In what is becoming an increasingly popular New Year’s Day activity — regardless of the temperature — “First Day Hikes” offer a way for Wyoming residents and visitors to celebrate the new year outdoors.

To mark the beginning of 2020, a record 17 New Year’s Day guided hikes and walks will be offered Wednesday around Wyoming, including one at Buffalo Bill State Park.

This is the ninth consecutive year Wyoming is offering free First Day Hikes. At the beginning of 2019, nearly 300 people participated, despite below-zero wind chills.

Wyoming State Parks staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average 1 to 2 miles.

Hikes in the region will be offered Wednesday at the following locations and times:

• Buffalo Bill State Park: Participants will meet at Hayden Arch Bridge (1.5 miles out of town on the Old Yellowstone Highway at 9 a.m. on Jan. 1. The hike is about 4 miles on easy terrain. For more information, call 307-587-9227.
• Boysen State Park: A 2-mile hike through moderate to difficult terrain; meet at park headquarters at 10 a.m. For information, call 307-876-2796.
• Hot Springs State Park: An easy half-mile or more difficult 1-mile hikes; meet at Kiwanis Washakie Shelter at 11 a.m. For information, call 307-864-2176.
• Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site: A 1-mile hike over easy terrain; meet in the main parking lot at 10 a.m. For information, call 307-469-2234.

The Wyoming hikes are being organized in conjunction with similar hikes held in all 50 states. Details about hike locations are listed on the America’s State Parks website at www.naspd.org.