ly/m/FirstDayHikesWY.

 

Contact: Sharie Shada, 307-275-6120; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“The First Home: Unpacking the Crow Tipi” Program Offered at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site

BANNER, Wyo. — July 18, 2025 — Wyoming State Parks invites the public to a special tipi-raising program at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site on Tuesday, July 22, at 6:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical significance of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tipi through a live demonstration and interpretive talk.

Macariah Pine, a Native American Student Interpretive Ranger and member of the Crow Tribe, will lead the evening. As the tipi is raised in real time, Pine will share insights into the meaning and construction of the Crow tipi, including its symbolism, its use as a seasonal guide, and its continued significance in Apsáalooke culture.

“[I’ll be] talking about the meaning and history behind the tipi, such as why it is raised a certain way, the meaning behind each pole, and how the tipi was used to tell seasons and time,” Pine said. “This will be a live presentation where the tipi is set up while I talk.”

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and meet near the fort’s historic stockade wall for this engaging outdoor program.

This initiative is part of the American Indian Student Interpretive Ranger Program, now in its third year. A partnership between Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, the Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, and the U.S. Forest Service, the program provides interpretive training to Native American college students. This summer, three student rangers are alternating between Fort Phil Kearny and the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark in the Bighorn Mountains, sharing Indigenous perspectives and stories with park visitors.

Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site is located at 528 Wagon Box Road, Banner, WY 82832, and is part of the Wyoming State Parks system.

For more information, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/fortphilkearny, follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/fortphilkearny, or call 307-684-7629.

Contact: Sharie Shada, 307-275-6120; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Contact: Chris Delay, 307-864-2176;  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hot Springs State Park Launches Projects to Improve Visitor Access and Experience

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. — July 18, 2025 — Wyoming State Parks is announcing two exciting infrastructure improvements at Hot Springs State Park—a new boat dock installation and rehabilitation of the historic Swinging Bridge—that will enhance visitor safety, accessibility, and recreational opportunities. Construction begins next week and is scheduled to conclude before the end of August.

Work will begin the week of July 21 on a new boat dock at the park’s boat ramp, designed to improve water access for future recreation and small craft use. Construction will run through August 26. While the boat ramp will be temporarily closed during this period, the nearby parking area will remain open for general use. Please note that trailers will not be permitted due to limited turnaround space; however, the area will still be accessible for hand-launching small watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, or rafts.

The park’s beloved Swinging Bridge will also receive key upgrades beginning next week. Intermittent closures will begin the week of July 21, with more extended closures expected starting July 28. Construction is scheduled to be completed by August 22. Park staff aim to keep the bridge accessible as much as possible—it is expected to remain open most evenings unless a safety concern arises. These enhancements will help preserve the bridge’s historic charm while improving safety and structural integrity.

“We’re thrilled to make these long-term investments in the park’s infrastructure,” said Park Superintendent Chris Delay. “These projects are all about ensuring Hot Springs State Park remains a safe, beautiful, and accessible destination for years to come. We appreciate our visitors’ understanding and support during these beneficial improvements.”

Visitors can continue to enjoy the many open amenities throughout the park, including more than six miles of accessible trails, the mineral terrace boardwalk, scenic picnic areas, and the free State Bath House, which offers therapeutic soaking in natural mineral waters and is open daily with extended hours. Wildlife enthusiasts are also encouraged to visit the park’s central bison herd, a unique highlight of the Hot Springs experience.

For more information on available amenities and ongoing construction updates at Hot Springs State Park, please visit our official website at wyoparks.wyo.gov/hotsprings or follow us on Facebook at @hotspringsstatepark.  

Figure 1: An image of Hot Springs State Park's colorful terraces and boat ramp area.

Contact: Christina Bird, 307-631-1110; Christina.BThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Curt Gowdy State Park Limits Shower Availability in the Visitor Center

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 15, 2025 – Due to increasing demand and lower supply, Curt Gowdy State Park will limit the availability of shower facilities in the Visitor Center starting July 18, 2025. The Visitor Center shower facilities will be open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Visitors are encouraged to use the open and convenient restroom facilities located around the park.  

"Our staff is working hard to monitor and find solutions for this situation. Please follow our social media pages for important updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding," said Adam McKay, Curt Gowdy State Park superintendent.  

The Visitor Center opened to the public in 2014, thanks to a generous gift from the Wyoming State Legislature and Bass Pro Shops founder John Morris. The building was the first LEED-certified structure within the Wyoming State Parks system. The park hosts over 500,000 visitors annually and offers 50 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails, fishing, paddleboarding, and camping.  

"We hope this is a temporary restriction for our shower facilities at the Visitor Center," said Christina Bird, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. "We appreciate the patience of our visitors and will continue to work on the issue and keep the public updated as we go."   

Wyoming State Parks will share press releases, website updates, and social media announcements. To stay informed about the latest updates, follow Curt Gowdy State Park on social media or visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/curtgowdy for more information. 

Figure 1: Curt Gowdy State Park's Visitor Center.

Contact: Christina Bird, 307-631-1110; Christina.BThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.