On Jan. 1, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host First Day Hikes at the following state parks. These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly.
First Day Hike participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media using #FirstDayHikes. Hikers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring a water bottle and ice cleats or snowshoes if the trail conditions are snowy or icy. For more information on these or other Montana state parks, visit stateparks.mt.gov. Out-of-state vehicles are subject to an $8 entrance fee.
First Day Hikes is an annual, nationwide event co-sponsored by America's State Parks, which originated more than 26 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation at a state park in Milton, Mass. All 50 states will be participating in the 10th annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with guided outdoor exploration.
This will be a fairly easy hike on Trail A at Red Lodge campground. You will hike from the East end to the West end of the campground and back. You will have the opportunity to see deer, rabbit, Bald Eagle, Osprey, and many other species of birds.
Time: 12 noon
Where: Trail A at Red Lodge Campground, meet at large gravel parking area on east end of campground
Trail description: Trail runs from East end of Red Lodge CG to tent camping sites on the West end of the CG. This First Day Hike will follow the trail to the tent sites, then loop back around to the East end of the CG using the CG road on the North side of the CG. The trail is .25 miles up and .25 miles back, making a .50 loop.
Minimum age: none
What to bring: Water, snowshoes, cross-country skis, snacks if you like. Pets welcome but must be on a leash.
Contact: Call the park office at 406-445-2326
This event is free and open to the public. Be ready to set off on the guided hike promptly at 1 p.m. For those that would like to hike independently, please feel free to enter the gates and hike from noon to 4 p.m. All vehicles must be outside the gates by 4 p.m.
The visitor center bathrooms will be available for use from noon to 4 p.m., but the museum will be closed to visitors for this event.
This event is weather dependent. Check our Facebook page for cancellation information if extreme weather occurs.
Time: Guided hike from 1-3:30 p.m. Park gates will be open from noon - 4 p.m.
Where: Loop Trail, meet at First People Buffalo Jump Visitor Center between 12:45-1 p.m.
Trail description: The Loop Trail is approximately a 3 mile moderately strenuous hike. The hike starts from the visitor center and increases 400 feet in elevation to the top of the Buffalo Jump.
Depending on weather conditions prepare for snowy, wet, slippery or muddy surfaces. Dress appropriately with gloves, hats, winter coats and a sturdy pair of hiking boots.
Minimum age: All ages with parental supervision of children under 12.
What to bring: Water bottle, snacks, winter hiking apparel, walking stick. Leave no trace behind principles apply. Well behaved dogs on leash allowed. You must clean up after your pet
Contact: For more information, please call 406-866-2217
This event is free to the public. Following the hike, food and drinks will be available inside the Makoshika State Park Visitor Center, provided by the Friends of Makoshika.
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: Bluebird Trail, please meet outside of the Makoshika State Park Visitor Center
Trail description: The Bluebird Trail is a moderate, 1 mile out and back hike. There is a little incline about ½ way through the hike, and the trail is slippery when wet.
Minimum age: Fine for any age
What to bring: Hikers should bring water, sturdy hiking boots/shoes,and walking sticks/poles. No dogs please.
Contact: For more information call 406-377-6256
Join us at 10:30 at the picnic area for s’mores, hot chocolate and mingling. Then we will have a 2-mile Ranger led hike at 11 a.m.. Free to the public.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Fort Rock Trail, meet at picnic area on the Gallatin River
Trail description: Trail is 2 miles and an easy hike but certain spots may be icy depending on weather. Boots and warm clothing are still required.
Minimum age: 5 years, parents are responsible for their little ones
What to bring: Hot chocolate, coffee, and pastries will be provided before the hike. People may want to bring water. No pets.
Contact: Hike may be cancelled due to extreme cold conditions, please call the park manager at 406-594-3141 if there are any questions the day before.
Journey through time as you explore one of Montana’s most ancient homes, occupied by humans for over nine thousand years, this site tells the story of the early peoples of North America, as they sought refuge in the natural rock shelter of the cliff and told their stories for generations by painting them on the walls of this sacred place. From archeology and Native peoples to cretaceous sea creatures, and everything in-between, come learn with us and journey into the past.
Nature is plentiful in our sacred gulch, with porcupines, mule deer, and more active during the winter months. Will we discover prints, scat, or other evidence of our elusive fuzzy friends? Let’s find out!
