Cross-country skiing, sledding and hiking are all available in winter at Mueller State Park
Bill Vogrin
Jan. 27, 2023
Winter brings new outdoor recreation opportunities at Mueller State Park
By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator
DIVIDE, Colo. – The cold and snow of winter doesn’t close Mueller State Park. It opens up new recreation opportunities.
Guided hikes through snow-shrouded forests and winter-themed programs are a great way to get out and experience nature.
Visitors are welcome to explore on their own as well and many come out to snowshoe, cross-country ski and sled.
And, as always, there are wildlife-watching opportunities at Mueller.
Of course, winter weather creates hazards and guests need to be aware and prepared. Snow can make the trails slick and even icy. Remember to dress in layers, bring water and a snack. Snowshoes or spikes are recommended for hiking.
Please access your local weather resources or call the Visitor Center between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for current conditions. The number is 719-687-2366.
Here is a list of organized events in February at Mueller:
Saturday, Feb 4
Nature Crafts
2 p.m.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Get crafty with items from nature. Includes a short walk. For kids of all ages. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.
Saturday, Feb 11
Rock Canyon Hike or Snowshoe
9 a.m.
Meet at Rock Canyon Trailhead
Explore a favorite trail with Volunteer Naturalist Rose. This trail is a 5-mile loop, descending 700 feet in elevation. Snowshoes or micro-spikes are recommended. Dress in layers and bring water and a snack.
Saturday, Feb 18
Stoner Mill Hike
9 a.m.
Meet at Preachers Hollow Trailhead
Explore the quiet winter woods with Volunteer Naturalist Penny. Watch for signs of wildlife such as tracks and scat. This is a 2-mile loop trail. Snowshoes or micro spikes are recommended.
Sunday, Feb 19
Elk Meadow Hike
9 a.m.
Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Enjoy this beautiful trail through fields and forests with fabulous views of Pikes Peak. Volunteer Naturalist Rose will lead this 2-mile hike. Snowshoes or micro-spikes are recommended. Dress in layers and bring water and a snack.
Sunday, Feb 26
School Pond and Stoner Mill Hike
9 a.m.
Meet at Preachers Hollow Trailhead
What do animals do in winter? Watch for tracks and signs along the way on this 2.5-mile hike through forest and hills with nice views of Pikes Peak. Snowshoes or micro-spikes are recommended.
Sledding
Peak View and Preachers Hollow are the two best hills for sledding. Please call the Visitor Center for snow conditions.
Cross-Country Skiing
Skiers are welcome to ski anywhere but there are three groomed trails when the snow is sufficient. Conifer Ridge and Grouse Mountain Campground loops and Black Bear Trail. Call for conditions.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is welcome anywhere snow is deep enough. Deep snow tends to accumulate throughout the winter. While main trails often get packed down, deep snow usually can be found off the trails and further from the road.
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.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.