By Karla Pomeroy
Editor
Record number of hikers enjoy First Day Hike at Medicine Lodge
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HYATTVILLE — Despite windy conditions through much of the state, more than 460 people braved the weather to participate in this year’s Wyoming State Parks sponsored First Day Hikes event. This year’s participation was a 65 percent increase over last year, according to the Wyoming State Park press release.
Seventeen New Year’s Day guided hikes and walks were held at state park and historic site venues statewide in conjunction with similar hikes held in all 50 states; a part of the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.
This was the ninth consecutive year Wyoming has offered free First Day Hikes, and saw 462 people participate resulting in nearly 890 combined miles hiked.
Sites participating in this year’s event and the number of hikers were: Bear River, 30; Boysen, 8; Buffalo Bill, 12; Curt Gowdy, 30; Fort Bridger, 35; Fort Fetterman, 3; Fort Phil Kearny, 25; Guernsey, 59; Historic Governors’ Mansion, 10; Hot Springs, 55; Keyhole, 4; Medicine Lodge, 54; Sinks Canyon, 41; South Pass City, 18; and Trail End, 78. Fort Fred Steele and Edness Kimball Wilkins both cancelled their hikes. EKW’s has been rescheduled for Feb. 15.
Wyoming State Parks District Manager Brooks Jordan said they had a record attendance at the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. He said the attendance of 54 was up in part due to the weather but also in part to more people knowing about the First Day Hike.
“It’s starting to become a tradition around the Big Horn Basin each year,” Jordan said.
The hike at Medicine Lodge is a one-mile loop hike through the park starting at the petroglyph cliff. He said they always take a group photo and then head off together. Inevitably everyone hikes at their own pace and the final hiker usually arrives 30 to 45 minutes after the start.
For Jordan the hike provides a great sense of community and family with everyone gathering together to enjoy one event.
The hike ends with refreshments that include hot chocolate and chili.
This year many of the hikers stayed to enjoy time on the 60-foot by 60-foot ice rink, Jordan said.
“I think that’s another reason [the hike] has grown, the ice skating rink,” Jordan said, adding that they have 30 pairs of skates for people to borrow, along with hockey gear if people are interested.
