Winter sports remain the focus of guest fun in March at Mueller State Park
Bill Vogrin
Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Feb. 27, 2023
Enjoy snow sports – sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing – at Mueller in March
By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator
DIVIDE, Colo. – As spring approaches, March at Mueller State Park typically still looks like winter and that means snow sports including sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Guided hikes scheduled for March range up to three miles and from moderate to more challenging in difficulty. Snowshoeing, sledding and skiing are available anytime. Three ski trails are groomed as often as new snow falls.
Remember, winter weather remains in full swing at Mueller in March and can be quite variable. Snow can make the trails snowy, icy or wet. Dress in layers, bring water and a snack. Snowshoes or spikes are often recommended for hiking.
For current conditions, please call the Visitor Center at 719-687-2366 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Here is a list of hikes coming up in March:
Saturday, March 4
Hike Peak View Trail
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Explore the woods and meadows on this 1.5-mile trail. Wander through different habitats to listen for winter birds and watch for animal tracks in the snow. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.
Sunday, March 5
Hike to the Osborn Cabin
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Venture into the backcountry to explore the Osborn Homestead. Imagine what it was like to homestead here, living off the land. This is a 2-mile trail hike led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose. Snowshoes or micro spikes are recommended. Dress in layers and bring water and a snack.
Saturday, March 11
Hug-a-Tree
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Kids will learn basic tips for survival in the woods in this fast-moving program and go home with some survival items. Ages 5 and up. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.
Sunday, March 12
Elk Meadow Hike
1 p.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Beautiful trail through field and forest with fabulous views of Pikes Peak. Volunteer Naturalist Penny will lead this 2-mile hike. Snowshoes or micro spikes are recommended. Dress in layers and bring water and a snack.
Saturday, March 18
Wapiti Trail Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead
Explore the forest with Volunteer Naturalist Michael. What do animals and plants do in winter? Watch for tracks and signs along the way on this 1-mile hike through forest and hills.
Sunday, March 26
School Pond Hike
1 p.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead
Beautiful trail through field and forest with fabulous views. Volunteer Naturalist Penny will lead this 2-mile hike. Snowshoes or micro spikes are recommended. Dress in layers and bring water and a snack.
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.