Aug. 24, 2022
Cool September nights bring changing aspens and bugling elk to Mueller
By Linda Groat Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator
DIVIDE, Colo. – As the days get shorter and the warmth of summer gives way to cooler nights, celebrate fall at Mueller State Park and watch the forest turn from green to golden.
Even better, Mueller offers assorted naturalist programs to enhance your visit by showing you where to find the aspen as turn colors and the elk as they bugle and to explain why these changes are occurring.
You can join the naturalist-guided hikes, or attend programs in the campgrounds and go it alone and dive into the beauty of autumn at Mueller.
Even though the summer season is over, evening amphitheater programs will continue on weekends and guided hikes are available almost daily.
Special programs in September include elk bugling hikes, a dark sky hike, Friends of Mueller fall art show, and our 10th annual hiking challenge.
The Hiking Challenge is an invitation to hike all 60 miles of trails at Mueller, with a guide or on your own, in one month. Folks who meet the challenge receive a certificate and prize for their accomplishment.
Other options include trying archery or nature bingo and other special activities planned for kids to explore and play in nature.
And remember, Mueller is open to guided school field trips. Bring your students to the park for an educational experience they will not forget.
The peak of colors is usually during the end of September or early October. It depends on many factors like temperature and moisture.
Here is a full list of September programs at Mueller:
Thursday, Sept. 1
Hike: Cahill Loop 9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead Enjoy a moderate 3-mile hike with Naturalist Ben to visit the historic homestead of the Cahill brothers. This trail has great views of Pikes Peak.
Saturday, Sept. 3
Fly Fishing 10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Volunteer Craig. For everyone 8 years and up. Equipment is provided.
Archery 10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond Learn to shoot a bow and arrow. For ages 8 and up. Equipment is provided.
Mammals of Mueller Touch Table 2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services What wildlife roams Mueller State Park? Dive deep into the different animals in the park with a hands-on experience with their pelts. Led by Naturalist Linda.
Star Party 7:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Join the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to look through telescopes and learn all about stars, planets and much more.
Sunday, Sept. 4
Pond Safari 10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond Explore the underwater world of the pond to see who lives there. Led by Naturalist Linda.
Monday, Sept. 5
Hike: Bird Walk 8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadows Trailhead As migrating birds head south for the winter, many will be passing through Mueller. Come see and hear birds that are winter residents at Mueller on a 1.5-mile, slow-paced walk led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.
Hike: Osborn Homestead Loop 9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead Visit the Osborn Homestead and hear what it was like to live in the area in the old days. This moderate, 3-mile hike is led by Naturalist Ben.
Tuesday, Sept. 6
Hike: School Pond 9 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead Join Naturalist Ben on a moderate, 2-mile hike on School Pond loop. Watch for signs of fall.
Wednesday, Sept. 7
Hike: Dynamite Cabin 9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead Come explore the historic Dynamite Cabin and the deep forest around it on a 2-mile hike led by Naturalist Ben.
Thursday, Sept. 8
Hike: Bacon Rock 9 a.m. Meet at Homestead Trailhead Visit the interesting Bacon Rock formation and check out one of the park’s more scenic wildflower-filled valleys with Naturalist Ben.
Friday, Sept. 9
Nature Crafts 2 p.m. Meet at the Camper Services Make fun items using materials from nature. Ages 3 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.
Saturday, Sept. 10
Hike: Outlook Ridge 9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead Explore the forest and see an overlook of the Continental Divide. Led by Naturalist Ben.
Fly Fishing 10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Volunteer Craig. For 8 years and up. Equipment is provided.
Archery 1 p.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond Learn to shoot a bow and arrow. For ages 8 and up. Equipment is provided.
“Survival Skills for Kids” 2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Basic survival in the woods for kids. All will go home with survival items. Ages 5 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.
Sunday, Sept. 11
Paper-Making 10 a.m. Meet at the Camper Services Come make your own paper – interesting and fun. Led by Naturalist Ben.
Skins and Skulls 11a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Get a hands-on experience with the skins and skulls of animals you might find here in the park and learn fun facts from Volunteer Rose.
Monday, Sept. 12
Hike: Wapiti Nature Trail 9 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead (South end of Visitor Center parking lot) Learn about the unique characteristics of Mueller State Park. Look for birds, trees and summer wildflowers on this 1-mile, slow-paced hike led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.
Tuesday, Sept. 13
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike No. 1 8:15 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben as we hike 37 trails in 4 weeks. Today we’ll distribute the schedule and log sheet and hike 3.25 miles on trails 4 and 6. Dress in layers and bring water. Don’t want to do the whole challenge? That’s OK. Join us anytime.
Thursday, Sept. 15
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike No. 2 8:15 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben while we hike trails 3 and 23. Estimated 4 miles. This is a steep one. Dress in layers and bring water.
Hike: Rock Pond 9:30 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Join Volunteer Rose on a trip down through the montane forest to a lush canyon and scenic pond. A favorite trail at Mueller. This is a moderate to steep 5-mile hike with 700 feet elevation change. Bring water and a snack.
Friday, Sept. 16
Hug a Tree to Survive – for kids 2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services Basic survival in the woods for kids. All will go home with survival items. Ages 5 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.
