Every day is 'Outdoor Skills Day' in June at Mueller State Park

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

May 24, 2022

Everyday is ‘Outdoor Skills Day’ in June at Mueller State Park 

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. – As summer approaches in June, our campgrounds and trails at Mueller State Park fill up fast. So does our calendar of events.

Staff at Mueller are busy in June leading hikes, teaching outdoors skills like fly-fishing, educating guests about wildlife and history and otherwise entertaining folks.

In fact, we pack a little bit over everything into one day on June 25 when we host Outdoor Skills Day. On that day, staff and partner organizations invite everyone to Mueller from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to sample for free some of the great activities available in the park and across Colorado.

Learn to fish with a spin-cast rod or fly-fish from expert anglers. Experience cave climbing, camp cooking, eating S’mores. Try bird watching (listen to the musical song of the Hermit Thrush), target shooting and archery. Visit the Mobile Earth and Space Observatory. Learn to identify wildflowers (see the delicate Calypso Orchid). Don’t miss this great annual event.

In fact, every day at Mueller is an Outdoor Skills Day.

Guided hikes take you into the backcountry to enjoy the beautiful scenery, wildflowers and historical sites. Educational programs give you some insight into the complex world of plants, wildlife and their habitat. Evening activities include night hikes and amphitheater programs.  

Starting on June 2, the History of the Pikes Peak Region series begins. Every Thursday night, there will be a program on a topic of the history of this area and how it developed into the thriving place it is today. Topics include: Native Americans, Mountain Men, the Gold Rush and the women who had an impact on Colorado’s development.

This time of year, the birds are busy and wildflowers start to burst out everywhere.  

Join us for an enjoyable experience for any age at Mueller.  

Here is a full list of June programs at Mueller:

Wednesday, June 1

Dark Sky Hike
9 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Watch the night sky unfold on an easy one-mile round trip hike with Volunteer Naturalist Jim. Learn how to find the North Star, constellations and fun facts about the cosmos. Dress for cool weather. Bring a headlamp.

Thursday, June 2

Hike: Buffalo Rock Trail
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Visit the Cheesman Ranch buildings, see Buffalo Rock and watch for bluebirds and wildflowers.  If we get lucky, we may see some Red Tail Hawks and other seasonal songbirds. About 4 miles with Volunteer Naturalist Penny.

Prehistoric History of the Pikes Peak Region

8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Colorado has a fascinating prehistoric past which has led to the beautiful landscape and the people of today. History of the Pikes Peak region every Thursday night. Dress warm as evenings in early June can be cool.

Friday, June 3

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Migrating birds are just arriving at Mueller for the breeding season. Come see and hear the spring birds as they are busy singing, courting and nesting on a 1.5-mile slow-paced walk led by Naturalist Linda.

Skins and Skulls
10:30 a.m. Meet at Camper Services
Get a hands-on experience with the skins and skulls of animals you might find here in the park and learn fun facts from Naturalist Ben.

Lunch with a Bear
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
For ages 3-6
Learn about black bears in this kids’ program with Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.

Sunset Hike 
7:30 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge
Join Naturalist Jacob for an easy 1-mile hike to see the sun set over the mountains. Bring a flashlight for the way back.

Saturday, June 4

Hike: Cheesman Ranch
8 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Explore the best-preserved historic site at Cheesman ranch with Volunteer Naturalist Cindi on this five-mile hike. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen.

Hike: Rock Pond
9 a.m. Meet at Rock Pond Trailhead
Enjoy a favorite trail and great time of year on this five-mile hike to the beautiful Rock Pond. Descend 700 feet into the backcountry and hike through a lush valley where the beavers and black bears live. Difficult hike due to elevation change. Bring water, snacks and good hiking shoes. 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.

Sunday, June 5

Mountain Lion Touch Table
10 a.m. Meet at Camper Services
Come learn about some of the wild feline friends that live in Mueller. See examples of furs and clues they might leave around. Join Naturalist Ben as he shares fun facts about mountain lions.

Tuesday, June 7

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow
Migrating birds are just arriving at Mueller for the breeding season. Come see and hear the spring birds as they are busy singing, courting and nesting on a 1.5-mile, slow-paced walk led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

Sight and Sound Hike
10 a.m. Meet at Visitor Center
Easy, slow one-mile round trip hike. Search for the small, beautiful Calypso orchid and listen for the echoing song of the migratory Hermit Thrush.

Thursday, June 9

Sight and Sound Hike
10 a.m. Meet at Visitor Center
Easy, slow one-mile round trip hike. Search for the small, beautiful Calypso orchid and listen for the echoing song of the migratory Hermit Thrush.

Pond Safari
1 p.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Explore the underwater world of the pond to see who lives there. Hands-on and fun. Led by Naturalist Linda.

History of Native Americans in the Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. Meet at Amphitheater
The Ute Indians evolved from the early Paleo Americans of the Ice Age and never migrated from this region. The settlement of Colorado resulted in the Ute Indian lands being greatly reduced and many treaties broken. This talk discusses the history of the Native Americans in the development of Colorado from 1470s to 1880s. Dress warm and join us for this interesting period in the History of the Pikes Peak region.

Friday, June 10

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.

Nature Crafts
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Make fun items using materials from nature.
Ages 3 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.

Saturday, June 11

Hike: Dynamite and Cahill Cabin Loop
8 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Visit the historic cabins and have a glimpse of the past with Volunteer Naturalist Cindi on this four-mile hike.  Hike through deep forest and wide-open spaces with great views of Pikes Peak.  Bring water and a snack.

Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku Walk
1-3:30 p.m.  Meet on the Visitor Center Patio
Join Nature Therapy Guide Jane for the mindfulness practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) rooted in Japan. Unplug & enjoy deepening your nature relationship on this peaceful 1-mile walk, closing with forest tea. Mininum age 12 recommended. Bring water & rain gear. Pre-registration required by calling the Visitor Center 719-687-2366 extension 0.

Sunday, June 12

Dogs of Mueller State Park
10 a.m. Meet at Camper Services
Ever wonder what dogs and wild animals have in common? Come learn and experience a variety of pelts, tracks, and skulls to see similarities and differences. Hosted by Naturalist Jacob. 

Monday, June 13

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow
Migrating birds are just arriving at Mueller for the breeding season. Come see and hear the spring birds as they are busy singing, courting and nesting. 1.5-mile slow paced walk. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Craig

Tuesday, June 14

Full Moon Hike
9 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Watch the full moon rise over Pikes Peak. Learn fun facts about the night sky. Easy one-mile round trip hike. Dress for cool weather. Bring a headlamp.

Wednesday, June 15

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. 

Thursday, June 16

History of Early Explorers and Military in Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
The Spanish from Mexico were among the earliest European explorers of Colorado as they searched unsuccessfully for gold. With the Louisiana Purchase, the U.S. Army was sent to explore and map the new purchase in search of a route for the railroads to California, followed by exploration by the mountain men. Dress warm and join us for this interesting period in the history of the Pikes Peak region.

Friday, June 17

Scavenger Hunt Hike
10:30 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead
Sharpen your nature detective skills on a fun scavenger hunt in the forest. Fun for all ages. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Knots and Lashing
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services 
Learn the camp skill of tying knots and lashing. Fun and practical. Learn two basic knots and make a project to take home. Ages 6 and up. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.

Responsible Fire Basics Presentation
7 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Start a spark in your life and join Naturalist Jacob to learn about all things that have to do with fire. Stick around for a campfire treat.

Saturday, June 18

Hike: Cheesman Ranch
8 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Explore the best-preserved historic site at Cheesman ranch.  Join Volunteer Naturalist Cindi on this five-mile hike.  Bring water, snacks and sunscreen.

Fly Tying 
10 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Learn how to tie your own flies for fly-fishing. See the basics and give it a try. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Craig. Equipment provided.

Camp Series: Tents
10 a.m. Meet at Lost Pond Picnic Area
Looking to make the perfect campsite? Join Naturalist Jacob to learn how to select and set up the best place for a campsite.

Nature Bingo
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services 
Come join us for a fun twist on a classic camp game. This style of bingo will include characteristics of plants and animals. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Sunset Hike 
7:30 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Join Naturalist Ben for a hike to see the sun set over the mountains. Easy two-mile hike. Bring a flashlight for the way back.

Tuesday, June 21

Hike: Lost and Geer Pond
8:30 a.m. Meet at Lost Pond Trailhead
Visit two scenic ponds, a place where wildlife frequents and wildflowers bloom. Join a three-mile moderate hike with Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

Thursday. June 23

Outlook Ridge Sketching Hike
8:30 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Volunteers Eileen and Carrie on this three-mile hike past beautiful views of Pikes Peak and rock outcroppings. We will hike past Lost Pond and then stop for an outdoor sketching session with local artist Cyndi at one of the outlooks before returning to the trailhead. No experience necessary for sketching, and supplies will be provided. Moderate due to steep hills.

History of Fur Trade in Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Beginning in 1820, the trade in Beaver Fur was the industry of Colorado for over 30 years and led to the exploration and development of Colorado. This ‘first industry’ of The Pikes Peak region led to the future development of the west. Dress warm.

Saturday, June 25 

Outdoor Skills Day
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join us for a day full of fun trying new ways to enjoy the outdoors. Learn from experts fly fishing, spin-casting, cave climbing, camp cooking, eating S’mores, bird watching, target shooting, archery, and much more.  Visit the Mobile Earth and Space Observatory.  Don’t miss this great annual event.

Sunday, June 26

Hike: Outlook Ridge 
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead 
Hike two miles out to a beautiful overlook of the Continental Divide and the mountains to the south and west. See the majesty of summer colors. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Monday, June 27

Hike: Rock Pond
9 a.m. Meet at Rock Pond Trailhead 
Enjoy a favorite trail and great time of year on this five-mile hike to the beautiful Rock Pond. Descend into the backcountry 700 feet in elevation and through a lush valley where the beavers and black bears live. Difficult hike due to elevation change. Bring water, snacks and good hiking shoes. Led by Naturalist Jacob.

Tuesday, June 28

Bird Walk 
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Migrating birds are just arriving at Mueller for the breeding season. Come see and hear the spring birds as they are busy singing, courting and nesting. 1.5-mile slow paced walk. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Craig.

Wednesday, June 29

Hike: Cahill Pond and Cabin
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Enjoy a favorite three-mile hike to visit the historic homestead of the Cahill brothers and great views of Pikes Peak with Naturalist Ben.

Fly Fishing
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Naturalist Linda. For 8 years and up. All equipment provided.

Thursday, June 30

Hike: Osborn Cabin 
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Imagine what it was like to homestead here and survive living off the land. Hear the Osborn family story on a moderate three-mile hike led by Naturalist Jacob. 

History of Mining in Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
The discovery of Gold in the Denver area in 1858, led to a mass migration to Colorado and the beginning of the mining industry that is still active today. Join us as we discuss the gold industry that led to Colorado statehood. Dress warm.

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.