Free park activities including guided hikes, fly fishing lessons, 'star parties' ramp up in May at Mueller State Park
Bill Vogrin
May 3, 2023
Free park activities including hikes, ‘star parties’ ramp up at Mueller State Park in May
By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator
DIVIDE, Colo. – It will be a busy month in May at Mueller State Park as the campgrounds fully open and free programs ramp up offering guests a chance to enjoy one of the many free guided hikes, star-gazing events and bird-watching outings.
Evening amphitheater programs will begin Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29. Star-gazing parties with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society will happen every month starting on May 20. And park guests are invited to join fly-fishing classes scheduled May 20 and 27.
A highlight of May comes Mother’s Day, May 14, when the park will hold a Forest Bathing and Ephemeral Art walk in honor of the day.
Following is a list of free programs for Mueller guests in May:
Sunday, May 7
Elk Meadow Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Rose on this 2-mile moderate hike that includes beautiful views of Pikes Peak and great places to see bluebirds and red-tailed hawks.
Thursday, May 11
School Pond Hike
9 a.m. Meet at School Pond trailhead
Class is in session. Join Naturalists Jack and Abby on a hike down to School Pond to check for local wildlife. From there hike up to the ridge to have a great view of the Collegiate Peaks in the distance. Bring water and good hiking shoes for this moderate 2-mile round trip hike.
Saturday, May 13
Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael for a 1.5 mile, slow-paced nature hike to view and hear migrating birds that are returning and joining some that spent the winter at Mueller.
Saturday, May 13
Forest Bathing and Ephemeral Art for Mother Earth
1-4 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge trailhead
This Mother's Day weekend, celebrate Mother Earth with a peaceful Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku 1-mile walk. Join Nature Therapy Guide Jane unwinding into nature's beauty and wander through this relaxing practice rooted in Japan. We’ll include quiet time creating an ephemeral (nature) art gift to the land, closing with forest tea.
Minimum age 12. Maximum of 12 guests.
Bring water and a sitting pad, if you like, and dress for changing weather. Pre-register at 719-687-2366.
Thursday, May 18
Outlook Ridge Sketch Hike
8:30-11 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalists Eileen and Carrie on this 3-mile hike past beautiful views of Pikes Peak and rock outcroppings. Stop for an outdoor sketching session with local artist Cyndi before ascending to the trailhead. No experience necessary for sketching, and supplies will be provided. Rated moderate because of steep hills.
Friday, May 19
School Pond Hike
9 a.m. Meet at School Pond trailhead
Explore this quiet area of the park with Naturalist Abby on a 2-mile hike amid gentle slopes to School Pond. Red-winged blackbirds should be singing and telling everyone that spring is here.
Nature Crafts
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Make fun art using materials from nature. Ages 3 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.
Saturday, May 20
Geer Pond Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Lost Pond trailhead
See Lost Pond and Geer Pond on this 2-mile hike into the backcountry. Our biggest pond is home to cutthroat trout, birds of all kinds and wildflowers throughout the summer. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.
Fly Fishing
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Volunteer Naturalist Craig
For 8 years and up. All equipment provided.
Wapiti Nature Trail Hike
3 p.m. Meet at Wapiti trailhead
Join Naturalist Jack for a 1-mile hike on Wapiti Nature Trail. Lookout for wildlife as you explore Mueller State Park’s ecosystems and get to see the sights that make Mueller wonderful.
Star Party
8:30-10:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society will bring telescopes and give guests a fabulous tour of the night sky. After the moon sets, the skies are so dark, you can almost see forever. Dress warm and bring a chair and blanket.
Thursday, May 25
Hike: Wapiti Nature Trail
9 a.m. Meet at Wapiti trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael on this 1.5-mile, slow-paced nature hike. See the mute beginnings of Spring in the high country. Learn some of the montane trees and perhaps some of the birds of early spring.
Friday, May 26
Knots and Lashing
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Learn the fun and useful camp skill of tying knots and lashing. Learn 2 basic knots and make a project to take home. Ages 6 and up. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.
Paramount Catamounts
7 p.m. At the Amphitheater
What’s that prowling around? Could it be a mountain lion? Come to the amphitheater to learn about the different big cats that are in the area and what to do if you see one. Welcome to all ages with activities for the kids. Since we don’t have fur like our feline friends, be sure to bring a jacket and a blanket if you’d like.
Saturday, May 27
Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael for a 1.5 mile, slow-paced nature hike to view and hear migrating birds that are returning and joining some that spent the winter at Mueller.
Fly Fishing
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Volunteer Naturalist Craig. For 8 years and up. All equipment provided.
School Pond Hike
2 p.m. Meet at the School Pond trailhead
Join Naturalist Jack on a moderate 2-mile hike down to School Pond to check for local wildlife. From there hike up to the ridge to have a great view of the Collegiate Peaks in the distance. Bring water and good hiking shoes.
Prehistoric History of the Pikes Peak Region
7:30 p.m. At the Amphitheater
Volunteer Naturalist Paul discusses Colorado’s fascinating prehistoric past in his weekly Thursday talk. Dress warm as evenings in May can be cold.
Sunday, May 28
Rock Pond Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Rock Pond trailhead
Descend into a lush valley to see bear scratches on big aspen, wildflowers and a scenic pond.
Calypso Orchids should be blooming. Bring water and a snack for this 5-mile, difficult hike due to 700’ elevation climb. Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.
Cahill Loop Hike
2 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain trailhead
Let's hike back in time to the era of bootleggers and outlaws. Naturalists Jack and Abby will take you to visit the cabin of the notorious Cahill brothers and explore the old homestead’s trails. Bring water and good hiking shoes for this moderate, 2.4-mile hike.
Be Bear Aware
7 p.m. At the Amphitheater
What would you do if you saw a bear? Black bears live in Colorado with us and everyone should know how to stay safe. Join Naturalist Abby to hear about these cool animals and how you can be Bear Aware.
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.