Saturday, Sept. 17
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike No. 3 8:15 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben as they hike 4.75 miles on trails 21 and 2 through tough hills. Dress in layers and bring water.
Fly Fishing 10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Volunteer Craig. 8 years and up. Equipment provided.
Nature Bingo 1 p.m. Meet at Camper Services Come join us for a fun twist on a classic camp game. This style of bingo will include characteristics of plants and animals. Led by Naturalist Ashley.
Leave No Trace Basics 7:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater Learn how to responsibly recreate in the outdoors by using the Leave No Trace Principles and practice proper techniques through hands-on instruction. Led by Naturalist Ben.
Sunday, Sept. 18
Hike: Outlook Ridge 1 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead Take this 2-mile hike out to a beautiful overlook of the Continental Divide and the mountains to the south and west. See the majesty of fall colors. Led by Volunteer Rose.
Elk Touch Table 10 a.m. Meet at Camper Services Join Naturalist Ben for a fun hands on touch table to learn about Elk. Learn about the secret lives of the “Ghost of the Forest” or elk.
Monday, Sept. 19
Pond Safari 10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond Explore the underwater world of the pond to see who lives there. Hands-on and fun. Learn about ecosystems, water quality and aquatic creepy crawlies. Learn about the trout vs. carp dichotomy and some brief words about the water quality of Dragonfly Pond and the life therein. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.
Tuesday, Sept. 20
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike No. 4 8:15 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben as they hike about 5 miles on trails 18, 19 and 22 past beautiful views of Pikes Peak. Dress in layers and bring water.
Dark Sky Hike 8 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead Watch the night sky unfold. Learn how to find the North Star, constellations and fun facts about the cosmos on this easy 1-mile roundtrip hike. Dress for cool weather. Bring a headlamp. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Jim.
Thursday, Sept. 22
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike No. 5 8:15 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben as they hike 6.75 miles on trails 33, 34 and 36 past Cheesman Ranch, Cahill Pond and Cahill Cabin. Dress in layers and bring water.
Friday, Sept. 23
Aspen Presentation 7:30 p.m. Meet at Camper Services Leaves of gold are covering the Colorado Mountains. Learn more about these unique trees that are considered the largest living things on the planet. Led by Naturalist Linda.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Fall Art Show 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Photography, paintings, fused glass, wood working, pencil drawings, jewelry, and more by local artists. Hosted by Friends of Mueller State Park.
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike No. 6 8:15 a.m. Meet at Visitor Center parking lot Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben as they hike 5.25 miles ontrails 7, 8, 9, 10, 25, 11 and 1. This hike includes all the beautiful overlooks, Geer Pond and Lost Pond. Dress in layers and bring water.
Hike: Cahill Loop 9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead Enjoy a moderate 3-mile hike to visit the historic homestead of the Cahill brothers. This hike has great views of Pikes Peak and is led by Naturalist Ashley.
Tree Cookie Crafts 1 p.m. Meet at Camper Services Make a souvenir to take home made with a real slice of aspen. Crafty fun for all ages. Led by Naturalist Ben.
Aspen Touch Table 2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services Learn about some of the most popular trees in Mueller State Park while they go through their fall transformation with Naturalist Linda.
Hike: Elk Bugling 5:30 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead Every fall, bull elk seek out and compete for females. Visitors 10 and up can witness this amazing yearly event. This is a strenuous 3-mile round trip hike, returning after dark. Bring flashlights, binoculars, rain gear and wear layers. Led by Naturalist Ben.
Sunday, Sept. 25 Fall Art Show 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Photography, paintings, fused glass, wood working, pencil drawings, jewelry, and more by local artists. Hosted by Friends of Mueller State Park.
Elk Touch Table 1 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Join Naturalist Ben for a fun hands on touch table. Learn about the secret lives of the “Ghost of the Forest” or Elk.
Monday, Sept. 26
Hike: Red Tail Overlook 9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael on this 2-mile natural history hike to a beautiful overlook.
Tuesday, Sept. 27
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike No. 7 8:15 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben while we hike trails #27 and #35. Estimated 7.0 miles. Are the leaves changing yet? If so this is a beauty. Dress in layers and bring water.
Thursday, Sept. 29
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike No. 8 8:15am Meet at Visitor Center parking lot Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben as they hike 6.6 miles on trails 5, 44, 24 and 15 through Rock Canyon. Dress in layers and bring water.
Friday, Sept. 30
Hike: Cahill Loop 9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead Enjoy a moderate 3-mile hike to visit the historic homestead of the Cahill brother’s and take in views of Pikes Peak and the aspen trees with Naturalist Ben.
Life of a Tree 2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Discover how trees live and grow with Volunteer Naturalist Rusty. For kids of all ages.
Sunset Hike 6:15 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead Join Naturalist Ashley for an easy 1-mile hike to see the sun set over the Continental Divide. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight for the way back.
Mueller events are free for any guest with a $9 day pass or $80 annual vehicle park pass. For more information, call the park at 719-687-2366.
Mueller State Park is located 45 minutes from Colorado Springs along Colorado Highway 67, just 3½ miles south of the intersection of U.S. Highway 24 at Divide on the west side of Pikes Peak.
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