COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

Welcome returning birds, see budding flowers, enjoy night sky at Mueller in April

March 23, 2023

Welcome returning birds, see budding flowers, enjoy night sky at Mueller in April

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. – As spring unfolds, the days get longer, flowers bud and wildlife re-emerges in April, satisfy your urge to get outside by taking a guided hike or naturalist program at Mueller State Park.

These hikes give guests a chance to see the first signs of spring. Migrating birds already are arriving including red-winged blackbirds.

The spring activity is not limited to the daytime in April. Explore the night sky with a variety of programs including a full-moon hike, dark-sky hike or look through some great telescopes with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to see planets or galaxies far away.

We also will be hosting a popular Forest Bathing hike to celebrate Earth Day in April.

Remember, weather in April can be very mixed-up in the mountains. Be prepared for sunshine or snow.   Visitors are encouraged to check snow conditions first on our website cpw.state.co.us or call the Visitor Center 719-687-2366 before arriving.  

Following is a list of free programs for Mueller guests in April:.

Sunday, April 2

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
While some birds spent the winter at Mueller, migrating birds are joining them as they pass through on their journeys to summer breeding grounds further north. Come see and hear these along with a general nature hike. This is a 1.5-mile, slow-paced walk led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

Wednesday, April 5

Full Moon Hike
7:15 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge trailhead 
Watch the full moon rise over Pikes Peak. Learn fun facts about the night sky on this easy 1-mile round trip hike. Dress for cool weather. Bring a headlamp. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Jim.

Friday, April 14

Constellations in the Night Sky
6:30 p.m. In the Visitor Center
Learn all about star constellations indoors in the auditorium before the star party tonight. Join Volunteer Naturalist Pat to hear stories passed down through history about the stars. 

Friday, April 14

Star Party
8 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.

Saturday, April 15

Hug a Tree
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Kids can learn basic techniques to survive in the woods in this fast-moving program. Even better, they can go home with some survival items. Ages 5 and up welcome. Led by Volunteer Rusty.

Monday, April 17

Dark Sky Hike
7:30 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 round trip hike. Dress for cool weather. Bring a headlamp. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Jim.

Saturday, April 22

School Pond/Stoner Mill Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow trailhead
Watch for signs of spring on this 3-mile hike with Volunteer Naturalist Rose. Explore the south end of the park and enjoy a great view of Pikes Peak.

Sunday, April 23

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
While some birds spent the winter at Mueller, migrating birds are joining them as they pass through on their journeys to summer breeding grounds further north. Come see and hear these along with a general nature hike. This is a 1.5-mile, slow-paced walk led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

Sunday, April 23

Forest Bathing to Celebrate Earth Day
1-3:30 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge trailhead
Celebrate Earth Day (one day early) by immersing yourself in nature’s joy and wonder by engaging in the Japanese mindful practice of Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku). Forest Therapy Guide Jane will offer invitations along a 1-mile path to quiet the busy mind, open the senses and perhaps create an ephemeral art gift for Mother Earth. We close with tea brewed from local plants. Must be at least 12 years old. Limited to 12 guests and reservations are recommended. Pre-registration requested 719 687-2366. 

Mueller events are free for any guest with a $10 day pass, a Keep Colorado Wild annual 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.