First Day Hike 2026

Start the New Year off on the right foot and join in the annual First Day Hike at Brazos Bend State Park!

Lace up those hiking boots and run out to Brazos Bend to start off your new year on the right foot at our First Day Hike Event!

Explore Elm Lake Loop (1.7 miles, moderate difficulty) with us on the first hike of 2026! The hike will include educational stations throughout the hike highlighting the variety of ecosystems within the parks as well as the different wildlife you might see here. Along the trail will be stations where hikers can get hands-on as they learn about the myriad animals, plants, and ecosystems on display at Brazos Bend. 

The First Day Hike will take place from 8 am to noon. First Day Hike stickers will be available while supplies last. We highly encourage you to reserve day passes ahead of time to guarantee entrance into the park. These are recommended but not required.

Day passes: $7 per person aged 13 and up (those aged 12 and under are free)