Lost Pines First Day Hike- Self Guided

Start 2026 off on the right foot by strapping on your hiking boots and going on a self guided First Day Hike in Bastrop or Buescher State Parks!

Start the New Year off by joining in an awesome tradition celebrated around the country! First Day Hikes encourage people to hit the trails on January first! Start 2026 off by participating in a healthy activity and surround yourself in the peace of nature!

Stop by headquarters on your way into the park to grab a trails map and find the trail that is best for you! There is also snacks, drinks, hiking sticks, medallions, stickers, pins, patches, t-shirts and much more available at HQ. 

We do NOT have Texas State Parks Official First Day Hike Stickers. We will have a limited supply of a Lost Pines Bastrop/Buescher sticker that will be given one sticker per family  (while supplies last, limited amount available) go to the Scenic Overlook after your hike at either Bastrop or Buescher State Park between 10am and 2pm to register your first day hike information and receive the sticker from our Lost Pines Master Naturalist volunteers. If those times don't work for you, our brand new Historic Golf Shelter Interpretive Center will be open from 3pm to 5pm. Come be  some of the first to check out this new Civilian Conservation Corps exhibit space and log your First Day Hike miles with a ranger to earn your sticker!

Texas State Parks will see which park had the most first day miles hiked and all Texas State Park miles hiked will be compiled for the State of Texas to see how we did amongst other States. 

Park Entrance Fees are $5 per person aged 13 and up. Children 12 and under are free. Day use is open from 6am to 10pm.
Use the Self Pay Entrance fee station outside either park headquarters if you arrive before headquarters opens at 8am or after headquarters closes at 4:30pm. Bring cash or check. 

If you plan to bring your pup along for a hike, please follow regulations. Pets are required to be on a 6 foot or shorter leash at all times while in the park, owners are required to pick up pet waste and dispose in a proper waste bin, pets are not allowed in any state buildings including restrooms.