Enchanted Rock is one of the most desirable destinations in Texas, and the perfect place to start off 2026 with a first day hike. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Take a step in the right direction this New Year’s Day and visit the trails of the Highland Lakes, joining dedicated trekkers around the nation in a series of first day hikes.
The Highland Lakes are welcoming 2026 with guided and self-guided walks, runs, bike rides, and more to help keep you active during the holiday season.
Check out some of the local, wild places hosting official first day hikes on Jan. 1:
Enchanted Rock
Address: 16710 RR 965, Fredericksburg
Hours: 6:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Admission: $8, 12 years old and under free
Hikes free with park admission
- Midnight Summit First Day Hike, starts at 11:15 p.m. on Dec. 31, following a 0.8-mile trail
- Guided Summit First Day Hike, starts at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1, following a 0.8-mile trail
Blanco State Park
Address: 101 Park Road 23, Blanco
Hours: Open daily
Admission: $5, 12 years old and under free
Hikes free with park admission
- Self(ie) Guided First Day Hike, all day Jan. 1, share a selfie with headquarters staff before 4:30 p.m. for a first-day hike sticker
- First Day Hike – C.C.C. Our History, starts at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1, following a 1-mile trail where you can learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps members that built the park
Colorado Bend State Park
Address: 1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend
Hours: 6 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Admission: $5, 12 years old and under free
Hikes free with park admission
- First Day Guided Hike – Gorman Falls, starts at 9:45 a.m. on Jan. 1, following a 3-mile trail
Inks Lake State Park
Address: 3480 Park Road 4 West, Burnet
Hours: 6 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Admission: $7, 12 years old and under free
Hikes free with park admission
- First Day Hike, starts at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1, following a 1.2-mile trail
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 24518 E. RR 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Hours: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free entry
- Guided Hike – Igau Tract, starts at 9 a.m. on Jan. 1, following a 7-mile trail
- Guided Hike – Warbler Vista, starts at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1, following a 2.1-mile trail
Craft your own New Year’s Day hike
Though not holding guided hikes on New Year’s Day, there are plenty of parks in the Highland Lakes left to explore on your own. Be sure to check them out below:
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area
Address: 706 CR 343A, Marble Falls
Hours: Daily (sunrise to sunset)
Admission: Adults $5, seniors (65 and older), military, and disabled $2, 12 years old and under free, horse and rider $12
Turkey Bend Recreation Area
Address: 4000 Shaw Drive, Marble Falls
Hours: Daily (sunrise to sunset)
Admission: Adults $5, seniors (65 and older), military, and disabled $2, 12 years old and under free, horse and rider $12
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Address: 2820 CR 414, Spicewood
Hours: Daily (sunrise to sunset)
Admission: Adults $5, seniors (65 and older), military, and disabled $2, 12 years old and under free, horse and rider $12
Grelle Recreation Area
Address: 640 CR 412, Spicewood
Hours: Daily (sunrise to sunset)
Admission: Adults $5, seniors (65 and older), military, and disabled $2, 12 years old and under free, horse and rider $12
Gloster Bend Recreation Area
Address: 3533 Hollingsworth Road, Marble Falls
Hours: Daily (sunrise to sunset)
Admission: Adults $5, seniors (65 and older), military, and disabled $2, 12 years old and under free
Camp Creek Park
Address: 1221 CR 343, Marble Falls
Hours: Daily (sunrise to sunset)
Admission: Adults $5, seniors (65 and older), military, and disabled $2, 12 years old and under free
Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery
Address: 345 Clay Young Road, Burnet
Hours: 7 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Admission: Free entry
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Address: 6211 Park Road 4 S., Burnet, TX 78611
Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on weekend, holidays, and summer)
Admission: Free entry, paid tours
