Family-friendly 'forest bathing' hike a highlight on Mueller State Park's events calendar in March

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

March 7, 2022

Take family-friendly 'forest bathing' guided hike at Mueller State Park

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. – The calendar may say spring is near, but at Mueller State Park on the west flank of Pikes Peak, it still looks like winter and that means you can still enjoy the solitude of hiking in the forests in the snow.

Guided hikes in the snowy landscape are a special treat at Mueller. Or you can enjoy the peacefulness of the forest exploring on your own as you hike, snowshoe, ski or go sledding in Mueller’s backcountry.

A special opportunity on March 26 is the family-friendly Spring Break "Nature & Forest Therapy” hike. Bring the kids on a Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku walk on a peaceful, hidden ridge. Unplug, be curious and indulge the senses and the imagination through a practice rooted in Japan, gaining popularity worldwide.

Guided hikes scheduled for March range from 2 to 4 miles and from moderate to more challenging in duration.  Hikers should check snow conditions before venturing out to determine if snowshoes or spikes are necessary. Trail conditions in winter can range from dry, to 2 feet of snow, to snow packed and icy. Snowshoes or microspikes and poles are usually recommended.

You can check for conditions at: www.cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller

Or call the Visitor Center 719-687-2366.  Weekly updates on snow conditions are posted on the park Facebook page www.facebook.com/MuellerStateParkCo

Take care with extra precautions when playing outside in winter.

Here’s a few safety tips for enjoying winter activities.

Dress in layers so you don’t overheat when active and then bundle up when resting. 

Bring water and snacks: we spend a lot of water and energy hiking through snow or climbing the sledding hills. 

Always carry a trail map; the trails are less obvious with a blanket of snow. Check conditions ahead of time. 

Warm days and freezing nights can create some icy conditions.  Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.  Have fun safely.

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

Friday, March 11

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

Saturday, March 12 

Hike: Black Bear Loop
11 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Watch for animal tracks in the snow and winter birds in the trees on this trail with Volunteer Naturalist Hannah. Hike up to 3 miles, snowshoes or microspikes are recommended. Bring water and dress warm.

Friday, March 18

Hike: Outlook Ridge Trail
8 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Hike with Volunteer Naturalist Cindi 4 miles along Outlook Ridge, descend into a valley by Geer Pond then return along Revenuer’s Ridge. Dress in layers and bring lots of water.

Saturday, March 19

Hike: Elk Meadow 
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Enjoy a favorite 2-mile trail through forest and meadow on gentle hills in the eastern half of the park. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose. Bring water and snacks.

Saturday, March 20

Hike: Ski or Snowshoe Hike
11 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Explore on skis or snowshoes with Volunteer Naturalist Hannah. Hike up to 3 miles. Bring water and dress in layers.

Friday, March 25

Hike: Cahill Cabin and Cahill Pond
8 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. Led by Volunteer Cindi. Spikes or snowshoes are recommended

Saturday, March 26

SPLISH SPLASH. Family Forest Bath
1-3 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center  
Families are invited to this Spring Break "bath" for the senses and the imagination through a practice rooted in Japan, gaining popularity worldwide. Explore the wonder of nature close up on a Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku walk on a peaceful, hidden ridge. Unplug, be curious and join Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Jane for this mindful wander with activities to immerse in the park's treasures in a new way. Maybe you'll even try some tea brewed from forest plants. 

Recommended for ages 7 & up; Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Maximum group size 12. Pre-registration required by calling the Visitor Center at 719-687-2366, ext. 0.

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

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.