The hike is free for Montana residents with their vehicles registered in Montana, for out of state vehicles, there is an $8 day use fee to support Montana State Parks.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Pictograph Cave Trail Loop, meet at picnic area at top of parking lot
Trail description: The Pictograph Cave Trail Loop is a short, but enriching hike. The trail is roughly ¾ of a mile long, with paved, gravel, and unmaintained sections. It gets moderately steep as you approach the caves and may be slippery in the winter with ice.
Minimum age: This trail is suitable for all ages, but parental discretion is advised.
What to bring: Water, crampons (traction devices), and nice warm clothing are recommended! Pets must be on leash and in your control.
Contact: Call the park office at 406-254-7342
What: First Day Expedition
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: All trails at Flathead Lake State Park, Lone Pine State Park, Somers Beach State Park, Whitefish State Park, Les Mason State Park, Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park, Logan State Park, and Lake Mary Ronan State Park
Minimum age: Children of all ages are encouraged to attend with their families.
What to bring: A plan for every activity to get the most points.
The Flathead and Mission Valleys are great places to get outside and start your new year off with a First Day Expedition. On the first day of 2025, all FWP State Park sites: Flathead Lake (all units), Lone Pine, Whitefish, Lake Mary Ronan, Les Meson, Logan, Thompson Chain of Lake and Somers Beach State Parks invite you to go outside and discover your state parks.
To help guide your winter expedition, you have an opportunity to win some prizes! To earn points, you must take a photograph of each activity and submit via email to wayfarers@mt.gov. All activities must occur at one of the participating parks listed above on January 1, 2025. Photos, names of participants, and miles hiked/ran must be submitted via email to wayfarers@mt.gov by 6 p.m. on January 3 to be entered to win prizes.
1-Point categories:
Wildlife Pictures
1 point species and extra point for proper identification.
Tree/shrub Identification
1 point per species you correctly ID with picture.
2-Point categories:
Per mile, per person hiked/ran/skied/snowshoed.
Per snow angel (or other angel if no snow is present).
Per snow creature, extra points are awarded for creativity.
5-Point categories:
Having a picnic
Sunrise Picture
Must be time stamped with January 1, 2026
Sledding
Fishing
Ice fishing (if safe ice available) or gear fishing or fly fishing.
Making a campfire (where permitted and only in designated fire rings) and having S’mores
Please remember to drown your fires before you leave to your next adventure.
10-Point Categories:
Per person for wading into a lake at least ankle deep.
Utilizing one of the archery ranges, Big Arm unit of Flathead Lake State Park or Lone Pine State Park.
Per Park that you travel to.
Picture of you at the entrance signs as proof.
How to enter:
Photos, names of participants, and miles hiked/ran must be submitted via email to wayfarers@mt.gov by 6 p.m. on January 3 to be entered to win prizes.
Prizes:
1st place - Two nights at either Big Arm Unit of FHLSP yurt or Finley Point Unit of FHLSP cabin
2nd place - Two nights of camping at Logan State Park or Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park
3rd place - $40 at either Lone Pine State Park or Flathead Lake Ranger Station gift shop
For more information on the expedition call the Ranger Station at Wayfarers: 406-837-3041 ext. 0
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: Lakeside Loop Trail, meet at the group pavilion.
Trail description: Short interpretative hike (0.9 mile) discussing the history and flora/fauna of Spring Meadow lake State Park. Light refreshments afterwards.
Minimum age: This trail is suitable for all ages.
What to bring: Weather appropriate clothes/shoes. No dogs please.
Contact: For more information call the 406-495-3270
Join us for a roughly 1 mile walk along the trails at Travelers’ Rest State Park. We will walk in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and talk about how Travelers’ Rest State Park is the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Expedition in the nation. The park gates will be opened at 9 a.m. and closed at 2 p.m. Montana State Parks day use entrance fee still applies.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Nature Trail, meet outside Travelers’ Rest State Park Visitor Center
Trail description: Roughly 1.5 miles on a hard pack dirt trail. Slight incline on bridge crossing over the creek. Ice and/or snow may be present on the trail depending on weather.
Minimum age: This trail is suitable for all ages.
What to bring: Water, snacks, warm clothing and shoes, binoculars.
Contact: Call the park office at 406-273-4253