In dead of winter, sledding hills, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails are alive at Mueller State Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / [email protected]

Jan. 26, 2022

In dead of winter, the sledding hills and trails are very much alive at Mueller State Park

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. – Tired of hibernating in winter until spring returns? Get outdoors and enjoy sledding, hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on groomed trails at Mueller State Park. Or take advantage of “dark sky hikes” a full-moon hike and even a Winter Wonder Forest Bathing Walk.

Mueller boasts two great sledding hills, miles of trails to hike and when the snow flies, CPW staff grooms trails to maximize your snowshoe or cross-country skiing enjoyment. 

Cross-country ski trails are groomed regularly when there is sufficient snow.  Groomed trails are Grouse Mountain, Conifer Ridge campground areas and Black Bear Trail. Call the park 719-687-2366 or check Facebook for snow conditions weekly.

And while the winter woods are generally peaceful and quiet, you may still encounter wildlife such as deer, elk, fox and coyote. 

You can watch for animal tracks in the snow or see songbirds flitting about in search of food.  Several guided hikes are planned to explore the trails or to open your eyes to nature.  

The park is open every day and a campground and rental cabins are open year-round as well.

Come on up to Mueller to have some fun in the snow.

Here is a full list of Mueller State Park events in February:

Friday, Feb. 4

Hike: Elk Meadow to Murphy’s Cut
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Enjoy a 4-mile hike through forest and meadow on gentle hills to the site where the historic Midland Railroad went through the park. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Cindi. Bring water and snacks.

Saturday, Feb. 5

Hike: Outlook Ridge Trail
11 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Explore the trails on a 2-mile hike along Outlook Ridge to enjoy the peacefulness of the winter woods with Volunteers Hannah and Cassie.

Nature Crafts
2 p.m. At the Visitor Center
Create something fun using materials from nature. Ages 3 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.

Friday, Feb. 11

Hike: Outlook Ridge Loop
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Explore the trails through Outlook Ridge to Geer Pond then back on Revenuer's Ridge on a 4-mile hike with Volunteer Cindi. Spikes or snowshoes are recommended.

Saturday, Feb. 12

Hike: Snowshoe and Ski hike
11 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Explore 2 miles of trails on snowshoes or skis with Volunteers Hannah and Cassie. Bring your own gear. 

Wednesday, Feb. 16 

Hike: Full Moon Hike
6 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trail Head
Watch the full moon rise over Pikes Peak and learn fun facts about the night sky on an easy 1-mile round trip hike. Dress for cold weather and icy conditions. Bring a headlamp. Led by Volunteer Jim.

Friday, Feb. 18

Hike: Cahill Cabin and Cahill Pond
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
This 4-mile hike is a loop to the historic Cahill Cabin and Cahill Pond under a beautiful view of Pikes Peak with Volunteer Cindi. Spikes or snowshoes are recommended.

Saturday, Feb. 19

Hike: Outlook Ridge Trail
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Enjoy the stillness of the winter woods on this 4-mile hike. Watch for animal signs along the way. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose. Dress in layers and bring lots of water. 

Hike: Homestead Trail and Bacon Rock
11 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalists Cassie and Hannah on this 2-mile hike past Bacon Rock, through spruce forest and quiet meadows. Dress in layers and bring water.

Friday, Feb. 25

Hike: Outlook Ridge Loop
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Explore the trails through Outlook Ridge to Geer Pond then back on Revenuer's Ridge on a 4-mile hike with Volunteer Cindi. Spikes or snowshoes are recommended.

Saturday, Feb. 26

Hike: Osborn Homestead
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Take a 3-mile hike to the Osborn homestead with Volunteer Naturalist Rose and imagine homesteading and surviving out here 100 years ago. Bring water and dress warm.

Hike: Preacher’s Hollow
11 a.m. Meet at the Preacher’s Hollow trailhead
Explore nature in winter on a 2-mile hike through the woods with Volunteer Naturalists Hannah and Cassie.

Hug-a-Tree
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Learn basic survival in the woods for kids. Fast-moving and go home with some survival items.  Ages 5 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.

Sunday, Feb. 27

Winter Wonder Forest Bathing Walk
12:30-3 p.m. Meet at the Outlook Ridge trailhead
Enjoy a new way to step deeply into winter’s beauty on a Forest Bathing (shinrin-Yoku) walk, a wellness practice rooted in Japan. Join Volunteer Naturalist and Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Jane for this 1-mile wander with opportunities to quiet the mind, open the senses and connect closely with nature, ending with forest tea. 

Bring a sit pad or stool if you have one, water, small backpack and dress for the weather. Waterproof pants recommended. Ages 12 and up. Limited to 10 people. Pre-registration required by contacting the Visitor Center 719-687-2366.

Monday, Feb. 28

Hike: Dark Sky Hike
6:30 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge trailhead
Watch the night sky unfold on an easy 1-mile hike. Learn how to find the North Star, constellations and hear fun facts about the cosmos. Dress for cold weather and icy conditions. Bring a headlamp. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Jim.

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.